> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.marpledata.com/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.marpledata.com/docs/marple-insight/user-manuals/analysis/dataset-modes.md).

# Dataset modes

When you visualise more than one dataset in a project, you can choose how those datasets work together. This choice is called the dataset mode. You select a mode when you visualise multiple datasets from the Library, and you can change it at all times in the bottom left corner of the analysis page.

There are four dataset modes:

* **Single:** show one dataset at a time and switch between them.
* **Overlay:** draw multiple datasets on top of each other in the same plots to compare them.
* **Merge:** combine the signals of multiple datasets into one dataset.
* **Chain:** place multiple datasets end-to-end on the time axis to form one continuous recording.

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<figure><img src="/files/Uh7AGNfuAI6Lyxhn7S8J" alt="" width="327"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

When you have already data loaded, you can choose to either append the newly selected datasets and continue in the same mode, or start a new session with only the selected datasets in a new mode

<figure><img src="/files/vqShGtUVHFAjEBceJET8" alt=""><figcaption><p>Thre datasets were already being visualised in chain mode. Choose to start a new session with the two newly selected datasets or continue the chained session with the three existing datasets and the two new ones.</p></figcaption></figure>

### Choose a dataset mode

When you select multiple datasets in the Library and click Visualise, a dialog opens. Simply click the mode you want, and your datasets are loaded that way. If you select just one dataset, it opens directly in Single mode.

You can change the mode later from the Datasets section at the bottom left of the analysis tab, or by pressing the `i` key to open the Organise Datasets dialog.

<figure><img src="/files/xY7VtI7G9KxpKOKpPusl" alt="" width="226"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Which mode should you use?

* Use **Single** when you mostly look at one dataset at a time but want quick access to the others in your project.
* Use **Overlay** to compare the same signals across different runs, laps or vehicles.
* Use **Merge** when one recording is split across multiple datasets and you want all their signals available together. E.g. combine measurements from a weather station with vehicle data.
* Use **Chain** when you have consecutive recordings of the same setup and want to view them as one continuous timeline.