---
title: Import a CWR file
description: "Import a CWR file you already have, check its works against your saved works and choose which to save."
keywords: [import, CWR file, V21, original file, matching, download original, kept for download]
---

Use this when you already have a [CWR](/docs/cwr/glossary#cwr) file and want its works in your catalogue. The Workspace keeps your original file exactly as it is, then lets you review and save its works.

## Before you start

- You need the original `.V21` file, as it was made, for example `CW260003TST_000.V21`. Only that file works here.
- Society replies and old files that you only want to keep as a record do not belong here. Use [Upload your registration history](/docs/workspace/files/registration-history).
- The same size limit applies as for spreadsheets. It is listed under **Sizes and file types** on the import screen.
- You need to be able to edit the workspace.

## Steps

1. Go to **Catalogue** and choose **Import a file (CSV, TSV, Excel or CWR)**.
2. Under **Import file**, choose the `.V21` file, then choose **Upload and review**. Uploading does not change your catalogue.
3. Check the file name and the number of works and records in the file. **Original source preservation** says whether the Workspace can open the file without changing it. **Download original .V21** gives you the file back exactly as you uploaded it.
4. Under **Review works before saving**, each work is compared with the works you have saved. Untick any you do not want. The count shows how many are selected.
5. Open **Choose how to import this work** on any item that needs a choice. When you change a choice, **Review matching choices** appears. Choose it before you save.
6. Choose the button that begins **Save** and shows how many works are selected.

![Review works before saving for a CWR file, with one work marked Choose a match because a similar saved work exists, and the next work marked New work.](/docs/img/workspace/import-review-cwr.png)

## What you will see

Each work gets a state such as **New work**, **Updates saved work** or **Choose a match**. [Review an import before saving](/docs/workspace/add-works/review) explains each state, how to match, separate or skip a work, and what happens after you save. There are no columns to match with a CWR file.

A CWR file never overwrites a saved work on its own. You confirm each update. A similar work can stay separate when it has a different CWR reference.

## If something goes wrong

- **The file cannot be opened for editing.** The screen says the source is kept exactly but cannot safely be opened. It is listed as **Kept for download** and has no works to review or save. The screen gives a plain sentence for each problem. The exact detail sits under **Technical details**, for whoever made the file.
- **The file is too big.** You see a message asking for a smaller file before anything uploads.
- **You leave before saving.** The import waits under **Saved imports**. Choose its file name to carry on.

## Related

- [Review an import before saving](/docs/workspace/add-works/review)
- [Import a spreadsheet](/docs/workspace/add-works/spreadsheet)
- [Ways to add works](/docs/workspace/add-works/)