> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.repdata.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Preparing Data for Cleaning

> Format survey exports correctly before submitting a ReDem data cleaning request.

Follow these guidelines before submitting a [data cleaning request](/research-desk/support/data-cleaning) to ensure smooth processing.

## Supported formats

Only **CSV** or **Excel** files are supported.

## Single-sheet files

If all data is in one sheet, each column should contain:

* A unique variable identifier (for example, `Q1A1_1`)
* The full question text
* The labeled answer in plain text

Recommended structure:

| Row        | Content                                     |
| ---------- | ------------------------------------------- |
| **Row 1**  | Header row with unique variable identifiers |
| **Row 2**  | Full question text for each variable        |
| **Row 3+** | One row per respondent with labeled answers |

Question text may also be embedded in the header after the identifier:

```
Q1A1_1: Please indicate how often you usually eat red meat
```

## Two-sheet files

**Sheet 1 (Data):**

* Row 1: Unique variable identifiers
* Row 2 onward: Coded or labeled respondent answers

**Sheet 2 (Codebook):**

* Mapping between variable identifiers and full question text
* Labeled answer options for each question

Download a [sample file format](https://redem-public.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/ReDem+Data+Import+Example.xlsx) for reference.

## Platform export steps

### Decipher

1. Open the **Report** tab
2. Click **Data Downloads**
3. Select **Other Data Formats**
4. Choose **Excel with Text**

### Qualtrics

1. Open **Data & Analysis**
2. Click **Export & Import** → **Export Data…**
3. Under Values or labels, select **Export labels**
4. Click **Download**

## Related resources

* [Data Cleaning Requests](/research-desk/support/data-cleaning)
* [ReDem file import documentation](https://docs.redem.io/features/file-import#supported-formats)