GMC Promotions Tab Gains Download Feature
Google Merchant Center now allows users to download promotion configuration data through a “Download” button during promotion creation in the promotions setup interface. The feature became available in late October 2025 as a hidden update which merchants can access through the promotion setup workflow’s second step.
The downloaded file contains promotion IDs along with discount details and redemption channels and promotional parameters but users cannot use it to re-import data into Merchant Center.
What Is the New Google Merchant Center Download Feature?
The Download feature appears as a new button which users can access during promotion creation within Google Merchant Center. The feature enables merchants to download complete promotion configuration details through a file export function.
The Download feature becomes available after users finish entering all necessary promotion fields. Users can find this feature by going to the Promotions section in GMC where they can start creating a new promotion.
When Was This Feature Released?
The download feature became available for public reporting during October 24-25, 2025. The Google team introduced this feature through a silent update to their interface without making any official announcement.
The Download feature remains active for all Google Merchant Center users who have active accounts.
How Do You Access the Promotions Download Feature?
The download feature becomes accessible through these specific steps.
- Access your Google Merchant Center account through login credentials
- Access the “Promotions” section through the left menu
- Begin promotion setup by selecting “Create new promotion” from the menu
- Complete all necessary promotion information during step one of the process
- Move to the second part of promotion configuration
- The interface displays a “Download” button which becomes active after users finish all required promotion field entries.
What Information Does the Downloaded File Contain?
The exported file includes comprehensive promotion configuration data:
- Promotion ID and merchant identification
- Offer type and discount details
- Target country and language settings
- Redemption channels (online, in-store, or both)
- Start and end dates for promotions
- Product applicability rules
- Promotion display requirements
Can You Upload the Downloaded File Back to GMC?
The current system prevents users from uploading the downloaded file into Google Merchant Center. The file exists for documentation purposes until further development.
The downloaded file format does not match the current specifications which Google Merchant Center uses for promotions feeds. Merchants who want to perform bulk uploads need to use the Content API for Shopping.
Why Did Google Add This Feature?
The exact purpose remains unclear since Google has not officially announced the feature. Industry experts speculate several potential reasons:
- Documentation purposes: Merchants can maintain offline records of promotion configurations for internal tracking, client reporting, or approval workflows.
- Preview of future functionality: The feature may be the first step toward introducing file-based bulk upload capabilities for promotions.
- Data transparency: The system gives merchants full access to their promotion settings which exist beyond the GMC interface.
What Are the Current Limitations?
The feature has several restrictions that suggest it may be in testing phase:
- The system prevents users from bringing back downloaded files into Merchant Center.
- The file format prevents users from doing mass editing tasks and making duplicate content.
- No integration with existing GMC feed specifications
- The system provides limited useful functions which extend only to document management.
The operation of merchants who run wide marketing campaigns needs API-based solutions to execute automated bulk management operations.
How Does This Compare to GMC API Promotions Management?
Google Merchant Center already offers robust promotion management through the Content API for Shopping. The API system allows users to generate promotions automatically while offering full programmatic control for modifying and removing promotions.
The new download feature differs significantly:
| Feature | Download Button | Content API |
| Access Level | Manual, interface-based | Programmatic, automated |
| Bulk Operations | No upload capability | Full CRUD operations |
| Use Case | Documentation, review | Automated management |
| Technical Skill | No coding required | API integration needed |
| Data Format | Export only | Bidirectional feed support |
The API remains the preferred solution for merchants with large promotion inventories.
What Should Merchants Do With This Feature?
The download function enables users to access these practical applications:
- Record-keeping: The system allows users to store promotion configuration archives for both compliance and audit requirements.
- Client reporting: The system enables agencies to store promotion configurations for client assessment before starting the activation process.
- Internal review: The team needs to review export configurations which they access through the GMC interface for their internal assessment.
The downloaded files function as promotion templates for future use but users must fill in their specific details manually.
Will Upload Functionality Be Added Later?
Google has not provided any official statement about adding upload capabilities to their system. The current restrictions in the feature indicate it might exist as a beta version or testing environment.
Merchants need to check official Google Merchant Center announcements for information about future functionality expansions. The absence of upload capabilities requires merchants to use API-based solutions for managing their bulk promotion activities.
How Does This Fit Into Google Merchant Center’s Evolution?
The new feature supports Google’s ongoing efforts to update the Merchant Center platform. The GMC platform received several updates which include:
- The interface now allows users to edit products directly
- The Product Studio tool generates images through artificial intelligence
- The system provides advanced analytics tools and performance monitoring capabilities
- The Shopping ads now display promotions in a more visible way
The download feature enables merchants to access detailed data through additional control options.
What Are Google Merchant Center Promotions?
GMC promotions function as special deals which display next to products in Google Search and Shopping results. The platform enables businesses to draw customers by offering promotional discounts and shipping benefits and coupon codes.
The setup of promotions needs merchants to add merchant ID and target country and language and promotion ID and offer details. The GMC interface along with data feeds and Content API enable users to handle their promotions.
Key Takeaways for Merchants
The new download feature enables documentation transparency but its usefulness remains restricted until Google enables upload functionality. Merchants need to stick with their current API solutions for managing bulk promotions through automation.
Users should check Google’s official communication channels for updates regarding feature development. The unpublicized introduction of this feature indicates Google wants to assess merchant reactions before implementing additional capabilities.
Bhavesh Patel 
Verified Technical SEO & GMC Specialist
Bhavesh Patel is a Google Merchant Center specialist at Trusted Web Eservices who has successfully recovered 200+ suspended merchant accounts. As a technical SEO expert specializing in Google Analytics 4 and Google Tag Manager, Bhavesh helps eCommerce businesses optimize product feeds, ensure policy compliance, and implement advanced tracking solutions for improved conversion rates and Shopping campaign performance.