> 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-2.md).

# Legacy data controllers

These controllers predate the modern [Tables](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-1/tables-overview.md) system but remain in Captivate so existing projects continue to open. Avoid creating new inputs with them — start new work with Tables.

**❗ IMPORTANT**\
These pages document the legacy Qt/C++ controllers reached via **General > Spreadsheet**, **General > JSON**, **General > XML**, and the **Productivity >** Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel entries (plus the **Sports >** siblings). The flow uses an older selector dialog that is distinct from the Tables controller’s unified **Load New Data** panel.

## What’s in this chapter

* [Legacy Spreadsheet / CSV controller](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-2/legacy-spreadsheet-controller.md) — when an existing project uses **General > Spreadsheet**.
* [Legacy JSON controller](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-2/legacy-json-controller.md) — when an existing project uses **General > JSON** or **Sports > JSON**.
* [Legacy XML controller](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-2/legacy-xml-controller.md) — when an existing project uses **General > XML** or **Sports > XML**.
* [Legacy Google Sheets controller](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-2/legacy-google-sheets-controller.md) — when an existing project uses **Productivity > Google > Sheets**.
* [Legacy Microsoft Excel controller](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-2/legacy-microsoft-excel-controller.md) — when an existing project uses **Productivity > Microsoft > Excel**.

## When to migrate

For any new project, prefer [Tables](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-1/tables-overview.md). The Tables controller:

* Reads CSV, Excel (`.xlsx`), JSON, XML, plain text, and SQLite from one **Browse** button.
* Adds in-controller column sorting, header context menus, and a recent-source list.
* Auto-refreshes web sources on a timer.
* Handles Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel Online with OAuth.

Existing projects that already use the legacy controllers do not need to be migrated immediately — the inputs continue to load. Plan migration to Tables when convenient.

## Related

* [Tables overview](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-1/tables-overview.md)
* [Play and update graphics — section overview](/play-and-update-graphics/branch-index.md)


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