FAQs

If you have questions and you can’t find an answer here, please go to our Google group, check if someone has the same problem or open a new topic. If your problem is really that big or urgent, please contact us at raw@densitydesign.org and we will look into it as soon as possible.

###What format should I use for my data?

RAW works with tabular data. There are many ways you can upload your data in RAW:

• Dropping a plain text file containing delimiter-separated values such as .csv or .tsv. File extension does not matter!
• Copying and pasting your data from a spreadsheet (e.g. Microsoft Excel, Google Spreadsheet,...) or a text file.
• Typing your data into the text area. While it is unlikely to use this option, it could be useful for editing your data.

See the sample datasets as examples for formats.

###What about json, xml or other formats?

We do not currently support JSON or XML format. Sorry about that.

###Why can't I find pie charts, histograms or line charts on RAW?

Well, we focus on those layouts you can not (easily) create with other tools. However, if you REALLY want pie charts, you can visit this link.

###RAW says there is something wrong with my data

There can be many reasons why RAW cannot parse your data. However, most of the time, the problem is related to a mismatch between the delimiters in your header (first row) and the other lines. In general, copying and pasting data from your spreadsheet software is the best way to have clean data. If the error is related to a specific line, please check that line and see if everything is ok.

Sometimes, you want to use the delimiter char as a literal instead to separate columns. If this is the case, you can do that by double quoting the entire cell. Let's see an example:

First name, Age
John Doe, 26
Mark Smith, Jr., 34
Steve White, 53

In the example before the value Mark Smith, Jr. will cause an error, since it includes the delimiter char (the comma) as a literal. If you want to use the comma in that way, you should double quote the value (RAW will remove the quotes from the value and you will not see them in your visualization):

First name, Age
John Doe, 26
"Mark Smith, Jr.", 34
Steve White, 53

If you have any trouble ask the Google group.

###Is there a limit in terms of data size? Well, it depends mostly on your browser and your machine configuration, however, yes, if you are crashing the browser, it is too much data.

###Does RAW store my data?

Nope. RAW is a web app but your data are not sent or stored anywhere. Feel safe to use confidential data because they will stay on your computer, even when using our online version. However, if it makes you more comfortable, you can always download and run RAW locally. See here how.

###Can I edit the visualizations?

Yes, it’s really simple. You can export the visualization in vector format (SVG) and open it with any vector graphics editor (e.g. Adobe Illustrator, Sketch, Inkscape, …).

###Can I embed a visualization in my website?

Sure, RAW works with svg elements, so just copy and paste the code you find at the bottom of the app into any HTML page to embed it.

###Can I add new charts?

Definitely! RAW is intended to be open and extensible so you can add your custom charts or edit the ones already available. See the Developer Guide for more information.

###Hey, I found a bug, how can I report it?

Great! You found one! We’d love to know more about it. Open a new issue here on GitHub or create a new topic on our Google group and we will look into it as soon as possible. Thanks!

###Can I publish the visualizations I do with RAW?

Of course! You are completely free to share, publish and modify the visualizations produced with RAW. We would appreciate if you share with us your amazing work done using RAW.

###Should I credit RAW or you, guys?

Not really… But it would be really nice if you credit RAW and add a link to our website. Anyway, we remind you that RAW is released under the LGPL License (v3). While this is less relevant when it comes to the visualizations you produce with RAW, it becomes more important to respect all the terms and conditions of the License when you modify RAW's code.