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

# Uploading Additional Waves of Data in Open Ends

> Additional waves let you grow your dataset over time - perfect for longitudinal studies or follow-up surveys, without creating a new project.

### Critical Rule for Multiple Waves

Either the questions or the respondents must stay the same between waves.

* **Example A (Same Respondents, Different Questions):**
  * You interview the same group right after an event and again six months later with **new questions**.
* **Example B (Same Questions, Different Respondents):**
  * You repeat the same survey questions with a **new participant group**.

This ensures CoLoop can correctly align your new data with your existing project.

### Preparing and Uploading Your Additional Wave

Upload your file with the **same column headers and structure** as your first upload.

* **Unique IDs**:
  * If re-interviewing the **same respondents**, use the same **Respondent ID** values as in Wave 1.
  * For new respondents with the same questions, assign **new unique IDs**.
* **Avoid Duplicates**: Only include *new* responses—duplicates could overwrite or cause errors.

**Open your existing Open Ends project.**

1. Click ‘Uploads’ and select ‘Import Data.’
2. Select your .xlsx file.
3. Assign each field to the correct column (Respondent ID, Question, Answer, Segments, etc.).
4. Review and confirm—double-check that your consistent element (**questions** or **respondents**) aligns with Wave 1.

![Importnewwave Gi](https://cdn.coloop.ai/mintlify-coloop-docs/images/importnewwave.gif)

### After Uploading

* **Verify Merged Data:** Check your project dashboard to confirm the new responses are integrated.
* **Refresh Analysis:** Rerun any analysis or tagging workflows to include the new data.
* Keep in mind the codebook will not be edited or changed by new uploads.