Chapter 7
7. Running an import
An import uses one staged file and the saved setup. It makes live CatDV changes after you select Run file.
7.1 Prepare the file
- Save a comma-separated
.csvor tab-separated.tsvfile with a header row and at least one data row. - Give each column a nonblank, unique header. Header names that differ only in case count as duplicates.
- Include every active search and write source column.
- Supply a nonblank value for every search column in every row.
- Keep the file within the 50 MB limit. Split larger files into parts, each with a header row.
- Use the same number of columns in each record. Quote CSV values that contain commas or line breaks.
UTF-8 text is recommended. Data Wrangler removes a UTF-8 byte order mark from headers and trims surrounding spaces from headers and values. Unmapped columns are ignored.
Example:
Clip Name,Notes,Tape
clip_001.mov,"Wide shot, lobby",TAPE_A
clip_002.mov,Interview,TAPE_A
Chapter 11 lists format details and limits.
7.2 Stage one file
Open Run. Select the staging area to open the file chooser, or drop one file onto that area. Other parts of the window do not accept file drops.
Staging checks readability, size, headers, configuration, and CatDV access. It creates a temporary copy and shows the filename, size, row count, and expiration time. The staged file expires after 30 minutes if you have not started it.
Staging does not change asset metadata. Staging does not predict each row's matches or changes.
Folders, multiple-file drops, unsupported file types, unreadable files, and oversized files are rejected. A rejected candidate leaves an existing staged file intact.
Use Replace file, or drop a different file onto the staging area, to replace it. Canceling the chooser keeps the current file.
7.3 Check the saved setup and run
Read Saved setup. Confirm the search fields, write fields, and match policies. Select Run file only when those choices are correct.
If the staged file expires or its configuration becomes stale, stage it again. A configuration change cannot silently alter the import you staged.
Only one operation runs at a time. Each row searches CatDV and then follows the match policy. The Run screen shows progress and successful, skipped, and failed counts.
A live import holds one CatDV session for the file and releases it when the job ends. If release is unconfirmed, close Data Wrangler before another run. Closing makes a final release attempt.
7.4 Cancel a run
Select Cancel operation and wait for the final result. A pending request, an accepted cancellation, and a cancelled job are separate states.
The row already in progress can finish. Completed CatDV changes remain in place. History retains the recorded evidence.
Cancellation does not undo an import. Review the completed rows before preparing another file.
7.5 Quit
Closing the application while idle removes the staged copy and exits. Settings and history remain.
Quitting during work shows a warning. Keep Working returns to the job. Quit Data Wrangler stops unfinished work, records its evidence, and closes.
After a crash or forced shutdown, an unfinished job can appear as interrupted on the next launch. A staged file does not return after quitting. Follow chapter 8 before running it again.