.. _ref-to-signal-text-file-import:

Signal Text File Import
=======================

DataLab can natively import signal files (e.g. CSV, NPY, etc.). However some specific
text file formats may not be supported. In this case, you can use the `Import text file`
feature, which allows you to import a text file and convert it to a signal.

This feature is accessible from the `File` menu, under the `Import text file` option.

It opens an import wizard that guides you through the process of importing the text
file.

Step 1: Select the source
-------------------------

The first step is to select the source of the text file. You can either select a file
from your computer or the clipboard if you have copied the text from another
application.

.. figure:: ../../images/import_text_file/s_01.png
   :alt: Step 1: Select the source
   :align: center

   Step 1: Select the source

Step 2: Preview and configure the import
-----------------------------------------

The second step consists of configuring the import and previewing the result. You can
configure the following options:

- **Delimiter**: The character used to separate the values in the text file.
- **Comments**: The character used to indicate that the line is a comment and should be
  ignored.
- **Rows to Skip**: The number of rows to skip at the beginning of the file.
- **Maximum Number of Rows**: The maximum number of rows to import. If the file contains
  more rows, they will be ignored.
- **Transpose**: If checked, the rows and columns will be transposed.
- **Data type**: The destination data type of the imported data.
- **First Column is X**: If checked, the first column will be used as the X axis.

When you are done configuring the import, click the `Apply` button to see the result.

.. figure:: ../../images/import_text_file/s_02.png
   :alt: Step 2: Configure the import
   :align: center

   Step 2: Configure the import

.. figure:: ../../images/import_text_file/s_03.png
   :alt: Step 2: Preview the result
   :align: center

   Step 2: Preview the result

Step 3: Show graphical representation
-------------------------------------

The third step shows a graphical representation of the imported data. You can use the
`Finish` button to import the data into DataLab workspace.

.. figure:: ../../images/import_text_file/s_04.png
   :alt: Step 3: Show graphical representation
   :align: center

   Step 3: Show graphical representation