> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://captivatehelp.newbluelive.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://captivatehelp.newbluelive.com/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-1/drive-a-graphic-with-tables-row.md).

# Drive a graphic with Tables: Row

Use **Tables: Row** when each row in a spreadsheet, CSV file, Google Sheet, XML file, or JSON file represents one set of values for a graphic — one speaker for a lower third, one player for a stats card, one sponsor for a bug. Load the data, connect its columns to the graphic, then play through the rows during the show.

For showing several records at once as a group (a leaderboard, a roster), use [Tables: Block](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-1/tables-block-controller.md) instead.

## Format your data

Each column heading in your data becomes a source field that can connect to a graphic value, and each row becomes one record:

1. On the first line, enter the field names — for example, `Name,Role`.
2. On each following line, enter the values for one record — for example, `Juan,Producer`.

Don’t include blank lines. To use an image from a data column, enter the image’s file name (for images in the project’s Textures folder) or its full path and file name. To carry a color, enter a hexadecimal value such as `#2F3BE4`.

## Add a Tables: Row input

1. Select the graphic’s row in the **Project List** and, in its **Data Controller** column, choose **Productivity → Tables: Row → New Input**. Captivate adds an instance named `Tables: Row.Table 1` (or `… 2`, `… 3`, etc. for additional inputs).
2. The Tables panel opens to the **Load New Data** screen.

You can also create the input on its own — click **Add new item** in the playout window and choose **Productivity → Tables: Row → New Input** — and connect graphics to it afterwards.

## Load data

You can load data three ways. Captivate also keeps a list of recent sources:

* **Browse** — pick a local file. Supported types: CSV, Excel (`.xlsx`), JSON, XML, plain text, and SQLite database (`.db`/`.db3`).
* **Create CSV** — start a new CSV file from inside Captivate.
* **Open URL** — fetch a web URL. Captivate detects the content type from the file extension and recognizes Google Sheets URLs.

For **Google Sheets** or **Microsoft Excel** cloud sources, Captivate prompts you to sign in when needed. Follow the prompt to authorize the account. You can manage saved accounts from **Settings → Internet Accounts** (the Service Accounts panel).

{% hint style="info" %}
A Google Sheets source must be a **native Google Sheet**, not an Excel workbook stored in Google Drive. If you upload an `.xlsx` file to Google Drive it stays an Excel file, so it can’t be loaded as a Google Sheet here — even if you can still open it from Captivate. To use it, open the file in Google Sheets and choose **File > Save as Google Sheets**, then load the new Google Sheet.
{% endhint %}

For XML and JSON specifics, see [Use XML or JSON with Tables](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-1/use-xml-or-json-with-tables.md).

{% hint style="info" %}
**Availability:** Some data sources require license support. If your license doesn’t include a source, Captivate shows *"Your license does not include … support"* when you try to load it.
{% endhint %}

The **Recent** list at the bottom remembers sheets you’ve previously loaded. Use the **Filter** box to narrow it down. Click a row to reload that sheet, or use the trash icons to remove individual entries (or the **Clear All** trash icon to remove all).

## Connect columns to graphic values

Captivate connects matching source fields to matching graphic values when it can — a source field named `Name` can connect to a graphic value named **Name**. To check or change the connections:

1. Select the graphic in the **Project List**.
2. Open the **Preview** panel and click **Link Data**.
3. Connect each source field to the graphic value it should control.

As Tables: Row advances through records, the connected graphic values update from the selected row.

**💡 TIP**\
If you’re building the graphic yourself, give the values clear names in the Designer so they match the column headings in your data.

## Working with a loaded sheet

Once a sheet is loaded, the panel shows the sheet rows with a header bar:

* **Back** arrow (top-left) — return to the Load New Data screen.
* Sheet title — the workbook title and the current sheet name.
* **Edit** pencil (cloud sources only) — opens the source sheet in your browser for editing.
* **Refresh** icon (web sources only) — fetch the latest data from the source.
* **Settings** cog — opens the Settings modal.

Below the header:

* **Find...** search box with prev/next/clear buttons. Captivate highlights matching cells and shows the match count.
* **Start Auto Play** / **Stop Auto Play** — automatically advance through rows at the set interval (default 5 seconds).
* **Start Auto Refresh** / **Stop Auto Refresh** (web sources only) — automatically reload the source at the set interval (default 30 seconds).

## Settings

Click the cog to open **Settings**:

**Automation Settings**

* **Autoplay interval (seconds):** — how often Auto Play advances to the next row. Minimum 3 seconds.
* **Auto Refresh Interval (seconds):** — how often Captivate reloads the source. Minimum 2 seconds.
* **Loop Table Playback:** — when on, return to the first row after the last; when off, stop at the end.

**Display Settings**

* **Allow Text Wrap in Cells:** — wrap long cell values in the panel preview.

You can also use **Select titles to use for playback** — choose **All Connected**, **None**, or specific titles. This is useful when more than one graphic is connected to the same data: you decide which titles Auto Play actually drives.

## Tables: Row or Values Grid?

Both hold rows of values for one graphic. Use the [Values Grid](/get-started/chapter-index-2/values-grid-tab-reference.md) when you prepare and curate the rows yourself inside Captivate. Use Tables: Row when the rows live in a file, sheet, or feed maintained outside Captivate — the data refreshes from the source, so the spreadsheet stays the single source of truth.

## Multiple windows of the same controller

If the Tables panel is open in more than one place, only one window controls playback and editing. The others show a **Take Control** banner with their controls dimmed. Click **Take Control** to make that window active. Inactive windows still show live state, so you can monitor without disrupting playout.

## See also

* [Tables overview](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-1/tables-overview.md) — Row vs Block and when to use Tables at all.
* [Use XML or JSON with Tables](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-1/use-xml-or-json-with-tables.md) — format-specific notes.
* [Tables: Block Controller](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-1/tables-block-controller.md) — for showing several records at once.
* [Values Grid tab](/get-started/chapter-index-2/values-grid-tab-reference.md) — rows you curate inside Captivate.
* [Crawl Conductor](/design-and-customize-graphics/chapter-index-5/crawl-conductor.md) and [Roll Conductor](/design-and-customize-graphics/chapter-index-5/roll-conductor.md) — pair with Tables: Row for timed advancement and motion.


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