How to Import & Export Search Terms in Magento 2

It’s not a secret that Magento 2 has lots of limitations. The community and its developers are trying to make the platform better with each new release, but there is still a room for improvement. As passionate Magento developers, we not only know about key bottlenecks and lacking opportunities, we try to fix them. The following article explains how to import and export search terms in Magento 2. This functionality is not available by default, but soon you will find out how to get the missing feature working on your e-commerce store.

This is an old article. Improved Import & Export extension version 3.1.8 for Magento 2 can now import and export both search terms and synonyms. Read updated article Magento 2 search terms and synonyms, and how to import and export them.

As you might have already guessed, it is necessary to use a third-party extension to enable Magento 2 search terms import and export. Meet the Improved Import & Export module – a tool responsible for adding the lacking feature to every Magento 2 website.

This extension allows importing and exporting Magento search terms in bulk via multiple file formats format. Besides, you can choose one of the multiple import behaviors. First of all, the module lets you add search terms to your existing store. Secondly, you can update the existing database. Thirdly, the Improved Import & Export Magento 2 extension allows you to delete existing search terms in bulk.

The module will help you save tons of time if you want to migrate from Magento 1 or other e-commerce platforms to Magento 2. However, the opposite data transfer is possible as well. If hundreds or even thousands of search terms are available in your database, The Improved Import & Export extension offers the fastest and the most reliable way to move them all into Magento 2. Besides, you can use the plugin to create an output, bulk edit a huge amount of data, and then import everything back.

The Improved Import & export Magento 2 extension supports all search term values. You can freely transfer query texts. Next, it is possible to move the number of results between multiple sources. Popularity ratings are also supported in data transfers with the Improved Import & Export Magento 2 extension. Redirects and synonyms can be imported/exported as well. Other parameters include store ID, is Active, is Processed, and set update date.

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How to Import & Export Search Terms in Multiple File Formats

By default, Magento allows you to import and export data in CSV only. Most third-party extensions that enable search terms transfers don’t extend that functionality much. But what if you need to import/export data in other formats?

Use the Improved Import & Export Magento 2 extension. This module supports not only CSV but also the following formats: XML, JSON, ODS, and Excel. Now, you can forever forget about converting them to the standard supported by Magento to make the import process possible. Furthermore, the module lets you create the output in one of these formats so that you can seamlessly integrate your store with the external system that relies on one of them.

At the same time, it is possible to use one of the multiple file sources to make the migration suitable for both sides. The Improved Import & Export Magento 2 extension offers the following options:

• FTP/SFTP. Due to support for this file source, you have two options. First of all, it is possible to transfer data using your local server. Of course, this approach won’t be suitable for every integration, but there is still one more option. Secondly, you can transfer data files with search terms using any remote server. This option satisfies a wider variety of platforms.
• Dropbox. At the same time, we offer full support for file transfers via a Dropbox account. If the two server options are not suitable for your business, you can try this one.
• URD. When it comes to import processes, direct URL uploads are possible as well. You can import search terms to Magento 2 by specifying the file address.

Note that all compressed data will be unpacked automatically! You no longer have to unzip file archives on your own – the Improved Import & Export Magento 2 extension will do everything automatically.

How to Import & Export Search Terms Without Files

At the same time, our module lets you avoid using data files and there are several ways to achieve this goal. First of all, you can import search terms from Google Sheets. This process is described below:

At the same time, it is possible to create SOAP API, REST API, and GraphQL API integrations to run data transfers. Usually, these connection types are utilized for various complex transfers, but you can still use them to move search terms if the external system lets you do so.

Note that all features of the Improved Import & Export Magento 2 extension are fully suitable with all formats, sources, entities, and alternative ways of import and export. Feel free to configure import/export processes that satisfy all your e-commerce requirements.

How to Import & Export Search Terms Automatically

Another important opportunity provided by our module is represented by the ability to automate data transfers. Due to the cron support, you can use the corresponding syntax to create a custom schedule of updates. At the same time, there is a list of predefined values. Choose one that seems to be the most suitable. Note that you can always edit it to make even more tailored for your business needs.

If you need to import or export search terms only once, the Improved Import & Export Magento 2 extension provides the ability to avoid schedules. Create a new import/export job suitable for a manual run only. Don’t forget that you can launch any scheduled process manually whenever you want! The configuration procedure looks as follows:  

How to Import Search Terms Without Data Files Editing

Do you remember the number of attributes each search term item can contain? It is really huge and you should edit them before importing into Magento 2 if the external output contains other designations. In other words, take the output file and match its attributes to ones used in Magento 2. The more data files you have, the more painful this work becomes. Luckily, the Improved Import & Export extension dramatically simplifies this process.

Our extension replaces manual data editing with the ability to apply mapping presets. For instance, you need to move search terms from Magento 1 to Magento 2. To prepare the data file for the procedure, you just need to hit a few buttons and select the necessary preset, just like shown below:

At the same time, the Improved Import & Export Magento 2 extension enables you to do everything manually. You should only select third-party attributes and specify the corresponding Magento 2 attributes in front of them. There is also a possibility to add hardcoded values, providing all items in the data file with the same value for the selected attribute. The process is illustrated below:

Other Mapping Features

In addition to attributes, you can map their values. The improved Import & Export Magento 2 extension allows matching multiple external values to one internal. You can do that right in the mapping interface described above. For further information, check this post: Attribute Values Mapping.

Besides, it is possible to edit attribute values. First of all, you can add a prefix. The second available function lets you add suffixes. Note that you can combine them within one rule. It is also possible to merge and split data specifying various parameters. Note that these changes can be implemented for multiple values simultaneously. And you can create conditions to apply them more precisely. Check this article for more information: How to Modify Attribute Values During Import and Export in Magento 2.

Another mapping feature is related to categories. You can match any external output to the existing catalog as well as create new categories right during the import process. The procedure is extremely straightforward, and you can read more about it here: Category Mapping.

We would also like to draw your attention to the ability to create attributes on the fly. If pieces of data are absent in your import file, you can replace the emptiness with parameters necessary to create missing attributes. Next, the Improved Import & Export Magento 2 extension will do everything automatically. For further information, check this post: Product attributes import.

To get a better view of the extension features, watch the following video:

Final Words

As you can see, the Improved Import & Export Magento 2 extension lets you transfer search terms to and from your e-commerce website. The module provides the ability to use multiple file formats or avoid files from transfers and fully automate the process with the help of schedules and mapping presets. Note that you can apply its functionality to many more data entities. For further information, follow the link below and contact our support:

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