Add your first data block¶

A data block reads one or more attached files and shows them as an interactive plot. For example, it can show a diffraction pattern, an NMR spectrum or a battery cycling curve. Some blocks also do simple analysis.

You need an item with at least one attached file. If you do not have one yet, go back to Attach files.

Add a block¶

1. Open the item.
2. Click Add a block. It is in the toolbar and at the bottom of the page.
3. Choose the block type that matches your file's technique.
4. The new block appears at the bottom of the page. Under Select a file, choose one of the attached files.
5. Wait a moment. The block reads the file and draws the plot.
6. Press Save.

Each block only lists files in formats it can read. If your file is missing, see When a block cannot read your file.

Which blocks are available¶

Different instances have different blocks. Most instances have general-purpose blocks, such as Comment for notes and Media for images and videos. Beyond that, the blocks depend on the techniques your group uses, and on the plugins your administrator has installed.

The Add a block list shows exactly what your instance has. Hover over a block type to see what it does.

Working with a block¶

• Zoom and pan with the tools beside the plot. Hover over a line to read its values.
• Add notes in the text box below the plot. They are saved with the block.
• Change the title by clicking on it.
• Reorder blocks with the up and down arrows in the block's header.
• Collapse a block with the arrow at the left of its header.
• Refresh a block with the circular arrow. This re-reads the file.
• Delete a block with the ×. This removes the block, not the file.

Many blocks have extra options, such as choosing which cycles to plot or which files to compare against. These are shown above the plot.

When a block cannot read your file¶

If the file is not in the block's list:

• Check the file extension. The block only lists files with the extensions it accepts.
• Check you chose the right block type.

If the block shows an error instead of a plot:

• Read the error message. It is shown in the block.
• Check that the file opens in the instrument's own software. It may be incomplete or corrupted.
• Instrument software versions write slightly different formats. Your version may not be supported yet.

If you think the file should work, tell your administrator. Include the refcode of the item and the error message. They can pass it on to the datalab developers.