What it is
Custom CSV import is for bringing trade history into Tessera from a broker that does not have a dedicated Tessera integration. You upload a CSV file, map its columns to Tessera’s fields, and your trades appear in the Trade Log like any other account.
Use a built-in broker import (OANDA, IBKR, TradingView, Tradovate, etc.) when one exists - Custom CSV is the fallback for “any other broker.”
There is no live API sync for Custom CSV. You re-import when you have a new statement.
What you can do
- Import trades from any broker CSV by mapping columns
- Preview a file before importing to catch mapping errors
- Save a template so the next import from the same broker layout is faster
- Set your real executing broker name (e.g. “My Prop Firm”) separate from the import lane
- Import one row per trade, paired open/close rows, or one row per fill depending on how your file is structured
- Remove a single imported account or disconnect Custom CSV entirely
How it works
Before you start
- Check Brokers overview - your broker may already have a dedicated CSV path with less setup.
- Have a CSV export from your broker with at least: symbol, entry/exit times, prices, quantity, and PnL or enough data to derive it.
- Know your account name (how you want it labelled in Tessera) and statement timezone (IANA name, e.g. `America/New_York`).
Import flow
- Upload your CSV.
- Map columns - match each Tessera field (symbol, entry time, exit time, side, quantity, PnL, etc.) to a column in your file.
- Set executing broker - the real firm or platform name (shown in your account picker as `OANDA - My Account`, not “Custom CSV”).
- Set account name - your account code in Tessera.
- Choose asset classes you trade on this account (FX, crypto, equity, futures, etc.).
- Set timezone - how timestamps in the file should be interpreted.
- Preview - review row counts, warnings, and sample parsed trades.
- Import - trades are stored under the Custom CSV lane with your account name.
Import modes
| Mode | When to use |
|---|---|
| One row per trade | Each row is a complete round-trip (entry and exit on the same line) |
| Two rows per trade | Open and close on separate rows linked by a trade ID |
| One row per fill | Each row is a single buy or sell execution |
Pick the mode that matches how your broker exports data.
Symbol mapping
If Tessera does not recognise a symbol in your file, you may need to specify an import instrument or map symbols during preview. See Instruments for how matching works.
Templates
On a successful import you can save a template (column mapping + layout). Next time you import the same broker format, select the template to skip remapping.
Templates are separate from accounts: deleting an account does not delete your templates. Disconnecting Custom CSV entirely removes credentials and templates.
After import
- Trades appear in the Trade Log under Custom CSV with your account name and executing broker label.
- Analytics use trading PnL only - no live balance or deposit/withdrawal curve. See Portfolio growth and Broker data and sync.
- Re-import the same account name with a new file to add or refresh history (behaviour depends on how duplicates are handled in your file).
Removing data
- One account: remove that account from Tessera - trades and account metadata for that account are deleted; templates remain.
- Disconnect Custom CSV entirely: removes credentials and all saved templates (do this only if you are done with Custom CSV).
Limitations
- No automatic sync - you must upload new CSVs manually.
- No broker portfolio balance or equity curve - cumulative trading PnL only.
- Mapping quality depends on your file: wrong timezone or column mapping produces wrong entry/exit times.
- Very large files may take longer to preview and import.
- Custom CSV requires an active subscription.