# Uploading structured data (JSON) custom fields

{% hint style="info" %}
The bulk uploader can only be used by users who have permission to create/submit new metadata items.
{% endhint %}

[Structured data custom fields](/registry-configuration/adding-custom-fields/custom-field-structured-data-json-type.md) can be bulk uploaded using the JSON field from the registry's API.

### How to upload complex custom fields using JSON

1. Navigate to the 'Retrieve & Update' page of a metadata item with the custom field that you wish to upload by using the following URL format:
   * https\://\[*your.registry*]/api/v5/metadata/\[*metadataitemtype*]/\[*itemUUID*]

<figure><img src="/files/Fc9UaIjrntFvdQrBocrj" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. Navigate to the 'customvalue\_set' section of the JSON, find the 'name' of your desired custom field, then copy its 'content' (highlighted blue below).

<figure><img src="/files/UCB4HbclOI7asLq8KqIX" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. Paste the copied content into the matching custom field's section of the [bulk upload template](/custom-field-bulk-uploader.md).

<figure><img src="/files/9JfBgF6D3zeRtNX0bAt7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Notes:**

* Structured data custom fields must be uploaded using **.xlsx** format spreadsheets, not .csv
* If you wish to add new rows to the JSON text, this can be done now
  * A tool such as [this](https://jsonlint.com/) can be helpful when adding new rows to JSON text.

4. Fill in the rest of the template as normal if you have not already done so.

<figure><img src="/files/dGBwsrQ8IhrU7Azbrh2b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

5. Select the creation dropdown from the header, then 'See all...'

<figure><img src="/files/R5BrYPuiNCIFZJkhsFk4" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

6. Navigate to the 'Upload metadata' section, then select 'Upload metadata' from the 'Aristotle Bulk Creator' field.

<figure><img src="/files/dg6bgAnvUOPwpNq07FKy" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

7. Select the appropriate metadata type, then upload the .xlsx template containing the structured data custom field.

<figure><img src="/files/tqu0bxzYa3lVPqnLoppA" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

8. Once the template's upload completes, select 'Save metadata' to upload the items you designed.

<figure><img src="/files/0KyarVt5ksLLOvbQmbfF" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Note:** If the upload completes successfully, the 'Upload Metadata' field will be green (as above). If the upload does not complete successfully, the field will be red, and the failing elements of the template listed.


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