Manage the Upload student data tab

This article explains how district administrators can use the Upload Student Data tab in Messages XR Enterprise to securely deliver documents and data files to student accounts, including file preparation, upload options, and visibility controls.

💡Quick answers

What file types can be uploaded through the Upload Student Data tab? Supported file types are PDF, .html, and tab-separated .txt files.
Uploading a spreadsheet of student data like locker combinations? Prepare a tab-separated .txt file with a Student ID column and additional data columns, then upload it in the Upload student data tab.
How does the system match uploaded documents to the correct student? Each file must be named using the student's ID number - the system automatically matches it to that student's account.
What is the maximum file size for an upload? The maximum upload size is 50 MB.
Can uploaded data visibility be toggled on and off without deleting it? Yes, use the visibility toggle in the Upload Student Data menu to show or hide data from the Parent Portal without deleting any files.

Step 1: Navigate to the Upload student data tab

In the Accounts area, click on Upload student data to get started.

Upload student data tab under Accounts.png

Step 2: Prepare and upload files

The Upload student data feature allows you to securely deliver PDF files, .html, and tab-separated .txt files to your families.

Select a file option

Option #1: Create a spreadsheet

Use this option to efficiently upload data for many students at once. By preparing a single spreadsheet and exporting it as a .txt file, you can easily link essential information, such as locker numbers and combinations, to the corresponding student profiles using their Student IDs.

Using your favorite third-party spreadsheet software, prepare your data following these guidelines:

Create one column with a header titled Student ID.
Create additional columns of information with header titles of 20 characters or fewer.
Create fields in these columns, each having 10 characters or fewer.
- Any extra characters will be truncated.

File export requirements:

File Type: Export your spreadsheet as a tab-separated .txt file.
Encoding: Must be UTF-8 (or UTF-8 subset) encoded.
Maximum File Size: 50 MB.

Option #2: Upload documents with Student ID file names

Choose this option to upload student-specific documents (like report cards or disciplinary forms). When you name a .pdf or .html file using the Student ID, the document automatically uploads as a clickable link directly onto that student’s profile, making it instantly available for families to view and download.

Report card file uploaded to documents section.png

Valid document files:

File Types: .pdf and .html
File Naming: File names must include the student ID (such as 2312.pdf).
Maximum Size: 5 MB.

Important Note

Uploading data for a student will overwrite previously uploaded information for that student.
Uploading folders of .pdf or .html files is supported in Chrome and Firefox.
Data items will be automatically deleted after 14 months of no updates.

Upload your files

Click the Upload student data button in the bottom right corner.
Give your file a name.
Select browse or drop a file into the Drag .pdf, .html, .txt file here box.

A note on secure document delivery

Files are only visible to the intended, authorized user after logging in, ensuring that student information cannot be accessed by visitors or anyone without the proper relationship permissions.

Step 3: Continue to manage your files

Make file(s) visible to families

Under the Visible column, toggle the file on to make it available to your families.

Make file(s) available on the MCA mobile app

Toggle on Main Student Page for the file to appear on the front screen of the MCA mobile app.

Update a file

If a file is outdated and needs to be replaced, select the spinning arrows icon next to an uploaded file to select a new version.

The Upload student data window will open.
Update the file name (optional).
Select browse or drop a file into the Drag .pdf, .html, .txt file here box.

Spinning arrows opens window to update a file.png

Remove a file

Need to remove a file? Click the trash can icon to delete an uploaded file.