How do I import events from a resume or file?
Upload a resume PDF or a CSV/JSON export to seed your timeline without manual entry.
Resume import (PDF)
Upload a resume PDF and LifeCharted's AI will extract work history, education, and other structured details — turning them into timeline events for you to review and confirm.
Open Settings and choose "Import CV / Résumé" under Data. The AI parses the document and presents a preview of the events it found. You can remove any that do not belong before confirming.
CSV and JSON import
If you have a structured data file (from another app, a spreadsheet, or a prior export), use the CSV/JSON import option. There is no column-mapping step — your file has to use the expected column names, so start from the LifeCharted CSV template rather than reformatting an arbitrary spreadsheet.
CSV columns are matched by header name. Title and start are required; lane, type, end, startMonth, endMonth, description, lat, lng, and privacy are optional. Rows missing a title or a start year are skipped. Place names are imported from lat and lng coordinates rather than from a text location column.
JSON import accepts a full export object containing events, people, relationships, and custom lanes — the same shape produced by the JSON export, which makes it the cleanest way to move data between accounts.
After import
Imported events are saved to your timeline immediately — there is no separate draft state. Go through the events list afterwards and clean up titles, dates, and categories.
Imports do not replace existing events — they are added alongside whatever is already on your timeline, so re-running the same import creates duplicates.
CSV rows without an explicit privacy value are imported as Private. Review visibility on anything you intend to share.
Rules of Thumb
- Treat imports as a starting point — always review and clean up the results rather than assuming they are production-ready.
- Use resume import to quickly seed your work and education history, then fill in personal and travel chapters manually.
Common Mistakes
- Importing without reviewing — AI extraction is good but not perfect, especially for unusual formatting.
- Importing a second time after already having cleaned up the first import — you will end up with duplicates.
Use this article as a guide, then jump back into the product while the advice is fresh.
Open SettingsHow do I add an event?
Create a short title, choose the right category, and add a date or date range.
Where do I manage my account, imports, and subscription?
Use your account area for profile settings, imports, exports, and billing controls.
What if I only know an approximate date?
Estimates are better than leaving important events out.