To Import CSV Data

To import CSV data

1. If the TimeLiner window is not already open, click Home tab Tools panel TimeLiner .
2. In the TimeLiner window click the Data Sources tab.
3. Click the Add button and click CSV Import.
4. Use the standard Open dialog box to locate the desired project file in CSV format, and click Open.
5. In the Field Selector Dialog Box, use the CSV Import Settings area to specify how your data should be imported into TimeLiner.
   Note: The CSV import settings, including field mappings, are remembered by the system and pre-populated when the dialog box opens. If you are linking to a different CSV file than was previously used, TimeLiner will attempt to map any columns to similarly-named columns in the CSV file.

   You should have a column in the CSV file containing unique data, for example an incrementing number, and map it to the Synchronization ID field. This unique data must remain the same once it has been set against a row in the CSV file to enable synchronization to enable you to rebuild and synchronize the data source link. The Task Name field must also be mapped.

   • Select the Row 1 Contains Headings check box if you want the first row of data in your CSV file to be treated as column headings. TimeLiner will use it to populate the External Field Name options in the grid.

     If the first row of data in your CSV file does not contain column headings, clear this check box.

   • Select the Automatically Detect Date and Time option if you want TimeLiner to attempt to determine the date/time format used in your CSV file. First, TimeLiner applies a set of rules to try to establish the date/time format used in the document; if it is not possible, it uses the local settings on your system.

     Select the Use Specific Date/Time Format option if you want to manually specify the date/time format that should be used. When this radio button is selected, you can enter the required format into the box provided. For the list of valid codes, see Field Selector Dialog Box.

     Note: If one or more date/time-based columns are found to contain fields where the data cannot be mapped to a valid date/time value using the manually-specified format, TimeLiner will 'fall back' and attempt to use the automatic date/time format.
6. By default, your data source is called “New Data Source(x)”, where “x” is the latest available number. To make your data source more descriptive, right-click it, click Rename on the context menu, and enter a new name.

You are now ready to To Build Tasks from a Data Source.