> For a complete page index of the Captain API documentation, fetch https://docs.captain.dev/llms.txt?excludeSpec=true

# Import from Algolia

> Copy an Algolia index into a new Captain catalog from the console, with its products, search settings, synonyms and merchandising rules.

Copy one Algolia index into a new Captain catalog. You don't need to write code or export files.

#### [1. Make a read-only key](#make-a-read-only-key)

In Algolia, create a key with the browse and settings rights.

#### [2. Run the import](#run-the-import)

Paste the key, pick the index and name the new catalog.

#### [3. Check what came over](/guides/product-search/algolia-import/what-gets-imported)

See which settings carried over, which were adjusted and which didn't.

**You'll need:** an Algolia application you can create API keys in, and a Captain account that can make changes in Product Search.

## Make a read-only key

Captain reads your index with an Algolia key that can't change anything. It refuses a key that can write.

#### Open API keys in Algolia

In the Algolia dashboard, go to **Settings**, then **API Keys**, then **All API Keys**, and select **New API Key**.

#### Give it two rights

Under **ACL**, select **browse** and **settings**. Add **listIndexes** too if you want to pick the index from a list in Captain. Leave every other right off.

#### Limit it to the index (optional)

Under **Indices**, enter the index you're importing.

#### Create the key and copy it

Copy the key, then copy your **Application ID** from the same page.

| Right                    | What Captain reads with it                        | Without it                                                 |
| ------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------- |
| `browse`                 | Products                                          | The import stops.                                          |
| `settings`               | Search settings, synonyms and merchandising rules | Products still import. The summary lists what wasn't read. |
| `listIndexes` (optional) | The list behind **Load my indexes**               | Type the index name instead.                               |

Captain refuses a key that has `addObject`, `deleteObject`, `deleteIndex` or `editSettings`, before it reads anything. It refuses your Admin API Key too.

> **Note**
>
> Your browser sends the key straight to Algolia to list your indexes and check the key's rights. Captain's servers use it once, to read this index from Algolia's own hosts, and hold it in memory only for the length of the import. Captain never writes the key to storage, logs, the import job or any response, and the console doesn't save it. To use the key again, paste it again.

## Run the import

#### Open Integrations

In the Captain console, open **Product Search**, then **Integrations**. On the **Algolia** card, select **Import from Algolia**.

#### Enter your Algolia details

Paste the **Application ID** and the **API key**. Type the index name, or select **Load my indexes** to pick it from a list. The list needs the `listIndexes` right.

#### Name the new catalog

The import always creates a new catalog. Catalog names use lowercase letters `a` to `z`, digits `0` to `9`, `_` and `-`, start with a letter or digit, and are up to 48 characters long. The dialog suggests a name from the Algolia index and refuses one that's already taken.

#### Choose what to bring over

Products and search settings always come over. **Synonyms** and **Merchandising rules** are on by default, and you can turn either one off. A part you turn off is cleared from the new catalog when the import finishes.

#### Select Import

The dialog shows each step: reading from Algolia, mapping, adding products, and building the catalog. You can close it. The import runs on Captain's servers, the Algolia card shows its progress, and you get a notification when it finishes.

When it finishes, the dialog sums it up, for example "Imported 12,480 products, 34 synonyms, 9 merchandising rules and your search settings". It also lists anything that didn't come over.

## Next

* [What gets imported](/guides/product-search/algolia-import/what-gets-imported): how each Algolia setting, synonym type and rule maps.
* [Troubleshooting](/guides/product-search/algolia-import/troubleshooting): timing for large catalogs, errors, and what happens when an import fails.
* To import with the API instead, see [Import from Algolia](/guides/product-search/records#import-from-algolia) in Records.
* To keep an Algolia client or InstantSearch front end working against Captain, see [Algolia Compatibility](/guides/product-search/algolia-compatibility).