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# Loop Over a CSV

> Parse a spreadsheet file into rows and run steps for every row.

When you have a CSV file and want to do something for every row in it, such as
adding each row as a contact or looking each one up, the pattern is always the
same: parse the file into rows, then loop over those rows.

## Nodes involved

* [Parse CSV](/platform/workflows/node-reference/files-and-documents/parse-csv) turns a
  `.csv` file into a list of rows.
* [For Each](/platform/workflows/node-reference/logic-and-flow/for-each) runs a set of
  steps once for every row.

## How to build it

### Parse the file

Add a Parse CSV step and point its **CSV file** field at the file you want to
read. Turn the "first row is a header" option on so each column can be read by
its name.

### Loop over the rows

Add a For Each step and set its **Collection** to the parsed rows:

```
parse-csv.data.rows
```

### Read each row inside the loop

Inside the loop, the current row is available as `_each_.item`. Read a column
by its header name:

```
_each_.item.email
```

Add whatever steps you need inside the loop and point their fields at the
columns you care about.

> **Note**
>
> For Each has a "collect results" option. Leave it off for large files; a long
> list of gathered results can grow fast, and every pass is visible in the run
> history regardless.

## Related

#### [Parse CSV](/platform/workflows/node-reference/files-and-documents/parse-csv)

Every option for reading a spreadsheet file.

#### [For Each](/platform/workflows/node-reference/logic-and-flow/for-each)

Every option for looping over a list.

#### [Process a Daily CSV](/platform/workflows/guides-and-recipes/guides/process-a-daily-csv)

A full guide that downloads a file and imports every row.

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