Working With Datasets
Datasets organize information into rows and columns for use in your designs. Import a CSV file or select Google Sheets as your data source.
This guide explains how to prepare data, import a CSV, assign column types, and display information with a Table widget.
Understanding Datasets
A column is a category (ex: Department, Completed, Target) and each row is one record.
For example:
| Department | Completed | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Assembly | 780 | 1000 |
| Packaging | 420 | 500 |
Use ‘Text’ for Department and ‘Number’ for Completed and Target. Those field types tell Nimbus808 how to interpret each column.
Prepare Your Data
Start by putting your information into a simple table before you import it.
• Add a clear heading to each column in the first row.
• Put one record in each row after the first.
• Make sure each column has the same type of values.
• Take out any extra titles, notes, or empty rows.
For a CSV upload, save or export your table as a .csv file.
Add a Dataset
Select Datasets from the dashboard sidebar.
Click Add Dataset.
Enter a descriptive name (ex: Production Summary).
Choose a source under Data Type.
Nimbus808 gives you two source options: CSV (Upload) and Google Sheets.
Upload a CSV File
Select CSV (Upload).
Click the Upload CSV area to browse for a file or drag and drop your file into it.
Review the column names that appear.
Choose the appropriate type for each column.
Click Add Dataset.
The imported dataset appears in the Datasets list with its column and row counts.
Use Google Sheets
To use Google Sheets, first connect your Google account through the Integrations tab. Make sure this step is done before you choose a spreadsheet.
Go to Media and click Integrations.
Then connect your account.
Once you’ve connected your account:
Go to Datasets and click Add Dataset.
Enter a name for your dataset.
Choose Google Sheets as the Data Type.
Click on Select Spreadsheet.
Finish choosing your spreadsheet, then check the import settings before you add the dataset.
Choose Column Types
Nimbus808 provides these column types:
Text: Names, descriptions, labels, and identifiers.
Number: Quantities and other numeric values.
Boolean: True or false values.
Date: Calendar dates.
Date & Time: Dates that include a time.
Check each type before importing; all columns are initially set to Text, including columns containing numbers.
Use Text for identifiers when leading zeros matter, such as product codes.
Display a Dataset in a Table
Open a design in the Design Editor.
Select Interactives.
Drag the Table widget onto the canvas.
Select the widget to bring up its properties.
Select your dataset from the Dataset menu.
Choose the columns you want to appear under Columns.
Set the Sort Column and Sort Direction as required.
Adjust Row Limit and Rows Displayed for your layout.
Sort Direction provides Ascending and Descending.
The Table widget also provides Pagination and Auto-Scroll options under Overflow. These are the controls you’d use if your table needed to show extra rows.
Adjust the widget size and position so that the information is readable. You can style it with a range of options including header colors, fonts, borders, column dividers and alternating rows.
Edit an Existing Dataset
Go back to Datasets.
Find your dataset or use the search bar.
Click the Edit button next to it.
Change the name or column types if you need to.
If you want to replace the CSV data, choose a new file in the Upload CSV section.
Check the columns, then click Save Changes.
The uploaded CSV is just a copy of your original file. If you edit the file on your computer, it won’t update the uploaded version.
Make sure column names stay the same when you replace any data. If you change columns or types, review any widgets that use this dataset.
Review and Publish
Make sure the Table widget is displaying the correct columns, values, and sorting. Make sure the text is readable at the viewing distance of the display.
When the design is ready, use Publish changes to publish your design updates.
Troubleshooting
Dataset is missing from a widget: Confirm that the dataset appears in the dashboard’s Datasets list.
Table does not show the expected fields: Check the selected Dataset and Columns in the Table widget.
Numeric information behaves unexpectedly: Review the column types and confirm that numeric columns use Number.
Google Sheets cannot open a spreadsheet: Check the Google Sheets connection in Integrations.
CSV information is outdated: Upload the updated CSV through the dataset’s Edit dialog and save your changes.
Conclusion
Datasets help you keep your information organized and separate from your design layout. Start by setting up your table, the import your data and pick the columns your viewers will use. Remember to check any connected widgets if you update the dataset.
Contact us if you have questions or need assistance with Nimbus808. Our team is here to help.
