> 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/tables-block-controller.md).

# Tables: Block Controller

Use **Tables: Block** when one graphic needs to show **several records at once** — a leaderboard with the top 10 finishers, a roster card with five players, a schedule showing the next four games. Tables groups the source rows into blocks; each block fills the graphic, then the next block can be shown.

For showing one record at a time (a lower third, a player card), use [Tables: Row](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-1/drive-a-graphic-with-tables-row.md) instead.

## Add a Tables: Block input

Tables: Block works with graphics designed to show multiple records at once. If you’re building the graphic yourself, configure the repeated row layout in the Designer first — see [Leaderboard Conductor](/design-and-customize-graphics/chapter-index-5/leaderboard-conductor.md).

1. Add or select a graphic designed to show multiple records, and in its **Data Controller** column choose **Productivity → Tables: Block → New Input**. Captivate adds an instance named `Tables: Block.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 from **Add new item** in the playout window.

## 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 %}

{% 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 %}

## Block detection

Captivate needs to know how to group rows into blocks. For a **Tables: Block** input, open **Settings → Block Settings → Block Detection Style** to choose:

* **By Blank Rows** — start a new block at every blank row in the sheet (the simplest approach for spreadsheets that visually group their data).
* **By Row Count** — fixed number of rows per block. Set the count in **Rows Per Block:**.
* **By Column Group** — group rows by the value of a chosen column. Set the column in **Column to Group By:**. (Useful for grouping a roster by team, a schedule by week, etc.)
* **Synchronize with Leaderboard** — block size follows the connected graphic’s **Leaderboard Conductor** row count. Use this when the graphic determines how many rows fit on screen, not the data.

When the connected graphic uses a Leaderboard Conductor, Captivate auto-selects **Synchronize with Leaderboard** and shows the conductor’s row count next to the **Rows Per Block:** field — e.g. *"Note: The conductor currently has 5 rows out of a maximum 10."*

{% hint style="info" %}
The separate **Leaderboard Controller** (in the Sports menu) always uses **Synchronize with Leaderboard** and hides the **Block Detection Style** dropdown. See [Leaderboard Controller](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-1/leaderboard-controller.md).
{% endhint %}

## Working with a loaded sheet

The panel shows the sheet with a header bar:

* **Back** arrow — return to Load New Data
* Sheet title and current sheet name
* **Edit** pencil (cloud sources) — open the source sheet in your browser
* **Refresh** icon (web sources) — fetch the latest data from the source
* **Settings** cog

Below the header:

* **Find...** search box
* **Block Mode** switch (when allowed) — toggle block grouping on or off
* Numeric input next to Block Mode — sets **Rows Per Block:**; `0` uses automatic block detection
* **Start Auto Play** / **Stop Auto Play** — advance to the next block on a timer
* **Start Auto Refresh** / **Stop Auto Refresh** (web sources)

## Settings

Click the cog to open **Settings**:

**Automation Settings**

* **Autoplay interval (seconds):** — how often Auto Play advances to the next block. Minimum 3 seconds.
* **Auto Refresh Interval (seconds):** — how often Captivate reloads the source. Minimum 2 seconds.
* **Loop Table Playback:** — return to the first block after the last.

**Display Settings**

* **Allow Text Wrap in Cells:**
* **Block Mode:** checkbox — alternate way to toggle block grouping on/off.

**Block Settings** (shown when Block Mode is on)

* **Block Detection Style:** dropdown (see above)
* **Rows Per Block:** numeric (used by *By Row Count* and *Synchronize with Leaderboard*)
* **Column to Group By:** dropdown (used by *By Column Group*)

## Connect block data to a graphic

Tables: Block works with graphics designed to display multiple records at once. Many of these graphics use a **Leaderboard Conductor** in the Designer to define the repeated row layout.

Captivate connects matching source fields to matching graphic values when it can. To check or change the connections, use **Link Data** in the **Preview** panel.

If you’re building the graphic yourself, build the repeated row layout in the Designer and use the Leaderboard Conductor to define how rows fill the graphic — see [Leaderboard Conductor](/design-and-customize-graphics/chapter-index-5/leaderboard-conductor.md) for the Designer-side configuration.

## Multiple windows

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.

## See also

* [Tables overview](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-1/tables-overview.md) — Row vs Block and source options
* [Drive a graphic with Tables: Row](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-1/drive-a-graphic-with-tables-row.md) — for showing one record at a time
* [Use XML or JSON with Tables](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-1/use-xml-or-json-with-tables.md) — format-specific notes
* [Leaderboard Controller](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-1/leaderboard-controller.md) — the sports leaderboard variant
* [Leaderboard Conductor](/design-and-customize-graphics/chapter-index-5/leaderboard-conductor.md) — the Designer-side companion


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