Vizblock

Create & Edit CSV files

Why Use CSV Files?

Using CSV files to manage and import data for charts is simple and efficient. Here’s a quick guide on creating and editing CSV files with Google Sheets, ideal for use with Vizblock, our WordPress chart plugin.CSV (Comma-Separated Values) files are a universal file format for storing data in a tabular format (rows and columns). They’re lightweight, easy to work with, and compatible with most data visualization tools, including Vizblock.

Step 1: Open Google Sheets

  1. Go to Google Sheets and sign in with your Google account.
  2. Click on Blank to start a new spreadsheet.

Step 2: Enter Your Data

  1. In the first row, enter your column headers. Each column header should represent a variable in your chart (e.g., “Month,” “Sales,” “Profit”).
  2. Below each header, enter your data row by row. Each row represents a data point.Example:
MonthSalesProfit
January2000400
February2200500
March1800350
  1. Continue adding rows until all your data is entered.

Step 3: Save and Export as CSV

  1. Once you have all your data entered, go to File > Download.
  2. Choose Comma Separated Values (.csv, current sheet) from the dropdown list.
  3. Your file will download to your computer as a .csv file. Now it’s ready to be imported into Vizblock!

Step 4: Import CSV to Vizblock

  1. Open the Vizblock chart block in the WordPress editor.
  2. Select Import Data or upload your CSV file, depending on the chart type you’re working with.
  3. Your data will be displayed and available for configuring into various chart types.

Step 5: Editing Your CSV Data

To make updates:

  1. Open the original Google Sheet where your data is stored.
  2. Make your changes (add, remove, or edit rows/columns as needed).
  3. Follow the export steps again to save the updated sheet as a new CSV file.
  4. Re-import the new CSV file into Vizblock to refresh your chart data.

Tips for Managing CSV Files for Charts

  • Keep your data organized: Consistent formatting helps prevent errors. Ensure that each column has a single data type (e.g., numbers, dates).
  • Use clear headers: Label each column appropriately, as these labels may be displayed in your chart.
  • Check for extra commas: Extra commas can sometimes cause formatting issues, especially if data contains commas or line breaks.

By following this guide, you’ll be able to easily create, edit, and manage CSV files for your Vizblock charts. For any further questions, reach out to our support team