XLSX Configuration

Legacy Configuration Method — The XLSX method has limited feature support compared to the API Configuration method. Many Meta Ads features (flexible creative, multiple headlines/texts, creative enhancements, profile selection, and scheduling) are not available via XLSX. We highly recommend using the API method for the best experience and full flexibility. The XLSX route remains supported for users who prefer it.

The XLSX configuration allows you to use exported ad structures from Meta Ads Manager as templates for your new ads. This method is ideal for users comfortable creating drafts in Meta Ads Manager prior to uploading.

Overview

The XLSX method works by:

1. Exporting an existing ad configuration from Meta Ads Manager
2. Using that configuration as a template in Ads Uploader
3. Generating a new XLSX file with your uploaded media
4. Importing the final file back into Meta Ads Manager

Step 1: Export Configuration from Meta

Selecting the Right Ad

Choose an ad that:

• Has the targeting and settings you want to replicate
• Is in the same campaign type (conversions, traffic, etc.)
• Does NOT have multiple headlines/texts (flexible creative)
• Has creative enhancements configured as desired

Export Process

1. Navigate to Meta Ads Manager
2. Go to the Ads tab
3. Select the ad you want to use as a template (checkbox)
4. Click More → Export → Export Selected
5. Choose Export Ad Format as .xlsx
6. Save the downloaded file

Step 2: Upload to Ads Uploader

Load the Configuration

1. In the Uploader panel, select "File" as your configuration method
2. Click "Choose File" and select your exported XLSX
3. The configuration will be automatically loaded

Understanding What's Imported

The XLSX file contains:

• Campaign objectives and settings
• Ad set targeting and budget
• Placement selections
• Optimization goals
• Creative enhancement settings (limited control)

Step 3: Configure Campaign Structure

Campaign Options

Use Existing Campaign

• Your ads will be added to the campaign from the export
• Maintains all campaign-level settings

Create New Campaign

• Enter a custom campaign name
• Copies all settings but creates a fresh campaign
• Useful for testing or seasonal campaigns

Ad Set Options

Single Ad Set

• All uploads go into one ad set
• Enter custom name or use default

Ad Set Per Upload/Group

• Creates individual ad sets for each file or group
• Use {FileName} in the naming pattern
• Example: {FileName} - Testing → video1 - Testing

Grouping Variations

Enable variation grouping to organize similar creatives:

1. Check "Group variations"
2. Enter a variation identifier (e.g., -hook or _v)
3. Files are grouped by base name

Example:

Files:
video1-hook1.mp4
video1-hook2.mp4
video2-hook1.mp4

With identifier "-hook":
→ Ad Set 1: video1 (contains hook1, hook2)
→ Ad Set 2: video2 (contains hook1)

Step 4: Set Ad Text

Apply Common Text to All Ads

Best for uniform messaging across all creatives:

• Headline: 40 characters recommended
• Primary Text: 125 characters optimal
• Link Description: Optional, 30 characters

Write Unique Text for Each Ad

For personalized messaging per creative:

1. Select "Write unique ad text for each ad"
2. Enter specific text for each upload
3. Optional: Show link description column
4. Use the pencil icon for advanced editing

Advanced Edit Modal

Access additional fields:

• Call-to-Action button text
• Website URL
• Display URL
• Apply changes across all ads

Step 5: Export Configuration

Generate the File

1. Click "Export Configuration"
2. File downloads with naming format: campaign_name_timestamp.xlsx
3. Review the preview table before export

File Contents

The exported XLSX includes:

• All your uploaded media references
• Campaign and ad set structure
• Ad names and text
• Original settings from template

Step 6: Import to Meta Ads Manager

Import Process

1. Go to Meta Ads Manager
2. Click More → Import ads in bulk
3. Select your exported XLSX file
4. Click Import
5. Wait for processing (usually 10-30 seconds)

Review and Publish

After import:

1. Ads appear in Draft status
2. Review all settings and preview ads
3. Click Review and Publish
4. Ads enter review process

Limitations

1. Multiple Headlines/Texts

   • XLSX doesn't support flexible creative
   • Use API method for multiple texts

2. Some Creative Enhancements

   • Limited control over certain automatic enhancements
   • Meta may auto-enable some features