# Automation Studio imports, file transfers and data extracts

*Marketing Cloud Engagement Specialist Study Guide · Marketing Automation · Last updated October 29, 2026 · https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/marketing-cloud-engagement-specialist/marketing-automation/automation-studio-imports-file-transfers-and-data-extracts*

How to build the file side of an automation: File Transfer to unzip or decrypt, trigger file naming patterns, Data Copy or Import settings (data action, mapping, delimiter, bad data and stale-file checks), SQL Query data actions, and Data Extract options such as Use Local TZ in Query.

- Certification: Salesforce Marketing Cloud Engagement Specialist
- Exam section: Marketing Automation
- Study guide: https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/marketing-cloud-engagement-specialist

**Official exam objective:**

> Given a customer scenario, build the appropriate Automation Studio solution.

## What the exam expects

- Add a File Transfer before importing a zipped or encrypted file, and fix unsupported compression.
- Pick the trigger substitution string that points a later step at the right file.
- Configure Data Copy or Import: data action, mapping, delimiter, Bad Data Behavior, stale-file checks.
- Choose a SQL Query data action, and set a tracking extract's time zone.
- Key terms: **Data Copy or Import** (the activity formerly called Import File); **import definition** (the saved settings the activity uses each run); **data action** (how rows are written to the destination); **Safehouse** (secure temporary storage for decrypted or unzipped files); **substitution string** (a `%%...%%` placeholder in a File Naming Pattern).

## Key facts

| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Unzip types | .zip, .gz, .tar; decrypt .pgp, .gpg | [File Transfer Activity](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mc_as_file_management_with_the_file_transfer_activity.htm&language=en_US&type=5) |
| Compression | Deflate64 not supported; use Zip64 | [File Transfer Activity](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mc_as_file_management_with_the_file_transfer_activity.htm&language=en_US&type=5) |
| SFTP and Safehouse retention | Files removed after 21 days | [Move Your Data](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/marketing-cloud-data-management/move-your-data) |
| `%%FILENAME_FROM_TRIGGER_BASE%%` | Drops only the final extension | [Substitution Strings Example](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mc_as_substitution_strings_example.htm&language=en_US&type=5) |
| Primary key on import | Required unless the action is Overwrite | [Import or Copy a Dataset](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mc_as_update_a_list_or_data_extension_using_an_external_file.htm&language=en_US&type=5) |
| Bad Data Behavior | Emails invalid rows; over 25 MB goes to the FTP folder | [Import or Copy a Dataset](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mc_as_update_a_list_or_data_extension_using_an_external_file.htm&language=en_US&type=5) |
| Fail import if file is older | Always import the most recent file | [Import or Copy a Dataset](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mc_as_update_a_list_or_data_extension_using_an_external_file.htm&language=en_US&type=5) |
| Query data actions | Append, Update, Overwrite; target can't be a source | [Build a SQL Query Activity](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mktg.mc_as_use_the_sql_query_activity.htm&language=en_US&type=5) |
| Tracking extract time zone | Without Use Local TZ in Query: CST, no daylight saving | [Data Extract Activity](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mktg.mc_as_use_a_data_extract_activity.htm&language=en_US&type=5) |

## Check yourself

- What else can the Data Extract activity do besides creating zipped files?
- When would you choose Map by Ordinal instead of Map by Header Row?
- Which substitution strings must a Data Extract file name avoid?
- Why does the File Transfer that delivers an extract go in a later step than the Data Extract?

## Sources

- [Import or Copy a Large Dataset Using an External File as the Source](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mc_as_update_a_list_or_data_extension_using_an_external_file.htm&language=en_US&type=5)
- [Manage a File with the File Transfer Activity in Automation Studio](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mc_as_file_management_with_the_file_transfer_activity.htm&language=en_US&type=5)
- [Substitution Strings Example](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mc_as_substitution_strings_example.htm&language=en_US&type=5)
- [Data Extract Activity](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mktg.mc_as_use_a_data_extract_activity.htm&language=en_US&type=5)
- [Move Your Data](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/marketing-cloud-data-management/move-your-data)
- [Build a SQL Query Activity](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mktg.mc_as_use_the_sql_query_activity.htm&language=en_US&type=5)
- [Automation Studio](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mktg.mc_as_automation_studio.htm&language=en_US)

## About the full unit

The "Core concepts", "Exam traps" and "Worked scenario" sections of this unit, its 10 linked practice questions, and unlimited timed mock exams are included with the Marketing Cloud Engagement Specialist pack (USD $19): https://www.certifyforce.com/practice-exams