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Movable Type Import Utility
The Movable Type Import Utility enables people to migrate from Movable Type to ExpressionEngine. Additionally, since the MT export format consists of a simple text file, it is common for those migrating to EE from other publishing systems, like Blogger and Wordpress, to format their exported data such that the MT Import Utility can be used.
Note: The ExpressionEngine wiki has a section called Migrate to EE that has links for getting content from Blogger, Textpattern, or Wordpress into the Movable Type Import Format. If you are using either system and wish to import content into EE, check that page out.
Importing Tips
The Movable Type Import Utility itself contains the instructions needed to assist you with the import process, and you should read each area carefully before importing your entries. Since ExpressionEngine allows content to be created and entered in a very flexible way (custom weblog field, custom statues, multiple categories, etc), you will have some decisions to make in how the content is imported.
Note: If you have done any customization to your EE installation, or if you have submitted any new content, it is recommended that you back up your database before performing an import.
Additional Fields for MT Export Format
By default the Movable Type Export Format only has four fields for importing weblog content. ExpressionEngine's MT Import Utility allows you to expand its functionality so that you can import an unlimited number of data chunks into ExpressionEngine. Open up your cp.mt_import.php file in your text editor of choice, and at the top you will see this:
var $extra_fields = 0;
Change that zero to the number of extra fields you need. Then, in your MT Export formatted text file, your extra fields will take the form EXTRA FIELD-# where the hash is the number for that field. Example:
TITLE: A simple title AUTHOR: Doctor Suess DATE: 02/28/1979 12:17:05 AM PRIMARY CATEGORY: Books CATEGORY: Children ----- BODY: This is the body text. ----- EXTENDED BODY: Here is some more text. ----- EXTRA FIELD-1: Here is even more text. -----