When you have a large number of listings in your storefront (e.g. Shopify, Etsy, or WooCommerce) that need to be linked to GelatoConnect products and designs, the bulk connection feature allows you to efficiently map multiple listings at once using a CSV file. This saves significant time compared to connecting products individually using the editor.
What is Bulk Connection?
Bulk connection is a feature that allows you to:
Export all your store listings to a CSV file
Add the corresponding GelatoConnect product UIDs and design file URLs
Upload the completed CSV to automatically connect all products at once
This feature is particularly useful for stores with large product catalogs or when migrating existing stores to GelatoConnect.
Step-by-Step Bulk Connection Process
Step 1: Access Bulk Operations
Log in to your Storefronts Connect account
Navigate to Stores in the left sidebar
Click on the store you want to work with from your stores list
In the top right corner, click the Bulk Operations dropdown
Select Connect products using files
Step 2: Export Store Listings
In the bulk operations interface, enter your email address in the provided field
Optionally, you can click Sync products first to ensure you have the latest product information
Click Export CSV
You'll receive an email with a download link for the CSV file containing all your store listings
Download and open the CSV file in a spreadsheet application (Excel, Google Sheets, etc.)
Step 3: Complete the CSV File
The exported CSV will contain columns for your existing store products. You need to add two critical pieces of information for each product you want to connect:
Product UID Column
Add the GelatoConnect product UID that corresponds to each store listing
To find product UIDs, navigate to the Catalog section in GelatoConnect and browse the Product UIDs section
Copy the exact product UID string (e.g.,
flat_product_pf_a4_pt_200-gsm-uncoated_cl_4-0_ct_none_prt_none_sft_none_set_none_hor)
Design File URL Column
Add a direct download URL for the design file for each product
Important: The URL must be a direct download link that downloads the file immediately when accessed
For guidance on creating proper download links from cloud storage services, see Creating download links for order submission from cloud storage services
Multiple print areas
When connecting products with multiple print areas you can add additional fields on the right hand side of the CSV file where the header corresponds with the name of the print area you define during product setup in GelatoConnect.
Additional design file URLs can be provided for each variant beneath these headings (highlight green in the screenshot below).
Step 4: Upload and Process the CSV
Save your completed CSV file
Return to the bulk operations page in Storefronts Connect
Click Upload CSV
Select and upload your completed CSV file
Once the upload is successful, click Connect products using files in the top right
A progress bar will appear in the bottom right showing the connection progress
Step 5: Verify Connections
Navigate back to your store's product list
Check that previously "not connected" products now show as "connected"
Verify that the listings are using the correct products and designs by clicking on them from the store or by placing test orders
Video Tutorial
Watch this step-by-step video demonstration of the bulk connection process:
Troubleshooting Common Issues
CSV Upload Problems
Invalid file format: Ensure your file is saved as a CSV (.csv) format
Special characters: Avoid special characters in product names or URLs that might cause parsing issues
Connection Failures
Invalid Product UID: Double-check that product UIDs are copied exactly from GelatoConnect
Inaccessible file URLs: Test your file URLs in an incognito browser window to ensure they download directly
Best Practices
Test with a few products: Try connecting 2-3 listings first to understand the process
Work in batches: For very large catalogs (1000+ listings), consider processing in smaller batches
Verify all connections: Check a sample of connected products to ensure they're working correctly
Test order flow: Place test orders to confirm the entire process works end-to-end