# Upload, map, validate, and review import data

> PositiveForm guide · Data imports · IMP-002
> Canonical page: https://positiveform.com/guides/imports/validate-import/
> This Markdown: https://positiveform.com/guides/imports/validate-import.md

**Summary:** Upload files, map fields, validate relationships, and review retained records safely. Validation reports unknown, duplicate, consent, and relationship issues…  
**Who can do this:** Organization owners, Managers  
**Required access:** `imports.manage`  
**Where in PositiveForm:** `/settings/imports/:jobId/validation`  
**Status:** Draft: not yet verified against a deployed PositiveForm build. Labels may differ.

> Draft: headed Staff A opens the Files step for a real job (import_job_2ih2drjdcqufNuORojFlBQ) with Upload and inspect and Review column mapping. Browser acceptance policy blocks the upload command, so a full file map/validate pass cannot be automated until that policy allows sample-file upload or another approved path exists.

## Who this is for

Migration staff uploading source files into an existing import job.

## Before you begin

- Create a job first ([Start a studio import](https://positiveform.com/guides/imports/start-import/)).
- Use only authorized studio data in sample files.

## Steps

1. Open the import job from **Data imports**.
2. On **Files**, choose a source type (for example **Programs CSV**).
3. Pick a file, set **File contents** / **Record type**, then **Upload and inspect**.
4. Continue to **Review column mapping** and clear validation issues.
5. Leave uncommitted until [Commit and reconcile an import](https://positiveform.com/guides/imports/commit-reconcile-import/).

## Expected outcome

Validation reports issues without creating operational records.

## Screenshots

![Import Files upload step](https://positiveform.com/guides/media/IMP-002/20260730T071600Z/000-start.webp)

## Recovery

If **Upload and inspect** stays disabled, choose a file first.
Use **Discard import** only when abandoning the job ([Discard or safely roll back an import](https://positiveform.com/guides/imports/discard-rollback-import/)).

## Related guides

- [Start a studio import](https://positiveform.com/guides/imports/start-import/) — create the job.
- [Commit and reconcile an import](https://positiveform.com/guides/imports/commit-reconcile-import/) — commit after validation.
- [Discard or safely roll back an import](https://positiveform.com/guides/imports/discard-rollback-import/) — discard or roll back.

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Source: PositiveForm customer guides, https://positiveform.com/guides/. 
Every guide as one file for AI assistants: https://positiveform.com/llms-full.txt. 
Guide index: https://positiveform.com/llms.txt.