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Quick solutions to problems you might encounter.

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File Upload Issues

Possible causes:
  • File is not a CSV
  • File is larger than 50MB
  • File is empty
Solutions:
  • Export from your source as CSV
  • Split large files into smaller batches
  • Verify file has data rows
Cause: Encoding mismatchSolution: Re-export your file as UTF-8:
  • Excel: Save As → CSV UTF-8
  • Google Sheets: File → Download → CSV (auto UTF-8)
Cause: Non-standard column namesSolution: Column detection is just for display. Use exact column names from your CSV in templates with {{Column Name}} syntax.
Cause: Missing data, empty cells, or data quality issuesSolutions:
  • Fill in missing critical fields (name, company, email)
  • Remove empty rows
  • Fix invalid email formats

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Template Issues

Cause: Column name mismatchSolution:
  • Check exact column name in your CSV
  • Use {{Exact Column Name}} with exact spelling
  • Column matching is case-insensitive
Causes:
  • Prompt too vague
  • Not enough variables used
  • Missing data in CSV
Solutions:
  • Add more specific instructions
  • Reference more columns
  • Check that CSV has data in referenced columns
Causes:
  • Instructions buried in long prompt
  • Conflicting instructions
Solutions:
  • Put key instructions at the end of prompt
  • Use “IMPORTANT:” prefix
  • Simplify conflicting requirements
Examples: “Here’s a hook:”, “Let me know!”Solution: Smelt auto-fixes most of these. If you still see them:
  • Add explicit instruction: “Do not include any preamble or sign-off”
  • Edit manually if occasional

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Job Issues

Possible causes:
  • Usage limit exceeded
  • No templates selected
  • File was deleted
Solutions:
  • Check Settings > Billing for usage
  • Ensure templates are selected in wizard
  • Verify source file exists
Possible causes:
  • API rate limiting
  • Network issues
  • Large job still processing
Solutions:
  • Wait a few minutes (rate limits auto-resolve)
  • Check job progress—large jobs take time
  • Pause and resume if stuck too long
Possible causes:
  • API key issues
  • Data problems in specific rows
  • Rate limiting
Solutions:
  • Check API key in Settings
  • Review failed rows for patterns
  • Re-run failed rows (auto-retry handles most issues)

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API Key Issues

Causes:
  • Typo in key
  • Key was revoked at OpenAI
  • Key expired
Solutions:
  • Re-enter key carefully (no extra spaces)
  • Generate new key at platform.openai.com
  • Delete old key in Smelt, add new one
Cause: OpenAI account has no creditsSolution: Add credits at platform.openai.com/account/billing
Cause: Too many requests to OpenAISolution:
  • Wait 1 minute (auto-retries handle this)
  • For persistent issues, check OpenAI tier limits

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Account Issues

Solutions:
  • Check email spelling
  • Use “Forgot Password” to reset
  • Wait 15 minutes if rate limited (too many attempts)
Solution:
  • Usage resets at start of new billing cycle
  • Upgrading increases limit but doesn’t reset used count
  • Contact support if limits seem wrong

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Still Stuck?

If you can’t resolve your issue:
  1. Check the Error Messages page for specific errors
  2. Review the FAQ for common questions
  3. Contact [email protected] with:
    • What you were trying to do
    • The exact error message
    • Screenshots if helpful