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:
Exporting an existing ad configuration from Meta Ads Manager
Using that configuration as a template in Ads Uploader
Generating a new XLSX file with your uploaded media
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
Navigate to Meta Ads Manager
Go to the Ads tab
Select the ad you want to use as a template (checkbox)
Click More → Export → Export Selected
Choose Export Ad Format as .xlsx
Save the downloaded file
Step 2: Upload to Ads Uploader
Load the Configuration
In the Uploader panel, select "File" as your configuration method
Click "Choose File" and select your exported XLSX
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:
Check "Group variations"
Enter a variation identifier (e.g., -hook or _v)
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:
Select "Write unique ad text for each ad"
Enter specific text for each upload
Optional: Show link description column
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
Click "Export Configuration"
File downloads with naming format: campaign_name_timestamp.xlsx
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
Go to Meta Ads Manager
Click More → Import ads in bulk
Select your exported XLSX file
Click Import
Wait for processing (usually 10-30 seconds)
Review and Publish
After import:
Ads appear in Draft status
Review all settings and preview ads
Click Review and Publish
Ads enter review process
Limitations
Multiple Headlines/Texts
XLSX doesn't support flexible creative
Use API method for multiple texts
Some Creative Enhancements
Limited control over certain automatic enhancements