The Reshape tab in the data preparation app enables you to quickly transform datasets from a long format (one response column) to a wide format (multiple response columns). This transformation is especially valuable when working with experimental data, such as a Design of Experiments (DOE) dataset involving multiple factors—for example, enzyme type, salt concentration, substrate concentration, and drug treatment.
By reshaping the data, you can more easily perform statistical operations such as means, standard deviations, and Z factor calculations in the following steps. For instance, in an enzyme assay with replicates and drug treatments, the reshape functionality allows you to generate separate response columns for each replicate or treatment group, making the dataset analysis-ready without the need for manual pivoting or restructuring.
Step-by-Step: Using the Reshape Tab
Open the Reshape Tab
Navigate to the Reshape tab in the data preparation app. Your dataset should already be loaded and visible in a table format, with factors and response values listed.
Identify Pivot Variables
Review your dataset to determine which variables you may want to pivot by. Common examples include:
Replicates (e.g., multiple measurements for each design condition)
Drug treatment (e.g., 0 µM vs. 10 µM)
Use the Checkboxes to Select Pivot Fields
At the top of the Reshape tab, you'll see checkboxes corresponding to variables in your dataset. Key points of interaction:
Selecting "replicate" will split the response column into separate columns for each replicate (e.g.,
response_1,response_2,response_3).Selecting "drug" will split the data based on drug concentration (e.g.,
response_0µM,response_10µM).You can also select both to pivot across two dimensions (e.g.,
rep1_0µM,rep1_10µM, etc.).
Review the Updated Table
After selecting your pivot options, the data table updates automatically to reflect the new wide format. Each new column represents a unique combination of the selected pivot values.
Proceed to Calculation Step
With your data now reshaped, you're ready to move to the Calculate tab to perform statistical operations or create custom transformations based on the new structure.
Learn more about performing simple calculations with your data here.
Learn more about creating custom formulas for data processing here.