---
title: "Step 4: Import Repositories"
canonical: "https://support.appfire.com/space/FD/2832630587/Step%204%3A%20Import%20Repositories"
format: markdown
---
> Macro (aura-html)

The goal of this step is to select the first set of repositories to import.

> 📝 Before you begin:
> 📝 
> 📝 - Ensure you have connected Flow to at least one external provider (revisit [Step 3](https://appfire.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FD/pages/2833646161) if needed).
> 📝 - Note that it can take at least several hours to import data from the selected repos.

## Importing a repository

This is a **low effort**, **hours+**, **required** configuration.

![Importing a repository step.](media://d34f7932-e873-4dd7-8bc5-e942005203c2)

Importing repositories is the foundational step in Flow because it provides the raw Git data required to generate any meaningful analytics. Without these repositories, the platform cannot track commit history, code changes, or developer activity, leaving your dashboards empty. 

This process enables Flow to analyze historical patterns and real-time contributions, which are essential for calculating metrics such as Impact and Churn. By selecting specific repositories, you define the scope of your data, ensuring the insights you see are relevant to your current projects and teams. 

Ultimately, the import connects your source code to actionable leadership insights.

To begin repo selection, click the **Select repos to import** button. This will take you to the *Repos* page, where you select the repositories you want Flow to ingest first. Select at least one, but no more than five, repos for your first batch.

Visit the [Repositories](https://appfire.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FD/pages/1802633293) page to learn how to import, exclude, and manage your repos in Flow.

Click **Continue** to proceed to [Step 5: Merge Users](https://appfire.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/FD/pages/2833253168).