---
title: 'Manual Upload Data Sources Data sources, also known as "Lookups", are external sources of data that you upload or connect to TrueContext. You can reference this data in a form to populate answers or answer options. Data sources save typing, reduce errors, and make it easy to provide mobile users with only the relevant, most current data.: CSV, XML, JSON, and Excel Files'
description: Data Sources can be managed manually in the  or through the TrueContext REST API The TrueContext REST API enables developers to update and manage data communicated between TrueContext and their external, third-party systems. Admins can call our API endpoints after they set up an API application and API Key. by uploading appropriately formatted files in comma-separated values (CSV), XML, JSON, or Excel (XLS/XLSX) format.
meta_tier: Essentials-Advanced-Enterprise
source_file: BuildAndManageForms/DataSources/217500318ManualUploadDataSources.html
url: https://docs.truecontext.com/1374411/Content/BuildAndManageForms/DataSources/217500318ManualUploadDataSources.html
last_updated: '2026-03-10'
word_count: 198
---

# Manual Upload Data Sources: CSV, XML, JSON, and Excel Files

Available on all tiers:

Digital

Intelligent

Elite

[?](https://truecontext.com/pricing/)

## About

Data Sources can be managed manually in the Web Portal or through [the TrueContext REST API](../../API_Documentation/APIEndpoints_LandingPage.md) by uploading appropriately formatted files in comma-separated values (CSV), XML, JSON, or Excel (XLS/XLSX) format.

Manual Upload Data Sources are designed for use in cases where data is not uploaded frequently. [Sources connected to cloud or enterprise services](../../Published/217500328DataSourcesOverview.md) can fetch data automatically, reducing administrative work.

## Set up a Manual Upload Data Source Data sources, also known as "Lookups", are external sources of data that you upload or connect to TrueContext. You can reference this data in a form to populate answers or answer options. Data sources save typing, reduce errors, and make it easy to provide mobile users with only the relevant, most current data.

Create the data source [as described here](217500348CreateManageDataSources.md), selecting **Manual Upload Data Source** as the type.

Select a **Name** and optionally a **Description**.

### Input File

- **UTF-8 Encoded**: If the file to upload is saved with UTF-8 encoding (CSV), check this option. If you are not sure if it is, leave this unchecked.
- **Trim Whitespace…**: This option will remove any space, tab, or other "whitespace" characters that may be present at the beginning or end of a data value. This is recommended.
- **Data Source File**: Browse and select the file to upload.

  For a JSON file, [check that TrueContext supports the structure of the JSON data](../../IntegrateWithOtherSystems/StoreJSONDataSources.md).

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