Local file uploads

Analyst Studio’s local file integration allows you to upload data directly from your computer into Analyst Studio Datasets. This is the fastest way to perform ad-hoc analysis on .csv, .tsv, and .xlsx files without requiring a cloud-based connection.

Requirements

Before you get started, ensure your file meets the following criteria"

  • Supported formats: .csv, .tsv, and .xlsx.

  • File size: Files must be under 250MB.

Tips when preparing your local data for use in Analyst Studio

Clean your data

Remove any empty rows or columns at the end of your file to ensure a clean import.

Date formats

Ensure date columns follow a consistent format (for example, YYYY-MM-DD) for accurate auto-detection.

Encoding

For .csv and .tsv files, use UTF-8 encoding to avoid character display issues.

Creating a local file dataset

To create a new Dataset, select the Create button in the top right corner of your Analyst Studio home screen and choose the Upload a file option in the Datasets section.

Alternatively, navigate to My Work and click the shortcut tile Upload External Data to upload a file.

Defining headers

Once you select a file, you will be prompted to declare the header structure:

  • Headers defined: If the first row contains column names, select Yes.

  • No headers: If your file starts directly with data, select No.

If you select No, Analyst Studio will automatically identify data types from the first row and generate generic column headers (for example, "Column 1").

Reviewing and refining columns

After the file is processed, a configuration modal appears. This allows you to verify the data before the Dataset is officially created.

  • Data preview: View the first five rows of your data as a sample.

  • Column selection: Uncheck any columns you do not want to include in your Dataset to save on processing and storage.

  • Data type assignment: Analyst Studio automatically parses and assigns types (String, Number, Date, etc.).

Modifying data types and typecasting

You can override the auto-detected data types using the dropdown menu in the review modal. Changes must follow valid typecasting logic:

  • Compatible casting: You can change a Number to a String, or a Date to a Datetime.

  • Incompatible casting: You cannot cast String data (for example, "Product A") to a Numerical or Boolean type. If a type change is invalid, an error message will display explaining the logic.

Editing your local file Dataset

Once your file data is uploaded, you’ll be able to see the results in the Data View. This shows you the columns that were generated from the file. You can also see a list of all available fields in the Fields tab.

Describing the fields in your Dataset

We recommend adding field descriptions to build shared understanding around business logic. To add a description, edit the Dataset, navigate to the Fields tab, and double-click the row. Descriptions support up to 350 characters and basic text formatting.

Adding calculated fields to your local file Dataset

You can enhance your local data by adding formulas directly in Analyst Studio. Select Add Formula in the Dataset view to create new logic (for example, Revenue - Cost) without modifying your original source file.

Viewing source information

To see details about the original file used for the Dataset, navigate to the Source tab. This displays the file name, file type, upload date, and the user who performed the upload.

Updating your Dataset’s name and description

You can change the Dataset name or description at any time by clicking the name in the header area of the Dataset view. This does not affect the underlying data.

Scheduling a local file Dataset

Because local files are point-in-time snapshots from your computer, they do not support automated refresh scheduling. To update the data, you must perform a manual refresh by re-uploading the file.

Moving a local file Dataset to a Collection

By default, new Datasets are saved to your My Work area. To share your analysis with others, click Move to Collection and select the appropriate team folder.

Viewing a local file Dataset

You can view your Dataset at any time from the Datasets tab in My Work. The view provides a high-level summary of the row count, column count, and last updated timestamp.

Using your local file Dataset in a Report

Once the upload is complete, a success notification appears. Click Start Analysis to immediately open the Chart Builder and begin visualizing your data in a new Report.

Refreshing data in a Dataset-based Report

To update a Report built on a local file:

  1. Navigate to the Dataset source.

  2. Select Refresh data.

  3. Upload the new version of your file.

The new file must have the same column structure (names and types) as the original to prevent Report breakage.

Local file Dataset permissions

Access to the Dataset is determined by where it is stored:

  • Personal: Only you can view or edit Datasets in your private workspace.

  • Collection: If moved to a Collection, access is governed by the Collection’s permission settings (Viewer, Editor, or Manager).

Frequently asked questions

Can I change a .csv file to an .xlsx file during a refresh?

Yes, as long as the internal data structure and column headers match exactly.

What happens if my file has merged cells?

Merged cells can cause data alignment issues. We recommend unmerging cells and filling them with values before uploading.

Is there a limit to how many local files I can upload?

There is no limit on the number of files, but your total Workspace storage limit, defined by your admin, still applies.

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