"Invalid template file" when uploading to RAM Assess

"Invalid template file" when uploading to RAM Assess

When uploading your packaging data, you may see an Invalid template file error.
This means the system cannot recognise the spreadsheet as a valid RAM Assess template - not that the data itself is wrong.

In almost all cases, the structure of the template has been changed unintentionally

Most common causes

Data entered into the wrong tab

RAM Assess only reads data from the worksheet named:
Packaging Data w RAM Asse.

Entering information into any other tab (for example a copied sheet or renamed tab) will cause the upload to fail, even if the data is correct.

What to check

  • Confirm all packaging data sits inside Packaging Data w RAM Asse.

  • Do not rename this tab

  • Do not duplicate the tab and use the copy

Columns have been deleted or hidden

The template contains fixed column references.
If columns are removed, reordered, or hidden, the system cannot map the file.

This includes:

  • Deleting columns

  • Hiding columns

  • Moving columns into a different order

  • Copying data into a new spreadsheet and recreating the layout

Rows can be deleted — this is safe.
Columns must remain exactly as provided.

Hidden rows

Hidden rows can prevent the template from being read correctly.
This often happens when:

  • Filters were applied and the file saved

  • Rows were manually hidden

Fix:
Select the entire sheet → right-click → Unhide rows → save again.

Saved as the wrong file type

RAM Assess only accepts:

.XLSX (Excel Workbook)

The upload will fail if the file has been saved as:

  • CSV

  • XLS (older Excel format)

  • XLSM (macro-enabled workbook)

  • ODS / Google Sheets export

  • Any renamed file pretending to be XLSX

How to resolve the error

  1. Download a fresh template from RAM Assess

  2. Copy only the cell values from your existing file

  3. Paste into the Packaging Data w RAM Asse. tab

  4. Ensure no columns are hidden or removed

  5. Save as .XLSX

  6. Upload again

Preventing the issue

  • Do not restructure the template

  • Do not rename sheets or headers

  • Only delete rows you do not need

  • Always keep an original blank template copy

  • Avoid working in CSV and converting later

Still seeing the error?

If the file still fails after following the above steps, send the spreadsheet to support.
We will check the template structure and identify what is preventing it from being recognised.

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