---
title: Import users
description: Quickly create, update, or select many users by pasting data from Excel/CSV—no file upload needed.
url: "https://gluu.biz/documentation/managing-users-rights/import-users/"
updated: "2026-09-01"
category: Managing users and rights
tags:
  - Import or export data
---

# Import users

*Goal: Quickly create, update, or select many users by pasting data from Excel/CSV—no file upload needed.*

Gluu lets you import large amounts of users in different ways. These can then be [synced via Azure AD](https://gluu.biz/documentation/administration-and-integrations/sync-users-with-azure-ad/).

## Before you start

- **Plan:** Bulk import from the clipboard is available on any plan.
- **Role:** You need the **Manage users** permission to import, update, or bulk-select users.
- **Setup:** Have your user table copied to the clipboard from Excel or CSV, and allow clipboard access when your browser prompts for it.

Go to **Users** → find the **Bulk** option.

![Bulk option menu on the Users page](https://gluu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/image-181-1140x279.png?wsr)

There are two clipboard-based options in the Bulk menu:

- **Import** — this lets you paste a table to create new users or update existing ones.
- **Select** — this lets you paste a list of emails to select matching users for bulk actions.

### Option 1 — Import or update users from clipboard

Copy rows from Excel/CSV (e.g., Name, Email, Role…). Then use **Bulk > Import** to map columns and run updates/creation.

![Import option in the Bulk menu on the Users page](https://gluu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/image-184-1140x545.png?wsr)

#### **Step 1 — Copy your table**

Select cells in Excel/CSV and copy (**Ctrl/Cmd + C**).

![Table of user data selected and copied in a spreadsheet](https://gluu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/image-185.png?wsr)

#### **Step 2 — Import from clipboard**

In **Users > Bulk**, click **Import**, then **Read clipboard** (click again if the dialog is already open).

#### **Step 3 — Map columns**

Confirm each column’s type (e.g., Email, Name, Role). **Email is required** for every row to import/update.

![Column mapping dialog with Email, Name and Role fields assigned](https://gluu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/image-186.png?wsr)

#### **Step 4 — Test run (recommended)**

Use **Test run** to preview exactly what will be created vs. updated—no changes are made during a test run.

[![Test run—no changes made](https://gluu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/114_image.png)](https://gluu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/114_image.png)

#### **Step 5 — Import**

Click **Import** to commit the changes.

**How it looks in action:**

[![Clipboard import flow](https://gluu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2024-11-22_12-47-48.gif)](https://gluu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2024-11-22_12-47-48.gif)

![Animated demo of copying a spreadsheet and importing it via the clipboard](https://gluu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/image-3.gif?wsr)

You're done once you've clicked Import and the users are created or updated.

## Option 2 — Select users from a list of emails

Paste a simple list of emails from your clipboard to quickly *select* matching users (e.g., to bulk update roles/licensing, or delete).

1) In **Users > Bulk**, choose **Select**.
2) Paste your email list (from CSV/Excel/plain text).
3) Confirm the selection; proceed with your bulk action.

![Animated demo of pasting a list of emails to select matching users](https://gluu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/image-4.gif?wsr)

You're done once the matching users are selected and ready for your bulk action.

### Tips

- **Clipboard access:** Your browser will prompt the first time you use *Read clipboard*.
- **Minimum required field:** *Email* must be present and correctly mapped to import/update.
- **Clean headers:** Include a header row (e.g., Email, First name, Last name, Role) to speed up mapping.
- **Test run first:** Catch missing emails, duplicates, and unexpected changes before importing.
- **Mixed datasets:** You can create new and update existing users in one go—the import handles both by email.

### Troubleshooting

- **Nothing appears after “Read clipboard”:** Ensure you copied a table (or CSV text) and granted clipboard permissions.
- **Wrong columns detected:** Map each column manually in the dialog; confirm Email is mapped.
- **Some rows fail:** Use *Test run* to see exactly which rows and why (e.g., invalid email format).
- **Emails not found (Select mode):** Check for extra spaces/line breaks; trim and retry.

## FAQ – Import users

 **What plan or permission do I need to bulk import users?**

Bulk import from the clipboard is available on any plan. You need the Manage users permission to import, update, or bulk-select users.

  **What's the difference between Import and Select in the Bulk menu?**

Import lets you paste a full table to create new users or update existing ones. Select lets you paste a plain list of emails to quickly select matching users for a bulk action, like updating roles or deleting accounts.

  **Which column is required for import to work?**

Email must be present and correctly mapped for every row. Gluu uses email to match rows to existing users for updates and to identify new users to create.

  **Should I run a test before importing?**

Yes. Test run previews exactly what will be created versus updated without making any changes—it's the best way to catch missing emails, duplicates, or unexpected changes before committing the import.

  **Nothing happens when I click Read clipboard—what's wrong?**

Make sure you copied a table or CSV text before clicking, and that you granted clipboard permissions when your browser prompted for them. If columns are mapped incorrectly, map them manually and confirm Email is mapped.