> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://upsheets.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# BrightHR Overview

> Import BrightHR Blip timesheets and absences into UpSheets and upload them to Xero – via CSV or the BrightHR integration, with optional Smart Formulas.

## Upload BrightHR data to Xero

UpSheets connects BrightHR attendance and absence data to Xero Payroll. You can import Blip clockings as timesheets and approved absences as leave requests, then validate and upload them to Xero.

You can import in two ways:

* **CSV export** – download Blip Timesheet or Absence Report files from BrightHR and import them through **Import Files**. This gets you started quickly with minimal setup.
* **BrightHR integration** – connect once with a Client ID and Client Secret, then pull data by date range without exporting files.

<iframe className="w-full aspect-video rounded-xl" src="https://www.loom.com/embed/3eb3560ab91f434f9dbe423ca2ee1737" frameBorder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen title="Timesheet Import and Upload Overview" />

BrightHR overview: import Blip clockings as timesheets and approved absences as leave, upload to Xero. Paths: CSV first (quick start, minimal setup), or BrightHR API integration (Client ID/Secret). Smart Formulas optional (Australia). Question variants: BrightHR setup, BrightHR to Xero, Blip timesheets, connect BrightHR, BrightHR import, BrightHR leave, BrightHR CSV.

## Before you start

1. [Register for an UpSheets account](https://app.upsheets.com/register) if you do not already have one.
2. Connect the Xero organisation you want to upload to.
3. For the BrightHR integration only, you also need BrightHR administrator access to create API credentials.

### Connect UpSheets to Xero

Select **Organisations** from the menu and connect your Xero organisation (or click **Connect to Xero** after sign-in). See [Connecting to Xero](/docs/connect/connecting-to-xero).

<iframe className="w-full aspect-video rounded-xl" src="https://www.loom.com/embed/e24749b6aa594d1e9192a1a2f14352c1" frameBorder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen title="Connecting UpSheets to Xero" />

## What UpSheets imports from BrightHR

| BrightHR source | Uploads to Xero as |
| - | - |
| Blip clock-ins / clock-outs | Timesheets |
| Approved absences (holiday, sickness, TOIL, and other) | Leave requests |

<Note>
  Open clockings without a clock-out are skipped. Break time is subtracted from hours. Lateness is not imported as leave.
</Note>

## Import BrightHR CSV files

Start here to get going quickly with minimal setup: export a report from BrightHR, then import the file into UpSheets.

### Download from BrightHR

Export the BrightHR report you need:

* **Blip Timesheet** for Xero timesheets
* **Absence Report** for Xero leave requests

<iframe className="w-full aspect-video rounded-xl" src="https://www.loom.com/embed/3c1652726bab44deaf879ddf8b234d20" frameBorder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen title="Download Timesheet Data from BrightHR" />

### Import the file into UpSheets

1. Select **Import Files** from the menu.
2. Upload the BrightHR CSV.
3. Choose the [transaction type](/docs/getting-started/transaction-types), earnings rate option, and other [import options](/docs/importing/import-options).
4. Map columns, **Validate**, then **Upload** to Xero.

<iframe className="w-full aspect-video rounded-xl" src="https://www.loom.com/embed/cab519ab7b5b4df2aafc2d73ba6b7526" frameBorder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen title="Import Timesheets from File" />

Full steps and earnings rate options: [Import BrightHR CSV files](/docs/integrations/brighthr/csv-import).

## Connect the BrightHR integration

Use the integration to remove the need for CSV files and to import Blip clockings and approved absences for specific employees and a date range, ready for upload.

### Create API credentials in BrightHR

Sign in to BrightHR as an administrator, then:

1. Go to **My Account** > **API Access** > **Manage API Keys**.
2. Click **Create**.
3. Enter an application name (for example **UpSheets**), then click **Create Application**.
4. Note the **Client ID**.
5. Click **Create Secret** and copy the **Client Secret**.

<Warning>Store the Client Secret securely. BrightHR only shows it once.</Warning>

### Enter credentials in UpSheets

1. Select **Integrations** from the menu.
2. Open the **BrightHR** tab.
3. Enter the **Client ID** and **Client Secret**, then save.

