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Importing data

Import ROS 1 (.bag) and MCAP (.mcap) data files into the Foxglove platform for later visualization and analysis.

Check out the MCAP docs for more information on converting other data formats – like ROS 2, Protobuf, JSON, and more – into the MCAP file format.

Add devices​

Before importing data, you must create uniquely named devices for every real or simulated robot you want to track. This will allow your team members to add data recorded on these devices. All imported files must be associated with a corresponding device.

Click "Add device" on the Devices page to create your devices:

add device

Import files​

Click the "Import data" button on the Recordings or Timeline page:

Recordings page

Alternatively, you can click on one of your created devices on the Devices page to go to its details page – from there, you can import data directly to that device.

Select the file you want to import, as well as the device you want to associate with the recording:

import

When importing MCAP files with metadata records or attachments, Foxglove will index and display them under the Metadata and Attachments tabs on the recording's details page:

recording metadata

View recordings​

View imported data as a list on the Recordings page, or as ranges on a timeline on the Timeline page.