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3.1 Dataset Format and Sources

PnPInk reads tabular data from CSV files or Google Sheets and converts it into one or more dataset sections.

3.1.1 Supported Inputs

  • Local CSV file.
  • Google Sheet (sheet_id in DeckMaker).

If sheet_id is empty, DeckMaker loads CSV from the same folder as the SVG:

<svg_name>.csv

3.1.2 Google Sheets Setup

In Extensions > PnPInk > DeckMaker, fill:

  • GSheet ID
  • Sheet!range/gid (optional)

How to get sheet_id:

  • From a Google Sheets URL like: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/<SHEET_ID>/edit#gid=0
  • Use the part between /d/ and /edit.

3.1.3 Google Sheets Access Modes

When GSheet ID is set, PnPInk supports two access modes:

  1. Public access (no OAuth). Use numeric gid in Sheet!range/gid (example: 381688145). If this field is empty, PnPInk uses gid=0.
  2. Private access (OAuth, authenticated). This is the more secure mode. If Sheet!range/gid is empty, PnPInk tries sheet name = SVG filename, then falls back to the first sheet.

You can also set an explicit selector:

  • SheetName!A1:Z99

3.1.4 Dataset Section Structure

Each dataset section has:

  • column A: section marker and row-level control cell,
  • columns B+: headers and data fields.

Two modes are supported:

  • Marker mode: {{...}} in column A (recommended, supports multiple dataset sections).
  • Shorthand mode: single dataset; first row uses A1 as main bbox id.

See full syntax in Dataset Reference.

Minimal Dataset Example

Column A title cost art
card_bbox
Fireball 3 images/fireball.png
Shield 2 images/shield.png 
card_bbox,title,cost,art
,Fireball,3,images/fireball.png
,Shield,2,images/shield.png

3.1.5 Why Column A Is Critical

The first bbox id (t=... or equivalent) in column A defines the main template for that section. It drives:

  • layout slots and pagination,
  • marks generation,
  • front/back slot pairing,
  • page-membership selectors for @page.

3.1.6 Headers, Comments, and Directives

Headers and comments are part of the dataset grammar, not free text. Before authoring complex sheets, review:

3.1.7 Multi-Dataset and Multi-Template

  • Multiple datasets in one sheet are supported via repeated marker rows ({{...}}).
  • Multiple template columns are supported via header declarations ({template_id ...}).
  • Multiple main templates in one marker list are not supported; use one main template per dataset section.