How to prepare an IO list for import
By Saad, practising automation engineer · Updated 2026-09-25
The fastest way to get value out of SchematicForge is a clean IO list. Here is what the importer looks for and how to get a vendor file in shape in minutes.
What the importer understands
SchematicForge reads XLSX, XLS, and CSV files. It finds the header row automatically, fuzzy-matches column names to its signal model, and shows you a preview of what it detected before anything is created.
Only two columns are strictly required: the instrument Tag and the Signal Type (AI, AO, DI, DO, and named types such as ESD or XV). Everything else — ranges, units, JB, node, card, channel — fills the drawing out but can be empty.
Quick wins before you upload
Put headers on one row and keep them short. "Tag", "Description", "Signal Type", "Range Min", "Range Max", "Units" is all it takes.
Remove merged header cells and repeated title blocks; they confuse header detection.
Keep one signal per row. Two rows with the same tag become one loop with two signals — that is how multi-channel loops work.
What the preview tells you
Uploading gives you an anonymous parse preview: row count, detected columns, loop and signal counts, and a first-pass count of validation issues by category. No account needed to see that your file was understood.
Creating a free account lets you run the auto-assignment and download the register.
Range low and range high
If the vendor file has Range Low / Range High / Units, leave them numeric. 0 / 10 / barg is a 0–10 barg transmitter, not 4–20 mA. 4–20 mA is the signal, not the engineering range. Those three fields print on the loop sheet next to the device.
Frequently asked questions
My vendor file has the header on row 9. Will it still work?
Yes. Header detection scans the first 25 rows for the row that looks most like a header. Try the free preview to confirm it is detected correctly.
Can I map columns that use unusual names?
Yes. The mapping step shows every detected column and lets you assign it to a field yourself. Your corrections are remembered for files with the same header layout.