# Custom FOCUS import

> Upload a FOCUS-formatted cost file for a provider LevelFour does not connect to directly.

Source: https://docs.levelfour.ai/connectors/custom-focus


## Prerequisites

* A cost file in FOCUS format (version 1.1 through 1.3), with at minimum `ChargeCategory`, `ChargePeriodStart`, `BilledCost`, and `ServiceName` columns. Add `ChargePeriodEnd` if any of your costs are amortized.
* The file must be 100 MB or smaller. Split a larger export into multiple files and upload them one at a time.

## Connect

### Prepare your FOCUS file

Export or build a CSV with the required FOCUS columns. Most billing systems that publish a FOCUS export can produce this directly.

### Upload it to LevelFour

Open **Connect Providers**, select **Custom provider > Upload a FOCUS CSV**, name the provider, and upload the file. Click **Confirm and import**.

## Confirming it worked

The connection moves to **Connected**, and the rows from your file appear in your cost views under the provider name you chose. Your first data appears within a day.

## Rotating or removing access

There is no credential to rotate. To remove the data, disconnect the provider under **Connect Providers**.

## Troubleshooting

| Symptom                            | What to do                                                                                                        |
| ---------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| The upload is refused              | Confirm the file is under 2 MB and 10,000 rows, and that it has the required FOCUS columns with those exact names |
| Amortized costs look wrong         | Include `ChargePeriodEnd` for any row that represents an amortized cost, not just `ChargePeriodStart`             |
| You need to add more history later | Upload another file. Each upload adds rows; it does not replace what is already there                             |

## Next

* [Connect Providers](/connectors) lists every provider you can connect
* [Add a recurring cost](/connectors/custom-recurring) is simpler for a flat monthly charge with no per-line detail