Salesforce Data Loader is Salesforce’s free desktop tool for importing, exporting, updating, and deleting records in bulk. This is the short version of getting it installed and running, on Windows or macOS, plus a lighter option if your real job is just an everyday edit.
Before you start
- You need a Salesforce login with API access enabled (Enterprise, Unlimited, Performance, and Developer editions include it; Professional needs the API add-on).
- Data Loader needs a Java runtime. Recent versions bundle Zulu OpenJDK, so there is usually nothing extra to install.
- It is free.
Step 1: Download Data Loader
You download it from inside Salesforce, which guarantees a version matched to your org:
- Click the gear icon and open Setup.
- In the Quick Find box, search for Data Loader.
- Open the Data Loader page and download the Windows or macOS installer.
Step 2: Install it
- Windows: run the downloaded installer and follow the prompts. It installs per user.
- macOS: open the download and run the installer script it provides. Recent versions include the Java runtime, so you should not need to install Java separately.
Step 3: Log in
- Launch Data Loader.
- Choose the operation you want (Insert, Update, Upsert, Delete, Export, and so on).
- Sign in with OAuth when prompted, using your Salesforce credentials. Data Loader can only do what your user is already permitted to do.
Step 4: Export records
- Choose Export (or Export All to include archived and deleted records).
- Pick the object (for example, Account or Opportunity).
- Select the fields, or write a SOQL query.
- Choose where to save the CSV, and run it.
Step 5: Insert or update records
- Prepare a CSV with your data. For updates, include the record Id column.
- Choose Update (or Insert for new records, Upsert to match on an external ID).
- Pick the object and your CSV file.
- Map the CSV columns to Salesforce fields (you do this on each job).
- Run it. Data Loader writes success and error files you review afterward.
A faster way for everyday edits
Data Loader is the right tool for large or recurring jobs. For a quick, human-scale edit, update a few hundred records before a forecast call, the install, the CSV mapping, and the lack of a change preview add up.
Upcells is built for that case. You export your records straight to Excel (restricted picklists come through as real dropdowns), edit them, then drop the file back and review a field-by-field diff of exactly what will change before anything is written. No column mapping, and nothing touches Salesforce until you click Apply. See query and export and edit and sync, or download Upcells.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I download Salesforce Data Loader? From Setup inside your org: search “Data Loader” in Quick Find and download the Windows or macOS installer.
Does Data Loader need Java? Yes, but recent versions bundle the Zulu OpenJDK runtime, so you usually do not install Java separately.
Does Data Loader work on a Mac? Yes. There are both Windows and macOS versions.
Is Salesforce Data Loader free? Yes, it is a free, official Salesforce tool.