When uploading changes via Excel file, Marin requires that the file be saved in Unicode (UTF-8) text format to avoid any errors related to formatting or encoding.

However, even when saving in Unicode format, Excel will still encode certain characters. If the file is not saved and loaded with this format, Excel’s encoding of special characters will cause these characters to display incorrectly in Marin.

How To Avoid Character Encoding

Characters that Microsoft Excel encodes include non-English-language characters/punctuation and special characters such as trademark symbols. This also includes non-standard punctuation such as double-byte characters (�) or characters such as ä, è, ë.

If you’re performing an upload that you feel may include characters like this, it’s a good idea to either:

• Save your bulk upload file as a Unicode Text file (UTF-8), and then upload this file format into Marin.

Or you can do the following as an extra precaution:

• Copy your workbook into a text editor such as Notepad once you’ve finished making your changes in Excel. You can then save it as a Unicode file from there and upload that file to Marin without worrying about encoded characters. 

Make sure to review your upload before loading it into Marin to ensure that you do not see any issues with characters or formatting.

Note: Notepad does not encode these characters when saved in Unicode format. However, if you use a different kind of text editor, we advise you to check how it handles special characters before using it to save a bulk sheet.