> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.presenton.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Structured data

> Use spreadsheets, CSV files, and structured API content without losing labels, units, or meaning.

Structured data works best when the presentation has a defined reporting question. Do not upload a large dataset without explaining which decisions, comparisons, or trends the deck should surface.

## Prepare the data

| Check              | Example                                            |
| ------------------ | -------------------------------------------------- |
| Descriptive fields | `monthly_recurring_revenue`, not `value_1`         |
| Units              | Currency, percentages, counts, durations, or rates |
| Time period        | Exact start/end dates and reporting frequency      |
| Segments           | Region, product, customer tier, or cohort labels   |
| Missing values     | Distinguish zero, unavailable, and not applicable  |
| Source of truth    | State which sheet or export is authoritative       |

## Use structured data in the browser

Cloud and open-source Presenton accept structured source files through the attachment area, but the visible file list differs. Cloud’s live Generate screen advertises `.csv`, `.xlsx`, and `.xls`; the current open-source upload component also supports spreadsheet and delimited-data extensions including `.xlsm`, `.ods`, and `.tsv`. Attach the file and describe the analysis or comparison in the prompt. In the open-source browser flow, select an explicit language when attachments are present; follow the language control shown by Cloud.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Cloud">
    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/presenton-521d9e2f/isevrd3o6JPIkznF/images/user-guide/creating-presentations/generation-workflow/cloud-create-new-presentation-live.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=isevrd3o6JPIkznF&q=85&s=76d310aa97a0fa1b2622c31bc3217c70" alt="Generate page with the attachment area and spreadsheet extensions" width="1440" height="1000" data-path="images/user-guide/creating-presentations/generation-workflow/cloud-create-new-presentation-live.png" />

    <div className="guide-image-label">Attach a spreadsheet or CSV and check supported formats</div>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Open-source">
    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/presenton-521d9e2f/isevrd3o6JPIkznF/images/user-guide/creating-presentations/generation-workflow/open-source-dashboard-live.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=isevrd3o6JPIkznF&q=85&s=0cf9e1b512e84d01ea44db687a275d34" alt="Generate page with the attachment area and source categories" width="1440" height="1000" data-path="images/user-guide/creating-presentations/generation-workflow/open-source-dashboard-live.png" />

    <div className="guide-image-label">Attach structured files from the source upload area</div>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Use structured data through an API

The API contracts are product-specific. Cloud documentation includes JSON generation against selected Standard template layout schemas. Open-source deployments should use the self-hosted presentation endpoints and the live OpenAPI schema for the installed release. Do not copy a Cloud `from-json` request into the self-hosted v1 API without adapting it to that contract.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Cloud structured generation" icon="brackets-curly" href="/archive/v0.9.2-beta/cloud/guides/create-from-json">
    Supply layout-specific JSON content for a Standard template.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Self-hosted API" icon="server" href="/archive/v0.9.2-beta/user-guide/api-and-automation/presentations">
    Use the API documentation for the endpoints exposed by your deployment.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Review generated analysis

* Recalculate totals, percentages, and deltas independently.
* Confirm chart axes, category order, and labels.
* Check whether the presentation compares like-for-like periods and units.
* Use tables when exact values matter and charts when patterns matter.
* Remove fields that expose sensitive or unnecessary data.