# Import SQL data into Lightsail MySQL databases
<a name="amazon-lightsail-importing-data-into-your-mysql-database"></a>

You can import a SQL file (.SQL) into your MySQL managed database in Amazon Lightsail using MySQL Workbench.

**Note**  
To learn how to connect MySQL Workbench to your database, see [Connect to your MySQL database](amazon-lightsail-connecting-to-your-mysql-database.md).

**To import data into your database**

1. Open MySQL Workbench.

1. In the list of MySQL Connections, choose your MySQL managed database.

1. Choose **Data Import/Restore** from the left-navigation menu.

1. In the Data Import pane, choose **Import from Self-Contained File** under the **Import Options** section.  
![\[Importing a self-contained .SQL file\]](http://docs.aws.amazon.com/lightsail/latest/userguide/images/amazon-lightsail-import-from-self-contained-file.png)

1. Choose the ellipsis button to browse your local drive for the .SQL file that you want to import.

1. Choose the .SQL file to import, then choose **Open**.

1. Choose the **Default Target Schema** drop-down menu, then select the existing database to import the file to. You can also create a new database by choosing **New**.  
![\[Choosing a default target schema\]](http://docs.aws.amazon.com/lightsail/latest/userguide/images/amazon-lightsail-default-schema-to-import-to.png)

1. Choose **Start Import** to start the import.

   Your import may take a few minutes or more depending on the size of the .SQL file. After the import is complete, you should see a message similar to the following:  
![\[Import completed\]](http://docs.aws.amazon.com/lightsail/latest/userguide/images/amazon-lightsail-import-finished.png)