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title: When to Use Data Loader
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locale: en-us
portal_url: https://docs.salesforce.com/developer/current/en-us/platform/data-loader-impl/guides/data-loader/when-to-use-the-data-loader.md
canonical_url: https://developer.salesforce.com/docs/platform/data-loader-impl/guide/when-to-use-the-data-loader.html
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  - Data Loader Guide
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---

# When to Use Data Loader

Data Loader complements the web-based import wizards that are accessible from the Setup menu in the online application.

|Required Editions|
|-----------------|
|Available in: both Salesforce Classic ([not available in all orgs](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=xcloud.overview_edition_lex_only.htm&type=5)) and Lightning Experience|
|Available in: **Enterprise**, **Performance**, **Unlimited**, and **Developer** editions|

Refer to the following guidelines to determine which method best suits your business needs:

## Use Data Loader When:

-   Data loader supports CSV files with a maximum 150,000,000 records. If you must load more than 150 million records, we recommend you work with a Salesforce partner or visit the [AppExchange](https://appexchange.salesforce.com) for a suitable partner product.
-   You must load into an object that isn’t yet supported by Data Import Wizard.
-   Your data includes complex field mappings that you must load consistently on a regular basis.
-   You want to schedule regular data loads, such as nightly imports.
-   You want to export your data for backup purposes.

## Use Data Import Wizard When:

-   You’re loading less than 50,000 records.
-   The object you must import is supported by import wizards. To see what objects they support, from Setup, enter `Data Import Wizard` in the `Quick Find` box, then select **Import Wizard**.
-   You want to prevent duplicates by uploading records according to account name and site, contact email address, or lead email address.
-   Your target object has fewer than 50 fields.
-   Your data doesn’t include complex field mappings.