After importing categories from your auto integration (like SEMA Data), it’s a good idea to map them before importing products. This means matching categories from one integration to those from another – or to existing categories in your store.
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 create 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:
Is it okay to skip category mapping?
You can skip category mapping when setting up your first auto integration – but only if you haven’t manually created any additional categories in your store. In that case, products will be imported using the original categories from the provider's catalog.
If you have already created some categories manually, you’ll need to either delete those or map the categories from your first auto integration to your existing ones.
For any additional integrations, category mapping is always required. You must map the new provider’s categories to the ones created with your first integration (or to the ones you added manually. If you don’t, X-Cart will create duplicate categories – even if the category names are the same.
📋 How unmapped categories create duplicates
📋 How unmapped categories create duplicates
Let’s say your first auto integration is SEMA. When you import products, it creates a category called "Tire and Wheel."
Later, if you add Turn14 and import products without first mapping its categories to SEMA’s, Turn14 will create two separate categories "Wheels" and "Tires" – since that’s how it organizes them.
As a result, you’ll end up with three overlapping categories for the same type of products, cluttering your catalog.
💡 In short: If you use multiple integrations or/and have existing categories in your store, always map them.
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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Understanding the category mapping page
The Category Mapping page has three main columns:
1. Import from <Auto Integration> Category
1. Import from <Auto Integration> Category
Displays the category structure from your integration (like SEMA, AutoSync, etc.). Click arrow to expand and view subcategories:
2. Copy nested subcategories
2. Copy nested subcategories
Some integrations have categories with multiple levels of subcategories. When importing categories into your X-Cart store, you can choose whether to include these nested subcategories.
If Copy Nested Subcategories is enabled (default), all subcategories from the integration will be copied into your store exactly as they appear.
If you don’t need the full structure, you can disable this setting for specific categories (or subcategories) to keep your catalog simpler.
3. To X-Cart category
3. To X-Cart category
Displays your store’s category structure. Use the selector to choose where each integration category should appear in your X-Cart catalog. Any changes you make will be displayed to the right of the selector.
⚠️ Place products in the most specific subcategory!
For example, in SEMA, wheels go under: Tire and Wheel › Wheel › Wheel — not just Tire and Wheel.
How to map categories
Once your categories are imported, follow these steps in the Category Mapping tab of your X-Cart Admin:
In the Import from <Auto Integration> Category column, find the category you want to map.
In the To X-Cart Category column, click Select Category.
Choose the destination category in your store’s catalog, or leave it empty to keep the original structure from the provider.
(Optional) Uncheck Copy Nested Subcategories if you don’t want to import subcategories as they appear in the provider’s catalog.
Repeat these steps for all categories and subcategories.
Click Save Changes when you're done.
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✅ 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!