Refer Answer to Table Column
In row labeling projects, you can speed up labeling by pre-filling answers based on data in your uploaded file (.csv, .xlsx, etc.).
To do this, configure Refer answer to table column for each question and map it to a specific column header in your dataset. The system then automatically populates answers using values from that column.
To configure this during project creation, go to step 3. Add a question, then open the More settings accordion, then select the column header the question should reference.
After completing the setup, open the project. The question is pre-filled with answers from the referenced column.
Configuring for nested questions
Datasaur also supports Refer answer to table column for nested questions (child questions under a grouped attributes question). The grouped attributes question cannot reference a column directly, so you must configure the reference on its child questions.
You can configure this using the same steps as for regular questions.
Parsing behavior may vary depending on whether the parent or child questions allow multiple answers, as nested questions may need to split values into multiple groups, multiple items, or both. The next section explains how parsing works.
Data parsing and separators
To support pre-labeling, certain characters in your data are used to split and group answers.
Multiple answers separator (;)
;)If a question allows multiple answers, use a semicolon ; to split values in a single cell into separate answers.
If the question does not allow multiple answers, the semicolon is ignored, and the entire cell value will be treated as a single pre-labeled answer.
Example
Question:
Fruit?(Type: Text)Referred column cell data:
Apple;Banana;PearResult: The system creates three pre-labeled answers: Apple, Banana, and Pear.
Answer group separator (|||)
|||)This separator is used only for nested questions in grouped attributes question.
The ||| separator splits values in a single cell into multiple answer groups. This separator only works when the parent grouped attributes question allows multiple answers. Otherwise, all ||| separators are ignored, and the cell is treated as a single group.
You can also use ||| together with the multiple answers separator (;) to split values within each group.
Requirements for group parsing
The grouped attributes (parent) question must be configured to allow multiple answers.
The nested question (child) must reference the column containing the separators.
The child question can optionally allow multiple answers to split values using
;within each group
The system parses values differently based on your configuration:
Case 1
Parent question: Allow multiple answers → Unchecked ❌
Nested question: Allow multiple answers → Checked ✅
Column data:
A1;A2|||B1;B2The resulting pre-labeled answer:
Group 1:
A1,A2|||B1,B2
Case 2
Parent question: Allow multiple answers → Checked ✅
Nested question: Allow multiple answers → Unchecked ❌
Column data:
A1;A2|||B1;B2The resulting pre-labeled answer:
Group 1:
A1;A2Group 2:
B1;B2
Case 3
Parent question: Allow multiple answers → Checked ✅
Nested question: Allow multiple answers → Checked ✅
Column data:
A1;A2|||B1;B2The resulting pre-labeled answer:
Group 1:
A1, A2Group 2:B1, B2
Test data example
Upload the file below during project creation:
In step 2, enable Convert first row as header.
In step 3, configure the questions as follows:
Question 1:
Colors(Type: Text)Enable Allow multiple answers
Set Refer to column:
colors_available
Question 2:
Vehicle parts(Type: Grouped attributes)Enable Allow multiple answers
Question 2.1:
Part name(Type: Text)Enable Allow multiple answers
Set Refer to column:
part_names_and_tags
Result
After the project is created, the questions are automatically pre-filled based on the values in the .csv file.
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