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

# Importing existing contacts

> This guide walks users through importing existing contacts into FirstQuadrant by segmenting them into active and inactive categories. It outlines why contact imports are essential for AI-driven automation, explains how to prepare CSV files, and details each step of the import process. It also provides best practices for configuring import schedules and conserving AI credits, ensuring FirstQuadrant can effectively manage sales follow-ups and reactivation efforts.

## Why importing contacts is critical

FirstQuadrant only processes and reasons about emails related to contacts that are stored in its database. Without imported contacts, FirstQuadrant will ignore relevant communication in your inbox and miss opportunities to drive your sales pipeline forward.

To make full use of FirstQuadrant's automation, you should first import your existing contacts by segmenting them into two buckets (learn more about [active and inactive contacts](/product-manual/active-inactive-contacts)):

### Active contacts

These are people you are currently engaged with. This includes:

* Conversations where you're waiting on a reply
* Conversations where a follow-up is scheduled
* Contacts with a planned check-in months down the line

If you're using a CRM, these contacts usually have open deals associated with them. If you’re not using a CRM, look at your inbox or spreadsheets.

### Inactive contacts

These are older leads or prospects you're not actively speaking to but have engaged with in the past. While there's no immediate follow-up required, you’ll want to re-engage them over time through FirstQuadrant’s nurturing workflows.

***

## Step-by-step: How to import contacts

### Step 1: Navigate to the import section

* In the left-hand sidebar, scroll down and click on **Imports**
* In the top-right corner, click **New import**
* Choose **Upload** to import contacts from a CSV file

### Step 2: Prepare your CSV

* Download the **example CSV** from the import screen
* Format your file to match the column headers (e.g., full name, email, company, LinkedIn handle)
* The only required field is **email**, but adding name and company improves accuracy

### Step 3: Map the columns

* Once you upload your CSV, you'll be prompted to **map each column** to a corresponding property (e.g., map "LinkedIn Handle" to the appropriate field)
* After mapping, click **Upload rows**

### Step 4: Configure import settings

#### For active contacts

* **Name** your import (e.g., "Active contacts")
* **Skip qualifying questions** (optional for active contacts)
* Leave qualifying rules at default
* Under **Schedule**, select "Import all rows immediately"
* Click **Save, start import, and enrich**

#### For inactive contacts

* Follow the same process, but:
  * **Name** the import (e.g., "Inactive contacts")
  * Under **Schedule**, select "Import on a recurring schedule"
  * Choose a lower batch size (e.g., 100 or 1,000 rows/month) to conserve AI credits
  * Click **Save changes**

> **Info:** Check out the [imports overview article](/product-manual/imports/imports-overview) for a more detailed explanation and step-by-step instructions

***

## Additional tips

* Add a **note** to the import if you'd like FirstQuadrant to apply specific behavior (e.g., "These are active leads—take immediate action")
* Contacts are enriched and synced with your email history upon import
* You can pause, edit, or delete an import draft at any time

By segmenting contacts and importing them thoughtfully, you enable FirstQuadrant to act intelligently and continuously drive value throughout your sales cycle.