<!-- Source: https://docs.squirro.com/en/latest/technical/data-loading/index.html -->
# Data Loading

This section outlines the various ways you can upload data to your Squirro project.

There are two ways to load data into your Squirro project:

Recommended: Use the [UI Data Loader](ui.md#data-loading-ui).

Not Recommended: Use the [Data Loader CLI Tool](data-loader.md#data-loading-loader).

## UI Data Loader

The primary means of loading data into your project is the Squirro UI Data Loader.

For more information, see [UI Data Loader](ui.md#data-loading-ui).

## Data Loader Reference

For reference information about the Data Loader, see [Data Loader Reference](reference.md#data-loading-loader-reference).

## Data Connectors

Connectors are the interface between an external data source and Squirro, delivering new content from the source system to Squirro automatically.

For more information about connectors, see [Data Connectors](connectors/index.md#data-loading-connectors).

## Data Loader Command Line Interface Tool

The Squirro Data Loader Command Line Interface (CLI) Tool is designed to extract data from various sources, including supported database types.

The Data Loader is called from the command line interface using multiple arguments.

See [Data Loader CLI Tool](data-loader.md#data-loading-loader) for further reference information.

For a walkthrough of the Data Loader CLI Tool, see [Data Loader Command Line Interface Tool Tutorial](how-to/how-data-loader.md#data-loading-how-loader).

## Data Loader Plugins

The Data Loader can be extended using Data Loader Plugins.

Plugins can be used in your browser within the UI, or on the CLI.

See [Data Loader Plugins](plugins/index.md#data-loader-plugins) for the full range of plugins.

[How To Write a Custom Data Loader Plugin](how-to/custom-loader.md#data-loader-custom-loader) shows how to create a custom plugin.

## Labels

Labels are fields within a Squirro item that includes structured metadata which describes the item.

> **Note**
>
> _Labels_ were previously referred to as _facets_ in the Squirro UI. You will still see references to _facets_ in the code, and in some places within the Squirro UI. All _facets_ can be treated as _labels_.

For more information, see [Labels](labels.md#data-loading-labels).

## Communities

Communities data can be uploaded to Squirro via a CSV or XLSX file. To learn more, see the Communities section page [CSV and Excel Formatting for Upload](../communities/csv.md#communities-csv).

## Data Types

For an overview of different data types supported by Squirro, see [Data Types](data-types.md#data-loading-data-types).

## Format Strings

Squirro supports format strings in many places within the software platform to specify how numbers and dates are displayed or processed.

To learn more, see [Format Strings](format-strings.md#data-loading-format-strings).

## Date Format

Squirro date formats are specified using a date format string.

See [Date Format](date-format.md#data-loading-date-format) for more information.

## How-To Guides

This section includes the following how-to guides and tutorials:

- [Data Loader Command Line Interface Tool Tutorial](how-to/how-data-loader.md#data-loading-how-loader)
- [How To Write a Custom Data Loader Plugin](how-to/custom-loader.md#data-loader-custom-loader)
- [How To Write a Custom 1-Click Connector](how-to/custom-connector.md#data-loader-custom-connector)

## Troubleshooting

For help with data loading issues, see [Data Loading Troubleshooting](troubleshooting.md#data-loading-troubleshooting).