# Ranges

> Learn how ranges organize your data into tests, runs, and events.

![](https://synnax.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/docs/console/ranges/hero/ebffcc21bd6c/window-light.webp)

A range is a named time interval that marks an important event in your data. [Channels](https://docs.synnaxlabs.com/reference/channels) group samples by their source. Ranges group samples by time period.

A range has a name, a start time, and an end time. You do not add channels to a range. A range covers the data of every channel in its time interval.

> The interval includes its start and excludes its end.

## How teams use ranges

A test operator creates a range for each test run, hotfire, or calibration. The range records when the run started and ended, and it holds the facts about the run: the part number, the procedure, and the test parameters.

A test or data engineer uses ranges to find data later. They search for a range by name or label, plot it next to other runs, and [export it as CSV](https://docs.synnaxlabs.com/reference/ranges/export). They do not have to remember timestamps.

Ranges also mark events outside of tests, such as anomalies and maintenance periods. An Arc automation can create these ranges for you. It can mark each test run, each stage, an abort, or each time a value is out of limits. See [create ranges in Arc](https://docs.synnaxlabs.com/reference/ranges/arc).

You can save a range to the Synnax Core, where everyone sees it, or keep it only in your Console. See [saved and local ranges](https://docs.synnaxlabs.com/reference/ranges/reference#saved-and-local-ranges).

## Stages

The Console shows each range in one of three stages. The stage comes from the time range and the current time:

* **To do**: The range starts in the future.
* **In progress**: The range has started and has not ended. A range with no end time stays in progress.
* **Completed**: The range has ended.

When you change the stage of a range in the Console, Synnax changes its start or end time. For example, when you complete an in-progress range, its end time becomes the current time. See [stages](https://docs.synnaxlabs.com/reference/ranges/reference#stages) for each change.

## Metadata

Metadata records the facts about the events in a range. Common examples are part numbers, links to procedures, and configuration values.

Metadata is a set of key-value pairs. The key and the value are text. When the value is a link, the Console shows a button that opens it.

Do not store large data, such as a 250 kB configuration file, as metadata. This can make Synnax slower. Store a link to the file in cloud storage or a Git repository.

## Labels

Labels put ranges into groups. Use them to show the test stand or assembly line of a range, the result of a test (success, failure), or any other category that your team uses. You can filter ranges by label.

## Child ranges

Child ranges divide a range into smaller intervals. For example, a campaign range can cover all the tests on one component, and a child range can mark each test in the campaign.

A child range uses the channel aliases of its parent. It can set its own alias for a channel to replace the alias of the parent. When you delete a range, Synnax also deletes its child ranges.

## Channel aliases

An alias is a different name for a channel inside one range. For example, a device has three analog inputs: `ai_0`, `ai_1`, and `ai_2`. In one test, `ai_0` measures tank pressure, so you give it the alias `tank_pressure`. In a different test, `ai_0` measures temperature, so you give it the alias `temperature`.

When you search for a channel in a range, you can use its name or its alias. To set an alias, see [channel aliases](https://docs.synnaxlabs.com/reference/ranges/aliases).

## Snapshots

A snapshot is a read-only copy of a task or a schematic that is attached to a range. A task snapshot keeps the calibrations, scales, and ports that a test used. A schematic snapshot keeps how the schematic looked. See [snapshot tasks and schematics](https://docs.synnaxlabs.com/reference/ranges/snapshots).

## Next steps

* [Create ranges](https://docs.synnaxlabs.com/reference/ranges/create) in the Console or in code.
* [Find ranges](https://docs.synnaxlabs.com/reference/ranges/find) and open their range overview.
* [Export the data](https://docs.synnaxlabs.com/reference/ranges/export) of a range as CSV.