A delimiter is a single character (like a comma, semicolon, or tab) used to separate individual pieces of data (fields) within a row of a structured text file, such as a CSV. During data import/export in WooCommerce, the delimiter acts as a marker that tells the system where one field ends and another begins.
How It Works
Think of a CSV file as a spreadsheet in plain text form:
- Each row = a record (e.g., one product, one order).
- Each delimiter = a boundary between columns (e.g., SKU, Name, Price).
Example (using commas):
| SKU,Name,Price,Stock | P1001,”Blue T-Shirt, Cotton”,19.99,50 |
Comma ( , ) separates the fields. Quotes (” “) are used when the field itself contains a comma (like in Blue T-Shirt, Cotton).
Common Types of Delimiters
- Comma ( , ) – Default in most CSV exports.
- Semicolon ( ; ) – Common in Europe, where commas are used as decimal separators.
- Tab (\t) – Used in TSV files to create columns in a text-based format
- Pipe ( | ) – Useful for complex data or when fields contain commas/semicolons.
Why It Matters in WooCommerce
Using the correct delimiter is essential for WooCommerce to properly parse your data and match it with the right fields. The wrong delimiter can cause mix-ups, such as placing product names in the price column, leading to errors.
Additionally, specific marketplaces like Google Shopping, Amazon, and eBay, as well as other external tools, may require specific delimiters to ensure compatibility and accurate data transfer.
👉 Also Read: How to Change the Product Import and Export Delimiter in WooCommerce?