Import Data Wizard: Select Data

Import Data Wizard: Select Data

The Import Data Wizard allows you to import data into your portfolio, as well as update existing data. This page allows you to select which data to import from the selected files.

When you are importing from text files, it is typically not necessary to make any changes to this dialog. For MetaStock files, it will be necessary to select which data series to import.

& For help importing data, see Importing and Exporting Data.

Understanding the Import Data Selection Tree

The data from the files selected for importing is displayed in a tree format. Each file is broken down into the different ticker symbols contained in the file. For text files, the ticker symbols are broken down further into the individual fields being imported. Each item in the tree has an icon indicating what it is.

Selection Tree Icons

$image\ebd_ebd6.gif$ Text File

$image\ebd_ebd7.gif$ MetaStock File

$image\ebd_ebd8.gif$ Data Series

$image\ebd_ebd9.gif$ Date Field

$image\ebd_ebd10.gif$ Time Field

$image\ebd_ebd11.gif$ Ticker Field

$image\ebd_ebd12.gif$ Numeric Data Field

$image\ebd_ebd13.gif$ Text Data Field

Next to each file, ticker symbol, and field is a checkbox that can be used to select whether to import this piece data. Items with a check will be imported, items without a check will be ignored.

Selection Tree Checkboxes

$image\ebd_ebd14.gif$ Unselected Item

$image\ebd_ebd15.gif$ Selected Item

$image\ebd_ebd16.gif$ Partially Selected Item

$image\ebd_ebd17.gif$ Required Item

$image\ebd_ebd18.gif$ Unselectable Item

In addition, the Import From column provides information about the files, symbols, and field names each item will be imported from.

Selecting Ticker Symbols to Import

When you are importing data from text files, it is typically not necessary to make any changes to this dialog. All of the symbols available in a text file will be selected for import. If you would like to select a subset of the ticker symbols available in a text file, uncheck the symbols that you do not want to include.

Ä Note: There is one exception to this processing. If a text file does not have a date field and there is date information in the file name, only the ticker symbols that are currently in the target group will be included in the import selection tree. However, all of those symbols will be selected.

For MetaStock files, it will be necessary to select which ticker symbols to import from the selected files. Simply select the checkbox next to each ticker symbol you would like to import. You can also select all of the symbols in the target group by pressing the Select to Update Any Symbols in the Target Group button.

Modifying Importing of Text Files

In addition to selecting which ticker symbols to import from text files, there are additional operations you can perform. Specifically, you can select individual fields to import or change the processing of the selected fields. By default, all of the numeric fields of each selected ticker symbol will be imported. The following operations can also be performed.

ˇ Rename a Field

Field names in the selection tree can be changed by clicking twice on the field name.

Ä Note: Common field names such as "Close" and "Volume" should not be changed. Common names are often used as inputs to formulas and chart fields. If these names are changed, you may need to perform some additional steps to use them normally.

Ä Note: Company names, or the names that are associated with data series, display the symbol in brackets. This symbol can modified by entering the symbol in brackets while modifying the name.

What Do I Do Next?

After selecting the data you would like to import, press the Next button to continue on to the Start Import page. If you would prefer not to import any data at this time, press the Cancel button. If you would like to change which files are being imported or how they are being processed, press the Back button.

How Did I Get Here?

This page is displayed for file imports after the Select Files page and Verify Text File Format pages in the Import Data Wizard. It is only displayed if you indicate to select individual ticker symbols or fields from the files on that page. By default, that option is selected if any MetaStock files are being imported.