External data sources allow FUSE graphics to display information from spreadsheets and APIs that isn't part of the standard LIGR data model. You can connect spreadsheets or API endpoints in the External Data section of FUSE. FUSE reads the header row of spreadsheets as field names, which you can then reference in expressions. External data fields can be mixed with LIGR data expressions in the same graphic.

​

This is useful when you need to display information like tournament brackets, custom statistics, or sponsor information that isn't stored in the LIGR platform.

​

[SCREENSHOT: the External Data section in FUSE showing a connected spreadsheet with its header row mapped to field names]

​

Before you begin, make sure you have the following: access to the FUSE graphics editor, a spreadsheet or API endpoint with the data you want to display, and a spreadsheet that includes a header row that FUSE can map to field names.

​

To connect an external spreadsheet, start in FUSE and navigate to the External Data section. From there, connect your spreadsheet, and FUSE will read the header row and automatically create named fields for each column. Once the fields have been created, you can reference them in expressions when building your graphics.

​

Once your external data source is connected, you can reference the fields in your graphic expressions. First, in the FUSE editor, select the graphic element you want to bind data to. Next, create an expression that references the corresponding column from the external data. Repeat this process for all elements that need to display external data.

​

You can mix external data fields with LIGR data expressions in the same graphic. For example, you could display team names from LIGR data alongside bracket position information from an external spreadsheet.

​

[SCREENSHOT: a FUSE graphic expression referencing an external data field alongside a LIGR data field]

​

External data spreadsheets must have a header row. FUSE uses these headers as field names for expressions.

​

The first row of your spreadsheet should contain descriptive column names that will become the field names you reference in FUSE expressions. For example, headers like Round1_Team1, Round1_Team2, or Round1_Score1 would be referenced exactly as written in your FUSE expressions.

​

External data updates in the spreadsheet are reflected in the graphic without needing to re-publish. Changes you make to your connected spreadsheet will automatically appear in your FUSE graphic.

​

• External data can come from Google Sheets, CSV files, or API endpoints, so choose the format that best fits your workflow.

​

• Test with sample data first before connecting live data to catch any mapping issues early.

​

• Remember that external data spreadsheets must have a header row, since FUSE uses these headers as field names for expressions.

​