Supported File & Data Connectors
What you can upload and how to prepare your data for successful import
1Overview
FinanceModel allows you to import data from external files to build and populate financial models. All data ingestion is user-initiated—you control what files are uploaded and when.
How File Import Works
- 1.You upload a file — Select files from your computer to upload.
- 2.Data is extracted — The platform reads and parses the file contents.
- 3.You review and confirm — Extracted data is presented for your validation.
- 4.Data populates your model — Confirmed data flows into your financial model.
Key Principles
- • User-controlled: No automatic syncing or background imports
- • Transparent: You always see what was extracted before it's used
- • Reversible: Imported data can be edited or removed
2Supported File Types
The following file formats are accepted for import. Files in other formats must be converted before upload.
Microsoft Excel
.xlsx, .xls
Import existing Excel workbooks including data, formulas, and basic formatting. This is the most common import format for financial data.
CSV (Comma-Separated Values)
.csv
Import structured tabular data from CSV files. Useful for data exports from other systems or databases.
Ensure consistent delimiters and encoding (UTF-8 recommended).
PDF Documents
Extract data from PDF documents using AI-powered parsing. Useful for importing data from reports or statements where source files aren't available.
Extraction accuracy varies. Always verify extracted data against the source.
Unsupported Format?
If your data is in a format not listed above, convert it to Excel or CSV before uploading. Most spreadsheet and database applications support export to these formats.
3Data Structure Expectations
For best results, your data should follow these structural guidelines. Well-structured files import more reliably and require less manual correction.
Tabular Structure
Data should be organized in rows and columns. Each row represents a record or time period, and each column represents a variable or metric. Avoid merged cells, which can cause parsing issues.
Clear Headers
Include descriptive headers in the first row. Headers help the platform understand what each column contains. Use consistent naming conventions throughout.
Consistent Time Periods
Use consistent date formats and period labels (e.g., "2024", "Q1 2024", "Jan-2024"). Mixing different date formats or period conventions can cause alignment issues.
Consistent Units
Keep units consistent within columns (e.g., all values in thousands, or all in actual amounts). Note the unit convention used so you can verify after import.
Common Structure Issues
- • Merged cells across multiple rows or columns
- • Data starting below row 1 (hidden title rows)
- • Multiple data tables on a single sheet
- • Inconsistent blank rows or columns
4Upload Limits & Constraints
The following limits apply to file uploads. These constraints exist to ensure reliable processing and maintain platform performance.
| Constraint | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| File size | 50 MB per file | Split larger files before upload |
| Rows per sheet | ~100,000 rows | Performance may degrade with very large datasets |
| Columns per sheet | ~500 columns | Wide datasets may require restructuring |
| Sheets per workbook | ~50 sheets | Complex workbooks may take longer to process |
Browser-Based Limitations
FinanceModel runs in your web browser. Very large files may take longer to upload and process, and browser memory limits may affect processing of extremely large datasets. For best results, work with reasonably-sized files and split large datasets when possible.
If Your File Exceeds Limits
- • Split data across multiple files
- • Remove unnecessary sheets or columns
- • Compress images or embedded objects
- • Save as CSV if formulas aren't needed
5How Imported Data Is Used
Understanding how imported data flows through the platform helps you use it effectively and maintain data quality.
Data Feeds Your Model
Imported data becomes input for your financial models. Values from uploaded files populate assumptions, historical data, and reference tables that drive model calculations.
- • Historical financial data → Feeds projections and trends
- • Assumption tables → Sets parameters for scenarios
- • Reference data → Provides lookup values and rates
User Review Required
After data extraction, you'll have the opportunity to review what was imported before it's used in your model. This is your chance to verify accuracy, correct any extraction issues, and confirm the data matches your source.
No Silent Transformations
The platform does not silently modify your data. What you upload is what gets extracted. Any transformations (unit conversions, date adjustments, etc.) are your responsibility to apply within the model.
6Error Handling & Validation
Sometimes file processing doesn't go as expected. Here's what happens when issues occur and how to resolve them.
When Files Fail to Process
- •File format not recognized: Ensure your file has the correct extension and is a valid format.
- •File too large: Split the file or remove unnecessary content to reduce size.
- •Corrupted file: Try re-saving the file from the source application.
- •Password-protected: Remove password protection before uploading.
When Extraction Seems Incomplete
- •Missing data: Check if data was in a format or location the platform couldn't recognize.
- •Wrong values: Verify source file structure; merged cells or unusual formatting may cause issues.
- •Period misalignment: Check that date formats are consistent in your source.
Need More Help?
For detailed guidance on resolving common issues, see our Common Errors & Troubleshooting page. If problems persist, contact support with details about the file and error message.
7Limitations & Best Practices
Following these practices will help ensure successful imports and reliable data quality.
Best Practices for Successful Import
- ✓Clean your data first: Remove unnecessary formatting, hidden rows, and merged cells.
- ✓Use clear headers: Descriptive column names help you verify extraction accuracy.
- ✓Keep a backup: Retain your original files in case you need to re-import.
- ✓Verify after import: Always compare imported data against your source document.
Your Responsibility
- •Data quality: The platform imports what you provide. Errors in source files will appear in imports.
- •Validation: You are responsible for verifying that imported data is accurate and complete.
- •Unit consistency: Ensure units are consistent and correctly applied in your model.
No Guarantee of Completeness
While we strive for accurate extraction, the platform cannot guarantee perfect fidelity for all file structures and formats. Complex layouts, unusual formatting, and low-quality PDFs may result in incomplete or imperfect extraction. Always review imported data before relying on it for decisions.