> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.solutioo.de/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.solutioo.de/shopware/shopware6_en_us/data-from-shopware-download-and-matching.md).

# Data from Shopware (Download & Matching)

The Shopware 6 API Connector not only transfers data **to** Shopware, it can also **retrieve data back from Shopware** and match existing objects automatically. This is essential when you introduce the connector in a shop that is already populated: existing products, properties, images, and categories are **linked instead of created twice**.

**The matching principle**

Matching is based on unique identifiers:

* **Web-ID** – the Shopware ID that is stored on the BC record.
* **productNumber / SKU** – matching existing products by item number.
* **Email address** – matching customers during order import.

**Topics**

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Product Matching by SKU &#x26; Web-ID</strong></td><td>Link existing products by item number. <a href="/pages/3kbblI1n6QBmWWIBI6L6">Open</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Match Attributes &#x26; Properties</strong></td><td>Link property groups and options by matching names and values. <a href="/pages/zf9D85c9HHUe89zlKKVs">Open</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Match Variants (Color &#x26; Size)</strong></td><td>Assign parent items and variants (option 1/2/3). <a href="/pages/jpVFlPEicngqr586QdR7">Open</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Retrieve Product Images &#x26; Media Info</strong></td><td>Retrieve media assignments and maintain default images and covers. <a href="/pages/l6ELtsmy3vyYahEyBuPj">Open</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Download Categories</strong></td><td>Load and link existing Shopware categories. <a href="/pages/0Qg1uZXkqMaLuz1UbNxx">Open</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

{% hint style="success" %}
Recommendation: First [load the initial data](/shopware/shopware6_en_us/configuration/load-shopware-initial-data.md), then the categories and tags, then match the attributes, and only afterwards match the products. You will find the complete sequence under [Item Matching & Data Import from Shopware](/shopware/shopware6_en_us/master-data-management/item-matching-and-data-import-from-shopware.md).
{% endhint %}


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