> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.port.church/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Groups Import Overview

> Actual groups import flow, template schema, and matching behavior

Groups import uses a template-based workflow (provider code: `template`) for creating Planning Center group memberships.

## Prerequisites

* Connected Planning Center account ([setup guide](/getting-started/connecting-planning-center))
* Active Groups product subscription ([billing](/settings/billing))
* Existing groups already present in Planning Center Groups

## Workflow

1. In Import Home, choose **Groups**.
2. Open **Download** and download the groups template.
3. Fill the template.
4. Upload your file (`.csv`, `.xls`, `.xlsx`; max 50 MB).
5. Wait for upload processing.
6. Resolve unresolved records on the **Import** screen.
7. Complete the batch.

Groups import does not have a separate setup-options step like giving.

## Template Columns

| Column Name  | Required | Notes                                                                 |
| ------------ | -------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Group Name   | Yes      | Must match an existing Planning Center group name (case-insensitive). |
| Role         | Yes      | Must resolve to `leader` or `member`.                                 |
| First Name   | Yes      | Used for person matching.                                             |
| Last Name    | Yes      | Used for person matching.                                             |
| Remote ID    | No       | Must be an unsigned integer when provided.                            |
| Email        | No       | Improves matching.                                                    |
| Phone Number | No       | Improves matching (normalized internally).                            |
| Joined At    | No       | Parsed using supported date formats.                                  |

## Role Rules

* Any value containing `leader` (case-insensitive) is treated as `leader`.
* `member` is valid.
* Other values are invalid and fail upload validation.

## Person Matching Behavior

For groups batches, Port processes matching with:

* `ShouldUseRemoteID = true`
* `ShouldStrictMatchPerson = true`
* `ShouldAutoCreatePerson = false`

You can still create a person manually from the Import screen per unresolved row.

## What Gets Imported

Each valid row creates or confirms a membership in Planning Center with:

* Group
* Person
* Role
* Optional joined date