GraphAcademy
Course

Importing Data into Neo4j Workshop

Import CSV data into Neo4j in this hands-on workshop: design a graph data model, then use Data Importer to map nodes, relationships, and constraints.

2 hours10 lessons across 2 modules
About this workshop

In this 2-hour workshop, you will learn

The Importing Data into Neo4j Workshop is a hands-on Neo4j workshop in which you take flat CSV files and turn them into a connected graph. You will design a Full definition for data model (opens in a new tab)The labels, relationship types and properties chosen to represent a domain., then use the Neo4j Full definition for Data Importer (opens in a new tab)The Neo4j tool for loading CSV files into a graph by mapping their columns onto nodes and relationships. to create Full definition for node (opens in a new tab)A vertex in a graph. In a property graph it can carry labels and properties., Full definition for relationship (opens in a new tab)A named, directed connection between two nodes. Every relationship has a type, a start node and an end node., Full definition for property (opens in a new tab)A named value stored on a node or a relationship., indexes, and Full definition for constraint (opens in a new tab)A rule the database enforces on every node or relationship with a given label or type, rejecting any write that breaks it. - finishing with the skills to import your own data.

The course accompanies an instructor-led GraphAcademy session, but it is fully self-contained: you can follow along live or work at your own pace in your browser.

  • Importing Data

    Load CSV files into Neo4j by mapping columns to nodes and relationships, transforming flat tabular data into a connected graph structure.

  • Data Modeling

    Design a graph data model that accurately represents your domain, choosing appropriate node labels, relationship types, and property keys.

  • Neo4j Data Importer

    Use the Neo4j Data Importer visual tool to configure CSV mappings, preview results, and execute imports without writing any Cypher code.

  • Indexes

    Create indexes on high-cardinality properties to accelerate query lookups and understand when Neo4j applies them during query planning.

  • Constraints

    Apply uniqueness and existence constraints to enforce data integrity, preventing duplicate nodes and ensuring required properties are always present.

Before you start

What you need to take part.

  • A GraphAcademy account

    The workshop is delivered here on GraphAcademy, so you need to be signed in to work through the lessons and keep your progress. Creating an account is free.

    Sign in or create an account

Course content

2 modules, 2 hours.

  1. 2 lessons
    1. How can I import data into Neo4j?5 min
    2. How to Model Data5 min
  2. 8 lessons
    1. Data Importer5 min
    2. Properties and Types5 min
    3. Add Movie Nodes5 min
    4. Unique IDs and Constraints5 min
    5. Creating Relationships5 min
    6. Add Directed relationship5 min
    7. Add Users Ratings5 min
    8. Import your CSV file5 min

  • Who this workshop is for

    This workshop is for anyone who has data in tables and wants it in a graph. Data engineers, analysts, and developers preparing a proof of concept all face the same first task - getting existing data into Neo4j - and this workshop walks you through it end to end using the movie dataset. You do not need to write any import code: the Neo4j Full definition for Data Importer (opens in a new tab)The Neo4j tool for loading CSV files into a graph by mapping their columns onto nodes and relationships. is a visual tool where you upload CSV files, draw your Full definition for data model (opens in a new tab)The labels, relationship types and properties chosen to represent a domain., map columns onto it, and run the import. There are no hard prerequisites, though a basic understanding of graph databases helps - Neo4j Fundamentals covers this in about an hour. A Neo4j instance is provisioned for you when you enrol, so there is nothing to install.

  • What you'll do

    You will start with the import process itself: where data comes from, the formats Neo4j can consume, and how to sketch a Full definition for data model (opens in a new tab)The labels, relationship types and properties chosen to represent a domain. first - deciding which fields become Full definition for node (opens in a new tab)A vertex in a graph. In a property graph it can carry labels and properties., Full definition for relationship (opens in a new tab)A named, directed connection between two nodes. Every relationship has a type, a start node and an end node., or Full definition for property (opens in a new tab)A named value stored on a node or a relationship. - because the model determines the questions your graph can answer. The bulk of the workshop is spent inside the Neo4j Full definition for Data Importer (opens in a new tab)The Neo4j tool for loading CSV files into a graph by mapping their columns onto nodes and relationships.. Working with movie, person, and ratings data, you will create nodes from CSV files, map columns to properties with the correct types, and set unique identifiers so the import can run repeatedly without duplicating data. You will connect your nodes with relationships, including ones that carry their own properties, such as the roles an actor played or the rating a user gave. The final challenge asks you to import a CSV file of your own choosing, applying the full workflow without step-by-step instructions.

    The Data Importer generates the underlying Full definition for Cypher (opens in a new tab)Neo4j's implementation of GQL, the ISO standard query language for graph databases. It is declarative: you describe the pattern to find, and the database decides how to find it. for you, but the concepts you practise transfer directly to every other import method. Unique identifiers, property types, relationship direction, and Full definition for constraint (opens in a new tab)A rule the database enforces on every node or relationship with a given label or type, rejecting any write that breaks it. are the same decisions you will make when you later script an import or load data from an application - only the tooling changes.

  • Where to go next

    Importing Data Fundamentals consolidates the modeling and import workflow you practised here. When you need more control, Importing CSV data into Neo4j teaches the Full definition for Cypher (opens in a new tab)Neo4j's implementation of GQL, the ISO standard query language for graph databases. It is declarative: you describe the pattern to find, and the database decides how to find it. LOAD CSV approach, and Graph Data Modeling Fundamentals sharpens the modeling decisions that come before any import. If your data will arrive from an application rather than files, Using Neo4j with Python shows you how to read and write the graph with the official Python driver. You can find upcoming instructor-led sessions and the other companion courses on the workshops page.