Overview
External data sources allow FUSE graphics to display information from spreadsheets and APIs that isn't part of the standard LIGR data model. This is useful for tournament brackets, custom statistics, sponsor information, or any data not available in the LIGR platform. The spreadsheet must include a header row that FUSE uses as field names. You can reference external data fields in expressions alongside LIGR data. External data updates dynamically without re-publishing graphics.
Prerequisites
* Access to the FUSE graphics editor
* A Rive file designed for the graphic you want to build
* An external data spreadsheet with a header row (FUSE uses these headers as field names)
How to connect an external data source
1. Prepare your external data spreadsheet. Create a spreadsheet with your data. The first row must contain headers that will become field names in FUSE (e.g., Round1_Team1, Round1_Team2, Round1_Score1).
2. Import your Rive graphic into FUSE. Drag and drop your Rive graphic file into the FUSE editor. The graphic should have text and image elements for the data you want to display. FUSE will detect the Rive file's exposed inputs and make them available for data binding.
3. Connect the external data source. In FUSE, navigate to the External Data section and connect your spreadsheet. FUSE reads the header row and creates named fields for each column. You can then reference these fields in expressions.
4. Map data columns to graphic elements. For each element in the graphic, create an expression that references the corresponding column from the external data.
5. Preview and verify data. Use the FUSE preview to verify that all data displays correctly. Check that field names are in the correct positions and that data is mapped properly.
Supported external data formats
External data can come from Google Sheets, CSV files, or API endpoints. Choose the format that best fits your workflow.
How external data updates work
External data updates in the spreadsheet are reflected in the graphic without needing to re-publish. Changes to the source spreadsheet automatically appear in the graphic.
Combining external data with LIGR data
You can reference external data fields in expressions alongside LIGR data. For example, you can combine tournament bracket data from a spreadsheet with team logos from the LIGR platform in the same graphic.
Common use cases
* Tournament bracket graphics that pull bracket data from an external spreadsheet
* Custom statistics not available in the LIGR data model
* Sponsor information and branding
* Any data that needs to be managed outside the LIGR platform
Tips
* External data spreadsheets must have a header row — FUSE uses these headers as field names for expressions
* Use ChatGPT to batch-create expressions when you have repetitive patterns across multiple data positions
* Test with sample data first before connecting live data to catch any mapping issues early