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## Frequently-asked questions

### Q: What data types can I create in TI Data Editor?

A: You can create matrix variables, text files, list variables, programs, string variables, group files, vectors, data and number variables.

### Q: Can I use all of the data types with any TI graphing calculator?

A: No. Some data types do not work on all devices.

### Q: Why does TI Data Editor open to the New Document Chooser?

A: TI Data Editor does not have a main home screen. The software contains a variety of tools that each have their own screen. When you open TI Data Editor, it needs to know which screen to open.

### Q: When I launch TI Data Editor, do I have to choose a new document from the New Document Chooser?

A: No. You can also open previously saved data. (See "Opening data files".)

### Q: Can I select items from the auto-complete drawer?

A: No. You must type the shortcuts in the auto-complete drawer.

### Q: Can I drag functions from the catalog palette to a TI data variable window?

A: No. You must double-click the items in the catalog palette to add them to the TI Device Program window.

### Q: In the Save As dialog, what does the Protect Program feature do?

A: Protect Program prevents the program from being edited on a TI graphing calculator.

### Q: Why did a zero replace the cell data I deleted?

A: A cell cannot be empty, so TI Data Editor replaces deleted cells with zeros.

### Q: Can I delete a cell instead of just its data?

A: You can delete cells by removing rows and columns. However, this may remove necessary data from your variable.

### Q: When I open a data file that I created on my device, why does TI Data Editor show the negate character (-) as a minus sign?

A: TI Data Editor interprets the negate character (-) as a minus sign. This gives you the ability to later open the file in other software programs. Some software programs, such as Excel, cannot recognize the negate character.

### Q: Are there any characters I cannot use in data variables?

A: Yes. With the matrix, list, data and number variables, you cannot use commas, semi-colons, spaces, or tabs.

### Q: Can I use complex numbers as data?

A: Yes. TI Data Editor supports complex numbers.

### Q: Why does my matrix contain more columns on the device than it did when I created it in TI Data Editor?

A: The matrix you created in TI Data Editor contains commas, semi-colons, spaces, or tabs. The device interprets cells with these symbols as multiple cells.

### Q: Why does my list contain more numbers on the device than it did when I created it in TI Data Editor?

A: The number you created in TI Data Editor contains commas, semi-colons, spaces, or tabs. The device interprets these symbols as the beginning of a new number. For example, if you put the number 1,400 in a list cell, the device interprets it as {1 400}.

### Q: Can I rename the individual files in my group?

A: Yes. Double-click the file name, type the new name, and press Enter.

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