> ## 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.

# Adding a Data Provider

Before connecting a **presentation element** to a **real-time data source**, a **Data Provider** must be created. The **Data Provider Wizard** simplifies this process by guiding users through essential configuration steps.

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## **Steps to Add a Data Provider**

### **1. Open Data Provider Settings**

* Navigate to the **Home Menu**
* Click **Data Providers**
* Click **Add…** to start the **Data Provider Wizard**

### **2. Follow the Wizard Steps**

The **Data Provider Wizard** consists of the following steps:

#### **Choosing a Provider Type**

* Select the **source type** for your real-time data
* Options include:
  * **Databases** (Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, etc.)
  * **XML & RSS Feeds**
  * **Microsoft Excel**
  * **Text & CSV Files**
  * **Web-based APIs & JSON Files**

#### **General Provider Settings**

* Assign a **unique name** to the provider
* Choose whether to use **PADS4 Data Server** for real-time retrieval

#### **Provider Connection Settings**

* Enter specific connection settings based on the selected **data source**
* Configure **authentication credentials** (if required)

#### **Rearrange Data**

* Switch **rows and columns** as needed

#### **Adding Regular Expressions**

* Apply **text pattern matching** and **optional text replacements**

#### **Adding Custom Columns**

* Define **calculated fields** to extend the dataset

#### **Applying Filters & Sorting**

* Set up **conditions** to refine **data selection**
* Define **sorting rules**

#### **Advanced Provider Settings**

* Configure **backup data sources**
* Specify **advanced retrieval options**

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## **Finalizing the Data Provider Setup**

* Click **Finish** to complete the setup
* The Data Provider is now **available for use in the presentation**

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## **Additional Notes**

* **Data Vault Providers** do not support all wizard steps (**only expressions, sorting, and filtering are available**)
* **Preview** your Data Provider to **verify real-time data retrieval**

### **Tip**

To speed up setup, click **Finish** after completing the **essential** steps.