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Supported Data

Supported Data Formats

Examples of all supported data types can be found in the /examples folder of the GitHub repository. Users can download these files to familiarize themselves with supported file formats, data structures, and to practice using SPECTROview with real-world data.

Format Extension Loader Data Type
Delimited text .txt, .csv Auto-detected delimiter Single spectra and maps
Renishaw WiRE .wdf renishawWiRE library Single spectra and maps
SPC .spc Built-in binary reader Single spectra and maps
TRPL .dat Built-in parser Time-resolved decays
Tabular data .xlsx, .csv Pandas & Openpyxl DataFrames for plotting

1. .wdf (Renishaw) and .spc (HORIBA) Formats

Since version 26.7.1, SPECTROview natively supports:

  • .wdf — Data recorded using WiRE software on Renishaw instruments.
  • .spc — Data recorded using LabSpec 6 software on HORIBA instruments.

Both discrete spectra and hyperspectral datasets (2D maps) are fully supported and can be opened directly without prior conversion. In addition to the raw spectroscopic data, SPECTROview automatically parses and imports associated metadata, such as excitation wavelength (nm), gratings (gr/mm), objective lens, laser power, slit/hole size, and acquisition timestamps. This provides comprehensive access to both measurement data and experimental conditions in a unified workflow.

2. Spectroscopic Data (.txt, .csv)

SPECTROview supports 1D spectroscopic data in TXT or CSV formats. Files must consist of two columns separated by semicolons, spaces, or tabs. Column headers are optional but supported:

  • Column 1: X-axis values (e.g., Raman shift in cm⁻¹, wavelength in nm).
  • Column 2: Corresponding intensity values (a.u.).

3. Hyperspectral Data (.txt, .csv)

SPECTROview supports hyperspectral data (2D maps or wafer maps) in TXT or CSV formats, provided the data is structured as follows:

X Y R1 R2 R3 ... Rn
X1 Y1 i1 i1 i1 ... i1
X2 Y2 i2 i2 i2 ... i2
... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Xn Yn in in in ... in
  • The first row (R1 → Rn) defines the X-axis values (e.g., Raman shift in cm⁻¹) shared across all spectra.
  • The first two columns define the X and Y spatial coordinates of each spectrum within the map.
  • The remaining columns contain the corresponding intensity values for each spectrum (I1 → In), extending from the second row to the last.

Note: Text-exported 2D map formats from Renishaw tools often use a different structure and must be converted before they can be loaded into SPECTROview. An integrated conversion tool is provided within the application for this exact purpose (see the Hyperspectral Data Converter Tool section).

4. Datasheet (Excel or CSV)

Excel files (.xlsx, .xls) containing one or multiple sheets, as well as CSV files, can be directly imported into the Graphs workspace for immediate visualization and plotting.

5. Native SPECTROview Formats

To ensure workflows can be saved and resumed later, SPECTROview uses specific file extensions corresponding to the active workspace:

  • Maps Workspace → .maps
  • Spectra Workspace → .spectra
  • Graphs Workspace → .graphs