Add Data

Add Data is a tool for uploading data directly into a survey's dataset. Choose to selectively overwrite existing fields or to create and populate new ones. Data can be added for both existing and new respondents.

To access Add Data, got to Analyze > Data Management > Add Data in the survey navigation menu. Makers and Field Managers can access Add Data. 

Best practices

Add Data is a very powerful tool and can have unintended consequences if not used carefully. 

• It's recommended to download the complete dataset, including all statuses and questions, before making any changes to the survey data.
• Before uploading data, convert double quotation marks to single quotation marks.
• When uploading open-ended fields, eliminate carriage returns (line breaks) from respondent answers. These breaks might be misinterpreted as the start of the next record, potentially disrupting the data's arrangement within its respective row. They may also simply cause the Add Data process to fail.

Uploading a file

If a file is ready, choose Upload from a text, Excel, or SPSS sav file. All data displays timestamps in the timezone set in the user account. To change it, select another timezone from the dropdown, then click Select a file.

1. Valid files must be in Excel, SPSS, or tab/comma separated text files.
2. The first column must contain the record ID, and be labeled 'id'. If no ID column is included, random IDs will be generated for every row containing data, which creates new records in the data set.
3. All file types must use column headings that are identical to the question labels being populated.

Pasting data

Data can also be added by copying and pasting it into the field on the screen with the Cut and paste new data option. 

1. The data must be tab-separated and contain single-word column headings.
2. The first column must contain the record ID, and be labeled 'id'. If no ID column is included, random IDs will be generated for every row containing data, which creates new records in the data set.
3. Additional column headings used must be identical to the question labels being populated.

A common method is to export data through Deliverables as an Excel file. Edit or use it as a template to add new data, then copy the cells (including headers) and paste them into the field. Note that collapsed multi-select fields, such as a Response report, cannot be used as a template for adding data.

Submitting data

When ready, click Next in the top-right corner. The system will load the data, stopping for corrections if errors occur. After a successful load, a summary of data changes appears on screen.

Changes may fall into four categories: New Records, Existing Records, New Fields, and Existing Fields.

Clearing data

To clear data, simply leave the corresponding cell empty in the exported Excel sheet, and then upload it. This process will effectively clear the data associated with that cell.