Import User Meta Fields that are Stored as an Array

Our Import Users from CSV Integration Add On allows you to import user or user meta fields for current members. This recipe demonstrates how to import data that is stored as an “array” (for multi-select or checkbox values). It’s a useful guide for sites that have added checkbox or select2 custom user field types.

The Code Recipe

	<?php
	/**
	* In your CSV file, you may set the array value to {value1,value2,value3}
	* This will import array values into WordPress.
	* To add this code to your site follow this guide - https://www.paidmembershipspro.com/create-a-plugin-for-pmpro-customizations/
	*
	* Integrates with Import Users From CSV - https://wordpress.org/plugins/import-users-from-csv/
	*/

	function my_import_user_meta_csv_array( $meta, $userdata ) {

	// Loop through meta to get arrays.
	foreach( $meta as $key => $value ) {
	$reg = '/( { ( (?: [^{}]* \| (?1) )* ) } )/x';
	preg_match_all( $reg, $value, $matches );

	if ( ! empty( $matches[0] ) ) {
	$string = substr( $matches[0][0], 1, -1 ); // remove curly braces.
	$array = explode( ',', $string ); // convert to PHP array.

	$meta[$key] = $array; // assign the key to an array.
	}
	}

	return $meta;
	}
	add_filter( 'pmproiucsv_import_usermeta', 'my_import_user_meta_csv_array', 10, 2 );

view raw import-users-from-csv-array.php hosted with ❤ by GitHub

Adding the Recipe to Your Website

You can add this recipe to your site by creating a custom plugin or using the Code Snippets plugin available for free in the WordPress repository. Read this companion article for step-by-step directions on either method.

To prepare your CSV for import, you’ll need to add the appropriate new meta field as a column of data. For the field values, follow the format {value1,value2,value3}.

Author: Andrew Lima

Andrew Lima is the Director of Operations at Paid Memberships Pro, with a strong background in WordPress development. Certified in various programming languages, Andrew has been building WordPress websites since 2014.

He finds it rewarding to help PMPro customers build successful businesses and enjoys seeing their growth over time. Andrew values PMPro’s commitment to strong core values and ethics, which makes working with the team a genuine pleasure.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys discovering new hobbies, experimenting in the kitchen, and immersing himself in video games.

View more articles by Andrew Lima »

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