> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.metaforms.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.metaforms.ai/survey-programming-decipher/unified-flow/dat-file.md).
# Generating a DAT file in Unified Flow
In Unified Flow, generate a `.dat` file for a **MaxDiff** or **Conjoint** study by asking the AI Assistant in project chat.
## Before you start
Make sure that:
* You are working in a Forsta Decipher project and have permission to edit it.
* The project contains the design workbook. Supported formats are `.xlsx`, `.xls`, and `.xlsm`.
* You know which worksheet contains the design matrix that should be converted.
* You know whether the design is **MaxDiff** or **Conjoint**.
If the workbook is not in the project, upload it from the **Files** panel before starting generation.
## Generate through the AI Assistant
**Step 1:** Open the project, go to the **Build** page, and open the **AI Assistant** chat. Ask the assistant to generate the file. For example:
> Generate a DAT file from the design workbook in this project.
**Step 2:** The assistant checks the available Excel workbooks and worksheets. If there is more than one suitable option, select the workbook and worksheet that contain the design matrix. Then:
* Choose **MaxDiff** for a best-worst scaling design or **Conjoint** for an attribute trade-off design.
* Enter the output `.dat` file name using letters, numbers, hyphens, or underscores. The assistant adds the `.dat` extension if you omit it.
**Step 3:** Review the confirmation summary. Check the workbook, worksheet, generation type, and output file name, select **Yes**, and submit the response to start generation.
**Step 4:** When generation finishes, review the generated rows and columns. Make any necessary edits, then select **Save to Project**.
**Step 5:** Open the **Files** panel and the new `.dat` file appears under **DAT Files**.
## Troubleshooting
* **Open or edit an existing DAT file:** Go to the **Files** panel, select the `.dat` file, make the required changes, and save it.
* **The assistant cannot start generation:** Confirm that the project uses Forsta Decipher.
* **No workbook is available:** Upload an `.xlsx`, `.xls`, or `.xlsm` file from the **Files** panel, then ask the assistant again.
* **The expected worksheet is missing:** Open the source workbook and confirm that the design matrix is stored in a named worksheet and that the workbook is not corrupted.
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