Data Import Wizard versus Data Loader
Key Takeaway
The Data Import Wizard only imports data, up to 50,000 records. Data Loader can insert, update, delete, or export records. Of the two tools, Data Loader is the one for exports, bulk deletes by record ID, and replacing field values with blanks.
Admins have two main tools for moving records in and out of an org: the Data Import Wizard and Data Loader. The Data Import Wizard is an in-browser import tool opened from Setup, built for smaller, simpler loads. Data Loader is a client application you install for bulk import and export of much larger volumes, including deletes, backups, and automated loads. To pick the right tool, look at what the job needs to do, how many records it has, and how complex the data is.
How the two tools differ
| Data Import Wizard | Data Loader | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it runs | In the browser, opened from Setup, with nothing to install | Client application that runs outside Salesforce, on MacOS or Windows |
| Objects | Accounts, contacts, leads, solutions, campaign members, and custom objects | All objects, including custom objects |
| Records | Up to 50,000 | Up to 150 million, when used with Bulk API 2.0 |
| Editions | All except Personal and Database.com | Enterprise, Performance, Unlimited, and Developer |
Data Loader tops out at 150 million records. For larger loads, Salesforce recommends working with a Salesforce partner or finding a suitable partner product on AppExchange.