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How to Import Content (Excel spreadsheets and CSV text files)


"Import" is a powerful time saving feature which allows you to use an existing document to populate a project with content.  You may import from two types of documents:  Excel spreadsheets and CSV (Comma Separated Value) text files. 

You can import "question/answer" cards, as well as tests.  For Excel spreadsheets, the data to be imported must be in the first workbook.  For CSV text files, an empty column is designated by having no text between the commas.  You may have both "cards" and tests in the same file, but "cards" should precede tests.  The general format of the data, which you must provide is the same for both types of documents and is detailed below

Format for cards (question/answer)

Column Description
1 Section Name (optional) - When provided (and if different from the previous one), it will start a new section
2 Card Name (optional)
3 Question Text
4 Answer Text

Format for tests (question/answer)

Column Description
A Test Name - Must be provided only for the first entry of each test.  Also, must be enclosed in parenthesis, as in the following example:  "(test name)".  This entry is optional for non-first test entries, in which case the test question falls under the last test name.
B Test Question Name (optional)
C Test Question Text - this is the text question that will be presented to the user
D Correct answers - this is a list of numbers, separated by the vertical bar character "|" that indicates the correct answers.  For example, "2|5", if both the second and fifth choices are correct
E or greater Choice Text - Starting with column E, you enter the choices to be provided to the user.  Column E is the first choice, Column F is the second choice, etc.

Example

The following figure shows a sample spreadsheet ready to import.  It defines two sections (one with four cards and the other with five), and two tests.

 

The figure below shows the same information as the spreadsheet, but in CSV (Comma Separated Value) format.  It produces identical results

 

Setting text styles on an Import

As you import from a spreadsheet or CSV file, you can affect the appearance of the text for questions, answers, test questions, and test choices.  In the import screen you can select styles, alignments, and colors for the imported content.  Currently, you can only specify these attributes for cards (not tests).  Simply select the appropriate settings to make your choices of color, style, alignment, etc. BEFORE you import the file.