---
title: "Creating a CSV Data Structure"
slug: "creating-a-csv-data-structure"
description: "Learn how Data Structures can be created from CSV data and can be deserialized and serialized using pre-built Flow steps. "
tags: ["csv", "Custom Data Types"]
updated: 2026-07-01T18:11:20Z
published: 2026-07-01T18:11:20Z
canonical: "documentation.decisions.com/creating-a-csv-data-structure"
---

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

# Creating a CSV Data Structure

## Overview

| Data Structure Quick Summary |
| --- |
| Complexity? | Performance Impact? | Saves to Database? | Configuration Folder? | Entity Framework? | Folder Behavior? | Process Tracking? |
| Low | Low | Yes | No | No | No | No |

Data Structures can be created from CSV data and can be deserialized and serialized using pre-built Flow steps.

Exporting CSV Data Structures [Database Stored]CSV Data Structures [Database Stored] are saved to the database while CSV Data Structures are saved within Decisions as a Data Structure similar to Flow Structures. When exporting a CSV Data Structure [Database Stored], it does not transfer with data, only the structure itself exports. Data must be first exported with Flow logic or by the **Import Data From CSV** action.

## Example

1. In a Designer Project, select the CREATE DATATYPES/INTEGRATIONS button on the top action bar. Select **XML/JSON/CSV** and select **Create Types from CSV**.![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/image-1782929433162.png)
2. Enter a name in the **CSV Structure Name** field. The **Namespace** will automatically be populated.
3. Select the **First Row Is Field Names** checkbox this is typically enabled since most CSV imports use header field names in the first row.
4. Use the **Separator** dropdown to indicate what kind of separator is used in the CSV.
5. In the **CSV Structure** field, enter "FName,LName,Email" as header field names separated by a comma. After the field names are defined, the CSV data can be pasted below them. Click CREATE.

| Setting Name | Description |
| --- | --- |
| Read From File | Creates the CSV data structure based on uploaded CSV file |
| First Row Is Field Names | Reads the first row of the uploaded CSV file as Data Structure column names |
| Ignore Empty Rows | Ignores empty rows found in the CSV file |
| Separator | Prompts specification of separator for parsing through data |
| Create Database Table For Type | Stores the CSV type in a database table |
6. The **Edit Defined Data Structure** window will appear and display the header fields' names pre-populated into the data structure configuration. Click SAVE to create the Data Structure.![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/image-1782929458007.png)

## CSV Data Structure Steps

After a CSV Data Structure is created, the **Deserialize From CSV** and **Serialize To CSV** steps will be available in the **Toolbox** panel by navigating to **USER DEFINED TYPES > CSV STRUCTURES > [NAME OF CSV STRUTCTURE]**.

### Deserialize From CSV

The Deserialize From CSV step converts the data structure from a single serialized string into a more human-readable output with columns and values.

| Setting Name | Description |
| --- | --- |
| File Type | Defines the file type of the input file (CSV, Excel, AutoSelect) |
| Worksheet Index (displays if Excel file type is selected) | Defines the starting point of the data |
| Separator | Defines the character separator in the input file for each data field |
| Skip First Row | Skips the first row in the input file |
| Ignore Empty Rows | Empty rows will be ignored |
| Input File | Defines the input file |

![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/image-1779816426216.png)

### Serialize To CSV

The Serialize To CSV step takes in the CSV data and serializes it into one string.

| Setting Name | Description |
| --- | --- |
| File Type | Defines the file type of the output file (CSV, Excel, AutoSelect) |
| Separator | Defines the character separator in the input file for each data field |
| Include Field Names | Includes the defined field names in the output string |

![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/image-1779816477357.png)