Blank and omitted CSV fields are different instructions
Understand the difference between clearing a target value and leaving it unchanged.
A blank cell is still a supplied value
In a declared target sheet, a mapped blank cell means the expected result is empty. If the before value was Blue and the actual value is empty, the clear was observed. A blank does not mean “ignore this row.”
An omitted field can mean no change
If no approved target column is mapped for a field, CatalogWitness expects the original value to remain. This lets you check that a price update did not unexpectedly alter another selected field.
Platform imports have their own rules
Shopify documents different behavior for blank versus omitted non-required columns when overwriting products. It also documents defaults and dependencies for particular fields. CatalogWitness does not simulate those rules; provide the exported target values you actually expect.
Handle mixed intentions explicitly
If one row should clear a field and another should retain its value, fill in the retained value or split the checks. A single blank marker cannot safely represent both instructions.
Always review the selected scope
An approved column that is not mapped is not checked. The workbench flags unused target columns so you can decide whether to include them before interpreting the result.
Source reviewed September 5, 2026: Shopify official documentation. Platform behavior can change; check current guidance before importing.
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