Frequently Asked Questions
Is my data safe? Where is it stored?
Your data is completely safe. All processing happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your files are never uploaded to any server, and no data is stored anywhere except temporarily in your browser's memory during processing. Once you close the page, all data is cleared.
What file formats are supported?
The application supports the following formats:
- CSV (Comma-Separated Values)
- JSON (JavaScript Object Notation)
- Excel (.xlsx and .xls)
- TSV (Tab-Separated Values)
- TXT (Plain Text)
- DAT (Data files)
Why is there a 10 MB file size limit?
The 10 MB limit exists because all processing happens in your browser's memory. Processing very large files in the browser can cause performance issues or crashes. For files larger than 10 MB, we recommend using desktop-based data cleansing tools.
What are default transformations?
Default transformations are basic cleansing operations applied to all data automatically:
- Trim whitespace: Removes extra spaces at the beginning and end of values
- Replace multiple spaces: Converts multiple spaces into a single space
- Replace tabs: Converts tab characters into spaces
These transformations help ensure consistent formatting across your data.
What's the difference between structured and unstructured data?
Structured data has a defined format with identifiable fields or columns (like CSV, JSON, Excel, TSV). For structured data, you can apply field-specific transformations.
Unstructured data doesn't have a clear structure (like plain text files). For unstructured data, only default transformations are applied.
Can I undo transformations after processing?
No, once the file is processed and downloaded, the transformations are permanent in that file. We recommend keeping a copy of your original file before processing. You can always re-upload the original file and try different transformation options.
Why isn't my file uploading?
Common reasons include:
- File size exceeds 10 MB
- File format is not supported
- File is corrupted or damaged
- Browser doesn't support the File API (try updating your browser)
Check the error message displayed for specific details.
Will the output file be in the same format as my input file?
Yes! The application preserves your original file format. If you upload a CSV file, you'll download a CSV file. If you upload an Excel file, you'll download an Excel file, and so on.
How do I know which transformations to apply?
It depends on your data and use case:
- Use Uppercase/Lowercase for standardizing text fields like names or codes
- Use Remove Duplicates when you need unique values based on a specific field
- The default transformations are good for general data cleanliness
We recommend testing with a small sample first to see the results.
Does this work on mobile devices?
Yes, the application is responsive and works on mobile devices. However, for the best experience and performance, we recommend using a desktop or laptop computer, especially for larger files.
Is this application free?
Yes, the Data Cleansing Application is completely free to use. There are no hidden fees or premium features.
Can I process multiple files at once?
Currently, the application processes one file at a time. After downloading your cleansed file, you can upload another file to process.
What browsers are supported?
The application works on all modern browsers including:
- Google Chrome (recommended)
- Mozilla Firefox
- Safari
- Microsoft Edge
Make sure your browser is updated to the latest version for best performance.