After importing categories from your Data Catalog Provider (like AutoSync or SEMA Data), you may want to map them before importing products.
Category mapping is optional — you can skip it and import products with their original categories from the provider’s catalog if that works for you.
Here, we’ll explain what category mapping is, when to use it, and how to set it up.
Before you begin
Connect your Auto Integration with your API Credentials.
Ensure all product categories are imported and add any extra ones if needed.
What is category mapping?
Category mapping lets you match categories from an integration to the ones you use in your X-Cart store.
For example, SEMA might list the round things 🛞 that move cars under Wheels, but in your store, you call them Rims. To make sure those products end up in the right place, you can map SEMA’s “Wheels” category to your “Rims” category:
Where to find the category mapping page
Once your categories are imported:
Go to Catalog › Catalog Import in your X-Cart Admin.
Open the Category Mapping tab.
Select your integration (e.g., ASAP, Meyer, SEMA Data, Turn14).
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The Category Mapping page has three main columns:
Import from <Auto Integration> Category | Displays the category structure from your integration (like SEMA, AutoSync, etc.).
Click arrow |
Copy nested subcategories | If enabled
This is turned on by default when subcategories exist. |
To X-Cart category | Displays your store’s category structure.
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to expand and view subcategories.
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How to map categories
In the To X-Cart Category column, use Select Category to choose where products from the first column should be placed.
If you don’t select a category, products will be imported using the provider’s original structure (e.g., Wheels will stay as Wheels, not Rims).
📋 Example: Mapping Wheel to Rims
📋 Example: Mapping Wheel to Rims
Let’s say we’re using SEMA Data and want to import Wheel products into a store category called Rims.
Create a New Category in your X-Cart store called Rims.
Go to Catalog › Catalog Import › Category Mapping.
Select your integration (SEMA Data).
Find Tire and Wheel, click to expand it, then expand Wheel to locate Wheel.
In the third column, click Select Category and choose Rims.
Click Save Changes.
All products from Tire and Wheel / Wheel / Wheel will now be imported into your store’s Rims category.
⚠️ Place products in the most specific subcategory!
For example, in SEMA, wheels go under: Tire and Wheel › Wheel › Wheel — not just Tire and Wheel.
Copying nested categories
When you import categories from your Auto Integration into your X-Cart store, you can choose whether to bring in all the subcategories (nested categories) as well.
This option is helpful if you want to keep the full category structure from your integration.
📋 For example, if you import Wheel and Tire Accessories and turn on this setting, it will also create subcategories like Tire Pressure Sensors and Tire Tubes, etc.
If you don’t need all those extra subcategories, you can turn this setting off 
for certain sections.
✅ Success! You've mapped categories.
Repeat this step for each integration. Once all categories are synced, products will be placed in the right sections of your store — with no duplicates. Keep reading to see your next step.
Handling changes in category structure
If you decide to change your category mapping later, keep these key points in mind:
Existing products won’t change categories after re-import—you’ll need to update their categories manually.
If you delete a category used in your category mapping, be sure to update the mapping to assign those products to a new category. Otherwise, future imports will fail.
📋 For example, if you delete Wheels & Tires category in your store but it’s still linked to SEMA’s Tire and Wheel category, you must select a new X-Cart category.
What's next?
After mapping categories, adjust general catalog import settings, to apply consistent rules for stock, pricing, and product visibility.
Can't find answers you're looking for?
Email us at support@x-cart.com. We will be happy to help!