How to use the Multi-selector tool

The Multi Selector tool is found in our web scraping steps, such as Get data from bot's current page. It allows users to point and click to select data to be scraped from a webpage. The tool includes features for selecting types of data, such as images, text, links, and HTML. Advanced features for experienced web scrapers include using custom selectors.

# How to use the Multi-Selector Tool

To start using the Multi-Selector tool, use the Step Finder to search for "scraper" and add the scrape step you wish to use.

How
  1. Simply press "Select" to start choosing your data to extract

Read on to learn more about its features and how to use them, especially the grouping algorithm.

# How to Select Content

The simplest way to select data to scrape from the page is to point and click. As soon as you press "Select", you can begin. An orange highlight shows the selected content; to unselect, click on the element again. Importantly, you will need to change the data type depending on what you want to scrape.

# Using Columns

Columns arrange the data you select into a table format. Each column has its own selector, which you can change the data type for, use custom CSS selectors, and insert data. To add a column, click "Add column" or press "Shift + N".

# Selecting Data Type

If you want to scrape text, set the data type to "text". We have data types for images, text, HTML, and links.

To set a data type:

How
  1. Click the dropdown menu at the top right of the column you wish to insert data into
  2. Choose the data type

# Using Repeating Selections to Group Content

Axiom.ai features an algorithm to group data when you select it, ideal for selecting repeating content. Imagine a list of profiles with names, job titles, and profile pictures. You want to scrape the list of names, job titles, and the link wrapped around the name.

To group listed data you would do the following:

How
  1. First, select the name at the top of the list.
  2. Scroll down the list and select another name. You will see Axiom.ai select all the names in the list.
  3. Add a new column, change the data type to link, and select the name again.

You will see Axiom.ai align the data, grouping it by row.

# Advanced Features of the Multi-Selector Tool

# Custom CSS Selectors

You can use custom CSS selectors instead of our selector tool, which is useful for hard-to-scrape websites. You can use any valid CSS selector. To read more, view our tutorial on using custom CSS selectors. To use a custom selector:

How
  1. Click the dropdown menu at the top right of the column you wish to insert data into.
  2. Choose "Custom selector" and insert your CSS selector.

# Pass Selector from a Data Source

You can pass selectors from other data sources, such as Google Sheets. To pass data into the custom selector feature:

How
  1. Click the dropdown menu at the top right of the column you wish to insert data into.
  2. Choose "Custom selector" and Tick the box "Set selector from data".
  3. Click on "Insert Data" and select your data source.
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