# Import, refresh and export data

> Import creates a data table from a file or a read-only query. Refresh reads the source again. It is not the same as recalculating formulas with the values already on the board. Keep the source link…

Source: https://docs.vectorboard.app/en/data-and-calculations/import-refresh-and-export-data/ · DATA AND CALCULATIONS

Import creates a data table from a file or a read-only query. Refresh reads the source again. It is not the same as recalculating formulas with the values already on the board. Keep the source link when you need repeatable reports.

1. Drag a CSV, TSV or Excel .xlsx file onto the board, or open the data import dialog.
2. Review the preview, encoding, delimiter, detected columns and proposed types. Correct how dates or figures are interpreted before you accept.

![Import preview](https://assets.vectorboard.app/docs/fig/fig-889.webp)
*Import a CSV or Excel file*

3. Import and check a few rows, the number of records and the important totals.

![Imported table](https://assets.vectorboard.app/docs/fig/fig-890.webp)
*Keep the connection to the source*

4. For a database, choose SQLite, PostgreSQL or MySQL and provide the connection and a read-only SELECT query. Review the preview.

![Import from databases](https://assets.vectorboard.app/docs/fig/fig-891.webp)
*Query a database in read-only mode*

5. Use **Refresh** in the source footer when the source changes. Then check the data and its dependent formulas.
6. Export a table or a range as CSV or Markdown. For CSV, choose original values, displayed values or formula text.

> **Expected result:** The board contains an editable table with source context and verifiable values. Database credentials stay in the system's secure store, not inside the board.

> **Important:** Import from databases is read-only. Editing the table on the board does not write the changes to the database. Before you refresh content you have modified, save a named version so you can recover it.