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Importing data

Caplo can import ArchiMate models from .archimate files. Import is useful when you already have an architecture model and want to move useful entities and relations into Caplo.

Before you import​

Prepare the source model before uploading it:

  • Remove content you do not want in Caplo.
  • Check names for obvious duplicates.
  • Decide whether duplicate items with the same name and type should be merged.
  • Import into the right workspace.

Upload and preview​

Open Settings > Experimental > ArchiMate import and upload one supported file.

Caplo previews the entities and relations it found before importing them. Review the preview carefully. It shows what can be imported, what will be skipped, and how source types map to Caplo types.

Duplicate handling​

The import flow can merge duplicate entities from the uploaded file when they have the same name and mapped type. This is useful when a source model contains repeated references to the same concept.

Existing Caplo entities are not blindly overwritten. If an item already exists, review the preview and decide what cleanup is needed after import.

Type mapping​

ArchiMate element and relation types are mapped to Caplo entity and relation types. Caplo's default and extended metamodel let entities represent any ArchiMate element, while workspace settings still control which types are enabled and visible.

For a visual mapping between ArchiMate and Caplo, see Caplo vs. ArchiMate.

Some source elements may be skipped if they cannot be mapped clearly or do not fit the current workspace settings.

After import​

After importing:

  1. Review the new repository entities.
  2. Check important relations.
  3. Approve items that are ready for shared use.
  4. Create saved repository views for cleanup.
  5. Build one or two diagrams or reports to validate the imported model.

Common issues​

  • The file does not upload: Confirm it is a valid .archimate file.
  • Some items are skipped: Review the skip reason in the preview.
  • Duplicates appear: Clean names in the source model or merge duplicate records in Caplo.
  • The imported model feels too large: Start with a smaller domain or export a focused subset from the source tool.