If you're not using League of Comic Geeks, CLZ Comics, or ComicRack, you can create your own CSV file to import into VerseDB.
Quick Summary
- Generic CSV supports all five import types
- Use VerseDB field names for automatic mapping
- Best matching uses `vdb_id` or `cv_id`
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