How to Import Product Images from FTP to Magento 2
In this article, we explain how to enhance the default Magento 2 import with the ability to import product images from FTP/SFTP. By default, the system looks for them in your Magento 2 root catalog. However, they may not be available there. Instead of transferring images to your Magento root, you can use the Improved Import & Export extension to import them from FTP/SFTP. The module offers the Use Image Import Source feature that adds the missing functionality. So, let’s see how to import product images to Magento 2 from FTP/SFTP, and don’t forget to visit our Magento 2 Developer’s Cookbook for other useful tips.
Use Image Import Source: The Option’s Definition & Impact
The latest version of the Improved Import & Export extension is equipped with the Use Image Import Source switch available on the Import Source tab. If it is disabled, the extension looks for product images in your Magento 2 root catalog like in the case of the default import procedure. It uses the path specified in the image attribute columns of the import table to upload product images.
However, if you turn on the Use Image Import Source switch, consider FTP/SFTP your image source, using the path specified in the image attribute columns of the import table to import product images to Magento 2.
How to Import Products & Images Separately to Magento 2
Importing product images to Magento 2 from FTP/SFTP is reduced to a single click. You need to configure an import profile according to your preferences and then turn on the “Archive file after import” feature. Also, ensure the corresponding path is specified in your import table.
- Go to System -> Improved Import/Export -> Import Jobs and hit the “Add New Job” button to create a new import profile.
- Next, enable your job and specify the title in General Settings. Configure the update frequency for regular data updates and enable other features if necessary.
- Now, choose your import entity on the Import Settings tab. Select Products because we are going to transfer product images from FTP/SFTP. Additional settings display. Configure them according to your import requirements.
- Proceed to the Import Source tab, find the “Use Image Import Source” setting, and turn it on.
- Configure other parameters and save your import job.
Now, you can import product images to Magento 2 from FTP/SFTP. For further information on how to import Magento 2 products, follow this link: The Complete Guide to Magento 2 Product Import.
Improved Import & Export Features
FTP/SFTP product import isn’t the sole advantage of the Improved Import and Export module. The extension redesigns the platform’s default import and export processes and automates your daily data transfer chores. Let’s see some of its core perks.
Since Magento 2 supports only CSV files, all other file types should be automatically converted to CSV format. But you may avoid time-consuming and unpleasant file alterations by utilizing the Improved Import & Export plugin, which allows you to import and export files in CSV, XML, JSON, ODS, and XLSX formats, as well as transfer them as archives.
In addition to that, it is possible to access files from a variety of sources, including Google Drive, Dropbox, or URL uploads. And, of course, FTP/SFTP or direct file uploads are possible. At the same time, you can eliminate the necessity to use data files with support for Google Sheets that can also be used as a source of updates:
In addition to that, you may dismiss third-party services in data transfers thanks to our module’s extensive API support. It can your e-commerce website to external systems via direct API transfers.
Another significant innovation that is incorporated into every import and export profile is scheduling. It enables you to automatically update your e-commerce website at predefined intervals.
Furthermore, the extensive mapping features of the plugin allow you to convert third-party properties to Magento 2 attributes on the fly, as well as generate new attributes and values. For further information, click on the following links: