'Data file is malformed' error when importing a file
After uploading a bank file, you might get the following error:
Data file is malformed
Why this error may occur
This error may occur if the CSV file you are trying to import into PocketSmith is incorrectly formatted. This might be an issue with how your bank created the file or if you have edited it.
How to fix 🔧
Import a different file type
If your bank supports downloading OFX or QIF files, try importing these files instead of the CSV file. This guide provides more details on the file types supported by PocketSmith: Accepted File Types.
Try re-downloading and importing the CSV file
Return to your bank's website and attempt to re-download the CSV file and re-upload it to PocketSmith.
You shouldn't open the file in any application before importing it into PocketSmith.
Troubleshooting rogue characters
If your file fails to upload, we recommend checking for any backslash (\) characters within the file and removing them. A backslash can sometimes appear in the merchant description or a note or memo field when exported from your bank or other personal finance software. These characters will cause an upload to fail as they don’t adhere to the standard formatting for a CSV file.
To remove (\) characters from your CSV file:
- Open the file in a text editor, such as Notepad, or TextEdit.
- Use the ‘Find and replace’ tool to find any (\) characters and replace with nothing, by leaving the replace field blank.
- Save your edited file
- Try importing the edited file to PocketSmith
Still having trouble? 🛟
If possible, please send us a copy of the file you are having trouble with so we can investigate further.