---
title: "How to import a MapInfo TAB dataset"
description: "Import a MapInfo TAB dataset by uploading its four files together: .tab, .dat, .id, and .map. Convert .mid and .mif files first."
sidebar:
  label: "Import a MapInfo TAB"
---

A MapInfo TAB dataset uses four loose files: `.tab`, `.dat`, `.id`, and `.map`. Upload them together. MangoMap does not accept `.mid`/`.mif`. Convert those files to TAB or shapefile first.

## Before you start

- You need an account role of `Admin` or above to import data.
- Your MapInfo dataset must include all four files: `.tab` (definition), `.dat` (attributes), `.id` (index), and `.map` (geometry).
- Each file must be 5 GB or smaller.

## Open the import page

From the `Data` page, click `Import data`. Or, from a map, open `Manage layers` and click `Import new data` to import directly into that map.

## Pick the format

In the `Data format` dropdown, select `Tab`.

## Add the four files

Click `Upload files` and select all four files together, or drag them onto the page. MangoMap matches each file to its row by extension and uploads it in the background. Wait until every progress bar is full and green.

<img src="/_assets/importing-data/import-mapinfo-tab--uploaded.png" alt="Import data page with Data format set to Tab, singapore_landmarks .dat, .id, .map, and .tab files each with a full green progress bar, Dataset name Singapore landmarks, an empty Description, and the Cancel and Save buttons" width="1600" height="960" />

If a row shows `File missing`, click the `Upload` button on that row to add the missing file.

## Name the dataset and save

When all four files are in, the name fields appear.

- Enter a `Dataset name`. It is required, and MangoMap fills it in from the file name.
- Optionally add a `Description`.

Click `Save`. A `Processing data…` dialog appears while MangoMap reads the dataset. When processing finishes, you land on the dataset detail page (or back on the map).

## If your dataset has more than four files

MapInfo can produce additional files such as `.ind` (attribute index) and `.mid`/`.mif` (Interchange Format). Leave out any extra files, such as `.ind`.

If you have a `.mid`/`.mif` pair instead of a TAB set, convert to TAB or shapefile in MapInfo or QGIS first.

## Troubleshooting

**"File missing" never goes away on one of the rows.** That extension hasn't been uploaded. Check that the filename ends in the right extension — operating systems sometimes hide extensions.

**Processing fails with `Unsupported coordinate system`.** The TAB file declares a projection MangoMap can't reproject from. Reproject to `EPSG:4326` or `EPSG:3857` first. See [Unsupported coordinate system](/docs/importing-data/troubleshoot-unsupported-crs).

**Storage limit reached.** Your account has run out of storage. See [Storage limit reached when importing](/docs/importing-data/troubleshoot-storage-limit).

## Related

- [Supported file formats and limits](/docs/importing-data/supported-formats)
- [How importing data works in MangoMap](/docs/importing-data/concepts-importing-data)
- [Unsupported coordinate system](/docs/importing-data/troubleshoot-unsupported-crs)