Import data
Bring data into Desk with Get data, drag-and-drop on the Data view, or the empty-canvas cards.
Files (Free)
| Source | How |
|---|---|
| Text/CSV | Get data → Text/CSV, or drag .csv onto Data view, or paste CSV (⌘V) |
| Excel | Get data → Excel Workbook, or drag .xlsx / .xls — each Excel sheet becomes a workbook tab |
If the only sheet is an empty Sheet1, import replaces it. Otherwise Desk adds new sheets.
Sample data
On an empty report canvas, choose a sample card to load built-in demo datasets and explore without your own files.
Databases (Pro)
Live connectors that work today:
| Connector | Plan |
|---|---|
| PostgreSQL | Pro |
| MySQL | Pro |
Open Get data, pick PostgreSQL or MySQL, enter host / credentials, test the connection, then run a SELECT query to load a sheet. Credentials are stored encrypted on your machine.
Free plan: database connectors show an upgrade prompt. Activate Pro to continue — see Licensing.
Not available yet
These appear in the connector list but are disabled (stubs for a future release):
- JSON files
- SQL Server, Snowflake, BigQuery
- Web API (REST), SharePoint List
Do not plan production workflows on disabled connectors.
Empty canvas quick paths
When the report has no data yet, cards offer:
- Excel / CSV
- Database (Pro)
- Blank table
- Sample data
Or use Get data from another source for the full connector list.
Row limits
| Plan | Rows per dataset |
|---|---|
| Unregistered Free | Up to 50,000 |
| Signed-in Free | Up to 100,000 |
| Pro | Unlimited |
If a file is larger than your plan allows, Desk pauses the import and shows how to continue: Create Free account when that opens the file (up to 100,000 rows), Unlock Pro when you need every row, or Start with the first N rows to keep working now.
Related
- Datasheet & formulas — edit after import
- Security — how credentials are stored