Overview
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.
Prerequisites
* Access to the FUSE graphics editor
* A spreadsheet or API endpoint with the data you want to display
* The spreadsheet must include a header row that FUSE can map to field names
How to Connect an External Data Spreadsheet
1. In FUSE, navigate to the External Data section
2. Connect your spreadsheet
3. FUSE reads the header row and creates named fields for each column
4. You can then reference these fields in expressions
How to Use External Data in Expressions
Once your external data source is connected, you can reference the fields in your graphic expressions.
1. In the FUSE editor, select the graphic element you want to bind data to
2. Create an expression that references the corresponding column from the external data
3. Repeat 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.
Spreadsheet Header Row Requirements
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.
Updating External Data
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.
Tips
* External data can come from Google Sheets, CSV files, or API endpoints
* Choose the format that best fits your workflow
* Test with sample data first before connecting live data to catch any mapping issues early
* External data spreadsheets must have a header row — FUSE uses these headers as field names for expressions