---
title: "Importing Submissions - Convert Forms"
description: "Convert Forms doesn't have a built-in importer for submissions. There's no button in the interface to upload a CSV or JSON file of past entries. If y"
url: "https://www.tassos.gr/docs/convert-forms/submission-management/import"
date: "2026-06-22T14:33:36+00:00"
language: "en-GB"
---

[ Home ](https://www.tassos.gr/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=24&Itemid=1088) / [ Convert Forms ](https://www.tassos.gr/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=43) / [ Submission Management ](https://www.tassos.gr/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=150)

#  Importing Submissions

Convert Forms doesn't have a built-in importer for submissions. There's no button in the interface to upload a CSV or JSON file of past entries.

If you're migrating data from another site or system, you can still import it by writing directly to the database using a tool like phpMyAdmin (or Adminer, or any database client your host provides). This is an advanced task, and you should only attempt it if you're comfortable working with databases.

## [Before you start](#before-you-start)

- Back up your database. Direct writes can't be undone with a click. A backup is your safety net.
- Find your table prefix. Joomla tables use a site-specific prefix in place of `#__`. If your prefix is `jos_`, the submissions table is `jos_convertforms_conversions`.

## [The table](#the-table)

All submissions live in a single table: `#__convertforms_conversions`

The important columns are:

- **form\_id**: the ID of the form the submission belongs to. It must match an existing form.
- **created**: the submission date and time (`YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS`).
- **state**: `1` for published, `0` for unpublished, `2` for archived, `-2` for trashed.
- **params**: the submitted field values, stored as JSON. This is where each field's value lives.

Other columns, such as `ip`, `country_code`, `device`, `browser` are optional metadata and can be left empty.

## [Importing with phpMyAdmin](#importing-with-phpmyadmin)

1. Open phpMyAdmin from your hosting control panel.
2. Select your Joomla database.
3. Open the `#__convertforms_conversions` table.

4. Use the **Import** tab to upload your SQL file, or the **Insert** tab to add rows one at a time.

 ## [Getting the params column right](#getting-the-params-column-right)

The `params` column is the part to be careful with. It holds a JSON object that maps each form field's name to its submitted value. If the JSON is malformed, the submission won't display correctly.

The safest way to learn the exact format is to look at a real submission first:

1. Submit your form once with sample data.
2. Open that row in `#__convertforms_conversions` and inspect its `params` value.

3. Match that structure for every row you import, using the same field names.

Once your rows are inserted, head back to Components -> Convert Forms -> Submissions, pick the form, and your imported entries appear in the list like any other.

 Last updated on Jun 22nd 2026 15:06

## Schema

```json
{
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    "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
    "itemListElement": [
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        },
        {
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            "position": 2,
            "name": "Home",
            "item": "https://www.tassos.gr/docs"
        },
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            "item": "https://www.tassos.gr/docs/convert-forms"
        },
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            "position": 4,
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        },
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            "position": 5,
            "name": "Importing Submissions",
            "item": "https://www.tassos.gr/docs/convert-forms/submission-management/import"
        }
    ]
}
```

```json
{
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    "@type": "Article",
    "mainEntityOfPage": {
        "@type": "WebPage",
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}
```