How to Import Data from Your Computer

Requirements

1. If you are relatively new to analyzing survey data, please read Find the Best Possible Data File before proceeding, as a lot of time can be saved by making sure you have the best possible file format. Excel and CSV files may require additional setup depending on whether they have been exported as labels or values.
2. One of the following data file formats:
   • SPSS (.sav)
   • Compressed SPSS (.zsav)
   • Triple-S (.xml or .sss)
   • IBM SPSS Data Model (.mdd)
   • Excel (.xls or .xlsx)
   • CSV (.csv)
   • .QDat

If you have a large data set, it's best to use Method 2 below. Note that Displayr is currently limited to data files less than 8GB in size and your document must load reliably in under 2 minutes, regardless of the file size. The limitation is on the size of the file, not the number of cases or variables. 

Method 1

1. Select Data Sources > Plus (+).

2. Either drag your file over to the Drop your file here section or click in this area to bring up the Open File dialog, select All files from the drop-down menu, then select your file and press Open.

Note, to update your file, select your data set in the Data Sources tree and press Update in the object inspector, then repeat the above steps.

Method 2

1. OPTIONAL: If your SPSS files is large, you can first compress your SPSS data set as a .zip file.

• If using a .zip file, ensure it is compressed using the "Deflate" compression algorithm. This is the default in most compression software.
• If you create the zip file on a Mac, do not use Apple's built-in compression utility, as it creates extra files that interfere with Displayr's ability to load the data file. Use 3rd party software instead.  

2. Select Data Sources > Plus (+).

3. Either drag your file over to the Drop your file here section or click Upload file to bring up the Open File dialog, select All files from the drop-down menu, then select your file and press Open.

Note, to update your file, select your data set in the Data Sources tree and press Update in the object inspector, then repeat the above steps.

Note about importing Excel/CSV data files

If you are importing an Excel or CSV file, Displayr can automatically detect the option best suited for your data, but you have the option to select one of the following options:

• As summary tables: your data will be imported as summary tables and can be used to create tables, calculations, and visualizations. This option is best for files that contain aggregated data tables. See How to Import Excel Tables into Displayr for more information.
• As a data set: your data will be imported as a data set where each column is a variable, and the variables can be used as inputs for further analyses, calculations, and visualizations. Note that only the first sheet in your Excel Workbook will be imported if there are multiple sheets.

By default, Displayr will automatically detect the best importing option. You can adjust the data format importing option from within the Where is your data? window. Expand the Advanced data file options section and update the Data format to your desired option. See Data Formats in Displayr for examples if you aren't sure which option is best suited for your data.

If you wish to change the data format after importing, you will need to follow these steps:

1. In the Data Sources tree, right-click the data set name and select Delete.
2. Still within the Data Sources tree, click + or + Add Data.
3. Expand the Advanced data file options section.
4. Select a different Data format.
5. Upload your file via the Upload file button or one of the other importing options.

Next

How to Import Data Into Displayr

Connecting Data Video

How to Import Excel Tables into Displayr