Once saved, the integration is enabled and BrightHR appears as a data source on the Import screen.

<iframe className="w-full aspect-video rounded-xl" src="https://www.loom.com/embed/a80a7c3c74d645d98f7b63b2f0fd3b36" frameBorder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen title="Connect BrightHR to UpSheets Integration" />

Full steps: [Connect BrightHR](/docs/integrations/brighthr/connect).

## Import and upload from the integration

After the integration is enabled:

1. Open **Import Files** (or your usual import entry point) and select **BrightHR** as the data source.
2. Leave **Employees** empty to import everyone, or choose specific employees (faster for large teams; the selection is remembered).
3. Set **From** and **To** dates (up to 31 days – BrightHR limits each clockings query to 31 days).
4. Choose transaction types (**Timesheets** and/or **Leave**) and any other [import options](/docs/importing/import-options).
5. Click **Import Data**, map columns if needed, then **Validate**.
6. Review the results, then click **Upload** to send the data to Xero Payroll.

<iframe className="w-full aspect-video rounded-xl" src="https://www.loom.com/embed/9c62c50837804f0e96070e571d8fa0c2" frameBorder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen title="Upload Timesheets from Integration" />

<Tip>Import one month at a time. UpSheets converts your selected dates using the organisation timezone so a full calendar month stays within BrightHR's 31-day limit.</Tip>

Full steps: [Import data from BrightHR](/docs/integrations/brighthr/import-data).

## Optional: Smart Formulas for award and penalty rates

If you need earnings rates, overtime, or allowances calculated from start/end times (for example modern awards), set up [Smart Formulas](/docs/smart-formulas/overview) before or alongside your BrightHR imports.

<Warning>Smart Formulas are currently available in Australia only.</Warning>

### Set up from the Award Library

Copy a pre-built formula from the Award Library into your organisation, review the rules, then publish.

<iframe className="w-full aspect-video rounded-xl" src="https://www.loom.com/embed/f280fa7129504930a7e8df4584425b59" frameBorder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen title="Setting Up Smart Formulas from the Award Library" />

See [Award Library](/docs/smart-formulas/award-library/overview).

### Assign Smart Formulas to employees

Assign the published formula to the employees who should use it.

<iframe className="w-full aspect-video rounded-xl" src="https://www.loom.com/embed/c5e3d3f1b9cb4899a14a5ec3e1e26c4e" frameBorder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen title="Assign Smart Formulas to Employees" />

### Upload timesheets with Smart Formulas

Import BrightHR (or CSV) data with start/end times, validate so Smart Formulas can calculate lines, then upload to Xero.

<iframe className="w-full aspect-video rounded-xl" src="https://www.loom.com/embed/2d8c14931e3c4037af4c4f8b9889b713" frameBorder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen title="Upload Timesheets to Xero with Smart Formulas" />

### Smart Formula settings

Check source, assessment period, and related options under **Smart Formulas**.

<iframe className="w-full aspect-video rounded-xl" src="https://www.loom.com/embed/7dbcfc563da0424095ab6159670f856e" frameBorder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen title="Smart Formula Settings" />

See [Smart Formula settings](/docs/smart-formulas/settings/overview).

## Related articles

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Import BrightHR CSV files" icon="file-csv" href="/docs/integrations/brighthr/csv-import">
    File-based Blip Timesheet and Absence Report import.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Connect BrightHR" icon="plug" href="/docs/integrations/brighthr/connect">
    Create BrightHR API credentials and enable the integration in UpSheets.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Import data from BrightHR" icon="cloud-arrow-down" href="/docs/integrations/brighthr/import-data">
    Pull Blip clockings and absences by date range, then upload to Xero.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Smart Formulas overview" icon="wand-magic-sparkles" href="/docs/smart-formulas/overview">
    Calculate earnings rates and allowances from timesheet times.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Full video playlist

Watch the complete series on Loom: [Upsheets: Uploading from BrightHR to Xero](https://www.loom.com/playlists/5de1adc6-a3b3-4610-a291-aafd9feed3f7/view).


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