From http://wiki.vtiger.com/archives

About

This feature allows vtigerCRM system to export records(depending on conditions specified) for the modules listed below, which can be later imported back into CRM system to update the records.

How Does it works

Records present under the Modules can be saved in CSV format by clicking on Export button.Field delimiter (Character used to separate columns of data.) is auto selected.The records in saved CSV file can be edited offline and can be re-imported using the Import functionality.

Modules Supported

Export/Import feature is enabled to following modules

• Contacts
• Accounts
• Leads
• Potentials
• Services
• Trouble Tickets
• Service Contracts
• Products
• Vendors
• Documents(Supports only Export feature).

Steps to Export

The Export functionality is enabled in both List view and Detailed View.

• On your vtigerCRM , click on top arrow icon under any module( Export window appears).

• ChooseExport criteria records and Export Records Types:

• Click Export {Module name} and save the file.

The resulting .csv file displays as column headers the field titles from the detail view.

• Export Selected Records: To export one or more records on the list(list view) select the check boxes of the record(s) you want to export.
• Export Data in Current Page: To export all the records listed on the page.
• Export all Data: To export all records list inthe module(which could be more than the current page).

Steps to Import

Record type and field mapping available to relate and how you relate the records are unique to each module.

Pre requisites

• CSV file containing the data you are importing.
• A Single CSV file for each vtiger module, like Accounts and Contacts etc..

The table below specifies the records you can relate in each module and how to relate them during import.

• In your vtigerCRM , click on down arrow icon under any module(import window appears)
• Choose type of delimiter from the drop down box and format(file type)(Useful while importing records from Microsoft Excel sheet) and click Next.

• Select Mandatory fields and map the fields by selecting the corresponding in combo boxes.Do not proceed to the next step without mapping the mandatory fields

• When importing an existing vtiger record name, use the exact name as displayed in the existing vtiger record.
• Empty fields in any module while importing will be replaced by '?????',so that the sales person can later insert the name in the module list.
  
  
• vtiger will also allow you to look at duplicate records that might have previously been imported into the system. You will then have the option to delete these records or merge the data.
• You can use the “Undo last import” button to undo your test import if you have to fine-tune a field mapping.