From first file
to a useful finding.

1. Open a file or dataset folder

1. Launch RowCove and choose Open data or press Ctrl + O on Windows.
2. Choose your source in the native file picker. For a shard collection, use the visible folder-selection action.
3. RowCove detects the source. Review the detected format and any necessary source choices. Manual paths are optional.
4. A bounded first page loads where your plan and reader permit. Preview shows up to 100 read-only records.

Start with a copied small sample when learning an unfamiliar format. Opening a folder does not require reading every shard or computing a total row count.

2. Inspect values and structure

Review Dataset information, field names and detected types. Select a cell to inspect its complete value. Nested JSON values preserve structure rather than forcing you to infer it from a clipped table cell.

Find loaded rows searches the current loaded records. Use the full-file query/filter workflow for questions about the complete source. The distinction matters on large files.

3. Query the smallest useful slice

1. Choose the columns you need before widening the result.
2. Add a precise filter, such as one symbol and a short time range.
3. For supported shard collections, select Hive partitions before scanning. Follow the continuation cursor when more pages remain, including after an empty page.
4. Inspect source-file and source-record provenance before making a conclusion.

Cross-shard pages do not automatically imply globally sorted data or a reconciled global schema. Consult the reader's capabilities and keep the scope explicit.

4. Choose a database table explicitly

Open a SQLite or DuckDB file. Browse the catalog, then select a schema/table. Request projected columns and native equality or range predicates. The connection is read-only.

Use an order based on suitable unique columns when repeatable paging matters. A database query result's offset is not a source-file record locator.

5. Prepare a large compressed source

1. Open the GZIP, Zstandard or BZIP2 source and inspect the offered workflow.
2. For full access, choose a new disk-backed output file and an explicit output budget.
3. Check free disk space. Start preparation, monitor progress and cancel if necessary.
4. Open the prepared file with its normal reader after completion.

The preparation streams the entire compressed source and checks decoder integrity. It does not silently replace the original or an existing destination.

6. Stage edits and save a separate copy

Where editing is supported, switch to Edit, stage changes and review them. Use undo/redo to correct your work. Choose Save copy and select a new destination.

The source stays intact. Confirm the destination format and available operations; reader support for viewing does not guarantee every export operation. Reopen the copy to inspect the result.

7. Activate Pro or restore a purchase

1. Choose a monthly or yearly plan on the pricing page.
2. Sign in using your purchase email and the one-use code. Complete Paddle checkout after checking the final amount.
3. Open Account and plan in RowCove. Enter that same email and a fresh code from your inbox.
4. To refresh an existing purchase, choose Restore purchase. To cancel renewal, use Manage subscription.

Three active devices are included. Manage unused devices on the account page. A license file is bound to its installation; copying it is not an activation method.

When something needs attention

Payment completed but Pro is not visible

Allow confirmation to finish, then use Restore purchase. Do not pay again. Confirm you used the purchase email.

Email code expired or used

Request a fresh code and use the most recent message. Codes expire after 15 minutes and work once.

Large operation is still running

Review progress and available cancellation. Cold indexing, conversion and decompression can require substantial local work.

Format opens as metadata

Check the format guide. Metadata support is not a complete sample decoder.