If you're not using League of Comic Geeks, CLZ Comics, or ComicRack, you can create your own CSV file to import into VerseDB.## When to Use Generic CSV
- Migrating from an unsupported app
- Importing from a personal spreadsheet
- Bulk adding comics you've tracked elsewhere
- Creating imports programmatically via the API
Supported Import Types#
Generic CSV supports all import types:
| Import Type | Use For |
|---|---|
| Collection | Comics you own |
| Read Status | Reading history |
| Pull List | Series to follow for releases |
| Wishlist | Comics you want |
| Following | Series to follow |
Creating Your CSV#
Basic Structure#
Your CSV needs at least one header row and one data row:
series,issue_number,publisher
Amazing Spider-Man,300,Marvel
Batman,423,DC
Recommended Headers#
For best results, use VerseDB field names:
vdb_id
Recommended
VerseDB Issue ID — most accurate matching
cv_id
Recommended
ComicVine Issue ID — very accurate matching
series
Required
Series name (e.g., Amazing Spider-Man)
issue_number
Required
Issue number (e.g., 300)
publisher
Optional
Publisher name — improves matching
volume
Optional
Volume number (e.g., 1, 2, 6)
start_year
Optional
Series start year — helps distinguish volumes
Tip
If you have VerseDB IDs or ComicVine IDs, use those. They provide exact matches and skip the fuzzy matching process entirely.
Import Type Fields#
Collection Import#
Include ownership details:
| Field | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| purchased_at | Purchase date | 2023-06-15 |
| price_paid | Price paid | 4.99 |
| condition | Condition | Near Mint |
| graded | Is graded | true |
| grade_score | CGC/CBCS score | 9.8 |
| grading_company | CGC, CBCS, etc. | CGC |
| storage_location | Where stored | Long Box 3 |
| is_signed | Signed copy | true |
| is_variant | Variant cover | true |
| variant_description | Variant details | 1:25 Artgerm |
| notes | Personal notes | First Venom |
Read Status Import#
| Field | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| read_at | Date read | 2023-06-15 |
| rating | Your rating (1-10) | 8 |
Pull List / Following Import#
For series-level imports, use series identifiers:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| vdb_series_id | VerseDB Series ID |
| cv_volume_id | ComicVine Volume ID |
| series | Series name |
| publisher | Publisher name |
| start_year | Series start year |
Example Files#
Collection CSV#
vdb_id,purchased_at,price_paid,condition,notes
12345,2023-01-15,25.00,Near Mint,Key issue
12346,2023-01-15,4.99,Very Fine,
12347,2023-02-20,3.99,Fine,Small tear on cover
Read Status CSV#
series,issue_number,publisher,read_at,rating
Saga,1,Image,2023-03-01,10
Saga,2,Image,2023-03-02,9
Saga,3,Image,2023-03-03,9
Warning
Make sure your CSV uses UTF-8 encoding to avoid character issues with special characters in comic names.
Tips for Better Matching#
- Use IDs when possible —
vdb_idorcv_idgive exact matches - Include publisher — Helps distinguish between publishers using same series names
- Add start_year — Critical for series with multiple volumes (X-Men 1963 vs 1991 vs 2019)
- Match VerseDB naming — Check how VerseDB names a series before importing
See Also#
- Supported Import Headers — Complete field reference