Import Environment Variables for Netlify
The desktop Netlify deployment panel can import a .env file into a connected site. It previews the variables before saving and skips keys that already exist. Start with the correct Netlify account and site selected.
Open the site’s environment variables
Open the project’s Netlify deployment and its environment-variable controls. Confirm the account and site, then choose Import .env and select the configuration file. Use one KEY=value entry per line. Fix any reported line errors in the source file and import it again.
Review the selected keys and values
Review the preview and select the new variables to import. Values are hidden by default; use Show values when you need to inspect or edit them. Existing keys are marked Already exists · skipped. Use the environment manager’s Edit action separately when you intend to replace an existing value.
Choose secrets and a deploy context
Imported variables start as secrets. Leave Secret enabled for credentials and uncheck it for intentionally public configuration. Choose Production, Deploy Previews, Branch Deploys, or Local Development. All Contexts is available only when the selected variables contain no secrets. Keep private credentials out of variables your frontend exposes to visitors.
Import the selected variables
Click Import selected and wait for the result. The app checks existing keys again before saving; if a key was added elsewhere, it is deselected so you can review the remaining import. If only some variables save, the completed rows are removed and you can retry the remaining rows after fixing the connection or account permissions.
Deploy again and verify the app
After the import succeeds, deploy the site again to apply the configuration. Check the deployment result and test the feature that uses the new variables, such as sign-in or an API connection. If it fails, confirm that you chose the intended site and deploy context and that existing keys were edited when necessary.