Tip #23

Importing data into a table

Dreamweaver allows you to import tabular data, if that data has been exported first as a comma-delimited or tab-delimited datafile. Any newer spreadsheet or database program would let you do this. Once you have your delimited datafile, in Dreamweaver go to File, Import then Import Tabular Data for the dialog box.

the import table data window in Dreamweaver 4

Note: in the above example, my comma-delimited datafile is found on my C: drive, in a folder called school-gardens. The filename is actually fruit-sales.txt. The datafile could be coming from any location on your local computer. The delimiter here is a comma, which is a common output format. The other most common delimiter is a tab, but Dreamweaver supports other delimiters.

The resulting table can be modified using any of the normal table properties in Dreamweaver. Once imported, the table is just like any manually entered data.

example of table imported from a spreadsheet file

If you would like to practice with a comma delimited datafile, go to this document fruit-sales.txt and save the file on your local computer. Then use the File, Import option and pick Import Tabular Data.

These tips are created as part of a class on Dreamweaver Basics.