Importing Spectora Templates

SwiftReporter provides seamless import functionality for your existing Spectora templates, allowing you to transition your inspection workflow while preserving your established template structure and content.

Overview

The Spectora import feature converts your existing Spectora templates into SwiftReporter format while maintaining:

• Template Structure: Categories and subcategories organization
• Questions and Content: All questions and form fields
• Comments: Defect and informational observations
• Severity Levels: Defect categorization and recommendations
• Order and Organization: Logical flow and arrangement

Before You Begin

Requirements

• Active SwiftReporter account with valid subscription or trial
• Access to your Spectora account for export
• Stable internet connection for upload and processing

Step 1: Exporting from Spectora

Export Settings (Critical)

⚠️ Important: When exporting from Spectora, you MUST select "Plain Text" format, NOT HTML format.

Export Configuration:

• Format: Select "Plain Text" (not HTML)
• File Type: Choose CSV or Excel format
• Content: Include all template data
• Scope: Export complete template structure

Export Process

1. Configure Export: Set format to Plain Text, select CSV/Excel
2. Start Export: Begin the export process
3. Download File: Save the exported file to your device
4. Verify File: Ensure file downloaded completely and is readable

Step 2: Importing to SwiftReporter

Access Import Feature

1. Open SwiftReporter: Navigate to the Templates section
2. Create New Template: Tap "Create" or "Select Template"
3. Choose Import Option: Select "Import from Spectora"
4. Import Modal: The Spectora import interface will open

Configure Import

1. Enter Template Name: Provide a name for your imported template
   • Use descriptive names like "Residential - [Your Name]"
   • Consider adding version numbers for updates
   • Make names unique to avoid confusion
2. Select Export File: Choose your Spectora export file
   • Supported Formats: CSV, Excel (.xls, .xlsx)
   • Maximum Size: 10MB file size limit
   • File Validation: System verifies format automatically

Data Conversion Details

What Gets Imported

Template Structure

• Section Names → SwiftReporter Categories
• Item Names → SwiftReporter Subcategories
• Order/Organization → Preserved ordering and hierarchy

Questions and Content

• Questions → Template questions with appropriate types
• Default Answers → Preserved where applicable
• Multiple Choice Options → Converted to dropdown/checkbox options
• Required Fields → Maintained as template requirements

Comments and Observations

• Defect Comments → SwiftReporter comments with severity and recommendations
• Limit Comments → Note-type comments about limitations/exclusions
• Info Comments → Informational notes or questions based on content

Conversion Mapping

Comment Type Mapping

• Comment Type "defect" → Creates Comment with severity and recommendation
• Comment Type "limit" → Creates Comment (note about limitation/exclusion)
• Comment Type "info" → Creates Comment (note) or Question based on content
• Other types → Creates Questions based on Answer Type

Processing Time and Results

Typical Processing Times

• Small Templates (< 50 items): 2-5 minutes
• Medium Templates (50-200 items): 5-10 minutes
• Large Templates (200+ items): 10-15 minutes

Success Confirmation

When import completes successfully:

1. Success Message: "Template '[Name]' imported successfully!"
2. Comment Processing: Large imports process comments in background
3. Automatic Activation: New template becomes your active template
4. Statistics Summary: Shows items imported (categories, questions, comments)

Post-Import Review and Customization

Immediate Review Steps

1. Check Template Structure: Verify categories and subcategories are correct
2. Review Questions: Ensure questions imported properly with correct types
3. Test Comments: Verify comments are accessible and properly categorized
4. Settings Check: Review template settings and adjust as needed

Best Practices

Before Import

• Clean up Spectora template before export (remove unused items)
• Export during low-usage times for faster processing
• Test with smaller templates first to understand process
• Document any custom Spectora features that may not import

The Spectora import feature provides a seamless transition path while preserving your existing template investment.