--- title: How to import projects from Optigem? description: To sync transaction data from Optigem to ChurchTools, you may need to create your cost centers in ChurchTools first. To do this, export your projects from Optigem, edit the data, and then import them as cost centers in ChurchTools. In… url: "https://staging.churchtools.academy/en/help/churchtools-modules/import-from-optigem/how-to-import-projects-from-optigem/" updated: "2026-07-06" category: Finances / Import and export / Import from Optigem --- # How to import projects from Optigem? To sync transaction data from Optigem to ChurchTools, you may need to create your cost centers in ChurchTools first. To do this, export your projects from Optigem, edit the data, and then import them as cost centers in ChurchTools. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the process step by step. ## 1. Create groups in ChurchTools The Finance module lets you link groups to cost centers for budget planning. In the Groups module, [you create the groups](https://staging.churchtools.academy/en/help/churchtools-modules/my-group/how-to-create-a-new-group/) that you want to link to cost centers. If the groups already exist, you don't need to create them again, of course. **Tip** In Step 3.3, enter the group IDs for the corresponding cost centers in the import file. You can find out how to do this in our guide, " [How to add budgets?"](https://staging.churchtools.academy/help/churchtools-module/stammdaten/30-wie-lege-ich-budgets-an/) Of course, you can still link the cost centers to their respective groups at any time, even after importing them. ## 2. Export your projects from Optigem as an Excel file To do this in Optigem, follow these steps: Open the projects and go to the *Data Sheet* in the *View* tab. [![Screenshot from Optigem: Select "Data Sheet" view](https://staging.churchtools.academy/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/image-15.png)](https://staging.churchtools.academy/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/image-15.png) Next, switch to the " *More* " tab and click on " *Excel*." [![Screenshot from Optigem: Under "More," select "Export as Excel"](https://staging.churchtools.academy/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/image-16.png)](https://staging.churchtools.academy/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/image-16.png) Then save the export under the name of your choice. You don't need to save the export steps. ![Screenshot from Optigem: Save Excel File Export](https://staging.churchtools.academy/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/image.png) ## 3. Prepare to Import Cost Centers into ChurchTools ### 3.1 Fill in the ChurchTools-Optigem Cost Center Import Template with Your Data Download the [cost center import template](https://staging.churchtools.academy/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/ChurchTools-Optigem-Kostenstellenimportvorlage.xlsx). Copy all the rows from your export file and paste them into the " *Projects from Optigem* " tab in the import template. Be sure to overwrite all the sample data. The template is designed so that the numbers and names of your projects are automatically transferred to the " *Cost Center Import* " tab *in ChurchTools*. Finally, in *the "Cost Center Import* " tab *in ChurchTools*, select the last visible row and use the small triangle to scroll the table down until all your cost centers are visible. [![Screenshot: Make all rows visible in the import template](https://staging.churchtools.academy/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/image-17.png)](https://staging.churchtools.academy/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/image-17.png) ### 3.2 Optional: Enter a budget In the " *Budget in €* " field, enter the budget for the respective cost center. **Note** You can still enter budgets even after importing them. To learn how, check out our guide, " [How to add budgets?"](https://staging.churchtools.academy/help/churchtools-module/stammdaten/30-wie-lege-ich-budgets-an/) ### 3.3 Optional: Enter the IDs of associated groups In this step, you enter the IDs of the groups you want to link to the cost center. Of course, you can also enter the IDs after the import is complete. **Tip** You can easily find the IDs of your groups using the [group export feature](https://staging.churchtools.academy/en/help/churchtools-modules/about-the-groups-module/how-to-export-a-group-list/) in the Groups module. To do this, open the CSV file after exporting the groups and use the data filter to quickly find the correct IDs. ### 3.4 Save Document Once you have correctly edited all the data, make sure the *"ChurchTools Cost Center Import* " tab is currently selected. Save your edited cost center import via *File* > *Save As...* in *CSV UTF-8 (comma-separated values) .csv* format. ![Screenshot: Saving the Cost Center Import Template](https://staging.churchtools.academy/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/image-1.png) Since the cost center import template contains multiple tabs, you'll be asked if you want to save only the active tab. Confirm this prompt. ![Screenshot from Excel: Saving Multiple Sheets](https://staging.churchtools.academy/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/image-2.png) ## 4. Import Cost Centers into ChurchTools In *the Finances module*, open the *master data*, navigate to the *cost centers*, and open the *context menu* for the cost centers. Here, select " *Import Cost Centers from CSV File*." We'll show you exactly how to do this in our guide, " [How to import cost centers from a file?](https://staging.churchtools.academy/en/help/churchtools-modules/import-and-export-finances-en/how-to-import-cost-centers-from-a-file/)" ## Read more - [How to import cost centers from a file?](https://staging.churchtools.academy/en/help/churchtools-modules/import-and-export-finances-en/how-to-import-cost-centers-from-a-file/) - [How to import my chart of accounts from Optigem?](https://staging.churchtools.academy/de/help/churchtools-module/optigem-import/13-wie-importiere-ich-meinen-kontenrahmen-aus-optigem/) - [How to synchronize transaction data?](https://staging.churchtools.academy/en/help/churchtools-modules/sync-finances/how-to-synchronize-accounting-data/) - [Establish a connection with Optigem](https://staging.churchtools.academy/de/help/churchtools-modules/verbindungen-konfigurieren/verbindung-mit-optigem-herstellen/)