> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pads4.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Data provider properties

Elements can be connected to an **external data source** (such as a SQL Server database, Microsoft Excel file, or RSS feed) to display **real-time data**. These properties define how the element connects to that data source, and which **column** and **row** are used for the content.

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### Data Provider Info

* **No external data connection**\
  The element is **not connected** to a data source. It will display **fixed content** as specified directly in the element settings.

* **External data from the following data source**\
  The element is connected to a **data provider**, and specific **column** and **row** are used to deliver real-time content.

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### Data Provider Components

* **Data Provider**\
  Represents a connection to a **data source**.\
  Examples:
  * Table, query, or stored procedure (SQL databases)
  * XML file
  * RSS feed
  * Any other external source\
    **Note**: Data providers are defined at **presentation level** and are available to all elements. You can create a new data provider by clicking the button in the drop-down box.\
    *(See "Working with data providers" for more details.)*

* **Column**\
  The **field/column** from the data provider that delivers the content to your element.

* **Content Type**\
  Defines **how the data** should be interpreted by the element (e.g., as text, image path, number).

* **Row**\
  The **record/row** of the data provider that supplies the content for the element.

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### Remarks

* **Applicability**: Not all properties are applicable to every element. Some elements (like text elements) expect **text content**, while others (like image elements) expect **file paths to images**.
* **Dynamic Content**:
  * When connected to a data provider, **manual content settings** of the element are **disabled**.
  * The element content is always controlled by **real-time data** from the data source.
* **Row Limitation**:\
  If the data source has fewer rows than specified in the **Row** property, **no content** will be displayed.
* **Data Scrolling**:\
  When **data scrolling** is enabled, the **Row** property combined with the **Scroll step** property controls the scroll behavior.
* **Playlists**:\
  Most elements support **playlists**. If the database field returns a playlist (multiple items), the system will automatically cycle through them.