Configure Text Data Format

This screen, the final stage of the text file import process, is used to define what the columns of data in the external file represent when imported. See Text Wizard Overview.

Activity steps

  1. Select a data column in the preview at the bottom of the screen.

    The screen updates to show parameters for the selected column.

  2. Specify the Name of the selected column. If you have defined a Header Row on the General Structure screen.

    If no header row is specified, an attempt is made to match the external data, and default field names ('Field 1', 'Field 2' etc.) are used. In this case you will need to set Name and Type fields for each column manually, where required.

  3. Select the attribute Type.

    The Type drop-down list displays minimum column requirements. In addition an Attribute option exists. The list of required fields will vary according to the file type. If the target attribute is not a system field, select Attribute.

    Note: If your external file does not contain data expected by the import process (i.e. the values in the Type list do not exist in the external file), the file cannot be imported.

  4. If an Attribute Type is selected, choose if you want to import it, or Skip it.

  5. Choose if your target attribute is Numeric or Alphanumeric.

  6. You can detect Special Values and act on them.

    1. Choose whether to manage Absent Data during import.
      1. If checked, enter a character to be converted to an absent data identifier ("-") when the file is loaded or imported.
      2. If unchecked, data will be imported as-is, with no conversion of any value into an absent data indicator.

      Note: data values encountered in a composite are statistically ignored in the majority of statistical calculations. However, absent data can be highlighted if the appropriate legend is used to color the data - this can be particularly useful if a 'complete' data set is required or you wish to highlight non-data areas in a composite assays file, for example; although note that if all samples in the composite have absent values, the composite value is also absent.

    2. Choose whether to manage Trace Data during import.

      1. If checked, specify the value representing very small numeric values in the external file. These small (but non-zero) values will be set to special 'trace' equivalents in the loaded object in Studio products.

        Note: data conversions, including converting to trace values, can be applied using the Data Conversion screen in Studio products. Consult your Studio help file for more information.

      2. If unchecked, trace values will be imported as absent data.

  7. Click Finish.
  8. If importing a file to a Studio project, the Import Files screen displays.

  9. Use the Import Files screen:

    1. Choose which Files to create and associate with your project.

    2. Confirm the Import Fields for this operation.

    3. If required, choose how to Rename Fields during import.

    4. Click OK.

      Files references are added to the project.