Bulk imports you can do yourself

You can now import up to 250 recipes per file yourself if you are using either:

• The CookBook CSV template
• A ZIP file containing .cookbook recipe files

To import one of these files:

1. In CookBook, tap Add (+).
2. Under Your recipes, tap Bulk import recipes.
3. CookBook will apply a specific tag to all recipes in the import, so you can easily find or delete them if something goes wrong.
4. Tap the Tag with field if you’d like to edit the tag name.
5. Turn Add tags on or off, depending on whether you want to include or exclude tags from the recipe file.
6. Choose either Select CookBook CSV file or Select .cookbook ZIP file.
7. Select your file and follow the prompts to import your recipes.

Delete all recipes from an import tag

If something goes wrong, or you want to remove the imported recipes:

1. Go to Tags.
2. Tap the tag used for the import.
3. Tap the more menu icon (three horizontal dots).
4. Select Delete all recipes in tag.

Bulk imports we handle for you

For unsupported file types, supported third-party exports, or files containing more than 250 recipes, we can import your recipes for you.

Email team@cookbookmanager.com with:

• Your CookBook email / username
• The app you’re transferring from, for example Paprika, MasterCook, Recipe Keeper, Pestle, Flavorish, ReciMe, or another app
• Your exported recipe file, either attached or shared as a download link

We’ll queue the import and notify you when your full library is in CookBook. Note: you’ll need a Pro subscription for team-handled imports.

File types we accept

Importing from an unsupported app

Some recipe apps do not provide an export format that CookBook can directly bulk import.

This includes apps where the export format is unavailable, limited, or not currently supported by our importer. Examples may include apps such as Flavorish, Pestle, ReciMe, or other recipe managers.

If your app is not listed as a supported direct import, the best option is to use our CSV template.

You can find the CSV example file here.

Using ChatGPT or Claude to help format your CSV

If you can export or copy your recipe data from your current app, you may be able to use an AI tool such as ChatGPT or Claude to help convert it into CookBook’s CSV format.

The process is:

1. Download the CSV file.
2. Export your recipe data from your old app, or copy the recipe information you want to transfer.
3. Open ChatGPT, Claude, or another AI assistant.
4. Upload or paste the CookBook CSV template.
5. Upload or paste the recipe data from your old app.
6. Ask the AI tool to structure the recipe data using the exact columns from the CookBook CSV template.
7. Review the completed CSV carefully.
8. If the file contains 250 recipes or fewer, import it yourself using Add (+) → Bulk import recipes → Select CookBook CSV file.
9. If the file contains more than 250 recipes, email it to team@cookbookmanager.com with your CookBook account details.

You can use a prompt like this:

I am transferring recipes into CookBook. Please convert the recipe data below into the exact CSV format shown in this template. Keep the same column names and structure. Map the recipe title, ingredients, method, servings, prep time, cook time, notes, source, and any other available fields into the closest matching CSV columns. If a field is missing, leave it blank. Please return the result as a CSV file.

This is especially useful when moving from an app that does not support a standard export format or is not directly supported by CookBook.

Please make sure you review the AI-generated CSV before importing it, as AI tools can occasionally place information in the wrong column or miss details.

About CSV imports

If you’d like to bulk import your own curated recipes, you’ll need to use our CSV spreadsheet and add your recipe information in that format.

1. Download the CSV file.
2. Review the example recipe in row 2.
3. Add your recipe information using the same format.
4. In CookBook, tap Add (+).
5. Under Your recipes, tap Bulk import recipes.
6. Tap Select CookBook CSV file.
7. Choose your completed CSV file and follow the prompts.

You can import up to 250 recipes per CSV file yourself. If your CSV contains more than 250 recipes, email it to team@cookbookmanager.com with your CookBook account details and we’ll help import it for you.

Please note that CSV import is currently an interim method. It includes most core recipe fields, but not every CookBook field is supported yet.

Need help exporting from your current app?

Check your current app’s help centre for “Export” instructions, then follow the steps above.

If you’re stuck, email us at team@cookbookmanager.com and include:

• The name of the app you’re moving from
• Any exported files you have
• Any export instructions or documentation you found
• Your CookBook email or username

We’ll take a look and guide you through the best option. We’re excited to welcome your whole recipe collection to CookBook!

Updated on: 25/08/2026