Quick answer: Most recipe apps let you export their data. For bulk transfers, email the file and your CookBook username to team@cookbookmanager.com and we’ll import everything for you (Pro plan required). If you’re moving from an app we don’t directly support, you may still be able to transfer your recipes using our CSV template with help from an AI tool such as ChatGPT or Claude.

Single-recipe imports (do it yourself)

You can import individual recipe files yourself.

1. Export the recipe file from your old app.
2. In CookBook, tap Add (+).
3. Select From a file.
4. Browse to the file in your phone’s file manager and select it.
5. CookBook will read JSON-LD, hRecipe, Schema.org, and most plain-text formats automatically.
6. Review the recipe, then tap Save.

Bulk imports (let us handle it)

For larger recipe collections, we can import your recipes for you.

Email team@cookbookmanager.com with:

• Your CookBook email / username
• The app you’re transferring from, for example Paprika, MasterCook, Recipe Keeper, Pestle, Flavorish, ReciMe, or another app
• Your exported recipe file, either attached or shared as a download link

We’ll queue the import and notify you when your full library is in CookBook. Note: you’ll need a Pro subscription.

File types we accept

Importing from an unsupported app

Some recipe apps do not provide an export format that CookBook can directly bulk import.

This includes apps where the export format is unavailable, limited, or not currently supported by our importer. Examples may include apps such as Flavorish, Pestle, ReciMe, or other recipe managers.

If your app is not listed as a supported direct import, the best option is to use our CSV template.

You can find the CSV example file here.

Using ChatGPT or Claude to help format your CSV

If you can export or copy your recipe data from your current app, you may be able to use an AI tool such as ChatGPT or Claude to help convert it into CookBook’s CSV format.

The process is:

1. Download the CSV file.
2. Export your recipe data from your old app, or copy the recipe information you want to transfer.
3. Open ChatGPT, Claude, or another AI assistant.
4. Upload or paste the CookBook CSV template.
5. Upload or paste the recipe data from your old app.
6. Ask the AI tool to structure the recipe data using the exact columns from the CookBook CSV template.
7. Review the completed CSV carefully.
8. Email the finished CSV file to team@cookbookmanager.com with your CookBook account details.

You can use a prompt like this:

I am transferring recipes into CookBook. Please convert the recipe data below into the exact CSV format shown in this template. Keep the same column names and structure. Map the recipe title, ingredients, method, servings, prep time, cook time, notes, source, and any other available fields into the closest matching CSV columns. If a field is missing, leave it blank. Please return the result as a CSV file.

This is especially useful when moving from an app that does not support a standard export format or is not directly supported by CookBook.

Please make sure you review the AI-generated CSV before sending it to us, as AI tools can occasionally place information in the wrong column or miss details.

About CSV imports

If you’d like to bulk import your own curated recipes, you’ll need to use our CSV spreadsheet and add your recipe information in that format.

1. Download the CSV file.
2. Review the example recipe in row 2.
3. Add your recipe information using the same format.
4. Email the completed file to team@cookbookmanager.com with your CookBook account details.
5. We’ll import it for you.

Please note that CSV import is currently an interim method. It includes most core recipe fields, but not every CookBook field is supported yet.

Need help exporting from your current app?

Check your current app’s help centre for “Export” instructions, then follow the steps above.

If you’re stuck, email us at team@cookbookmanager.com and include:

• The name of the app you’re moving from
• Any exported files you have
• Any export instructions or documentation you found
• Your CookBook email or username

We’ll take a look and guide you through the best option. We’re excited to welcome your whole recipe collection to CookBook!

Updated on: 14/06/2026