Try the sample data on a Mac

A one-click way to fill your new easy-install with made-up clients (or Patients), jobs, invoices and expenses, so you can see how everything works. Your own records are never touched, and you can remove the sample data at any time. (for standard installs see the sample-data-phpmyadmin page)

The sample records count towards the trial’s 10-record limit. Remove the sample data (one click) before you add your own, or delete a record or 2 or activate a licence to lift the limit

Before you start

  1. Double-click the Add file

    Unzip the sample-data download, then copy the unzipped folder into the same folder as your installed SoleTrader or CrystalSolutions or PraxisClinic (the folder that contains docker-compose.yml). The two folders should sit side by side.

    In the unzipped folder, double-click Add sample data (…).command (the name ends with your product's name).

    The first time, your Mac will say it can't check the file. That is normal for software that doesn't come through the App Store. Don't click "Move to Bin" – click "Done".

    Mac dialog saying the Add sample data command file was not opened, with Done and Move to Bin buttons.
    The first-time warning. Click Done.

  2. Allow it in System Settings (first time only)

    Open System Settings and go to Privacy & Security. Scroll down to the Security section. You will see a message saying the Add sample data file was blocked. Click Open Anyway (arrow 1).

    System Settings, Privacy and Security, Security section. A message says the Add sample data command file was blocked, with an Open Anyway button marked by arrow 1.
    System Settings → Privacy & Security → Security. Click Open Anyway (1). Your Mac may ask for your password.

  3. Double-click the file again and click Open Anyway

    Back in the folder, double-click Add sample data (…).command once more. This time the warning has an Open Anyway button (arrow 2). Click it.

    The Mac warning dialog for the Add sample data command file, with an Open Anyway button marked by arrow 2.
    Click Open Anyway (2). You only have to do steps 2 and 3 once for each file.

    Older versions of macOS: right-click the file, choose Open, then click Open again.

  4. Press Return

    A small Terminal window opens and tells you what is about to happen (arrow 3). Press Return to carry on. It takes a few seconds, and then says Done. Sample data added. Press Return again to close it.

    Terminal window: This will add fictional sample clients, jobs, invoices and expenses. Press Return to continue (arrow 3). Then: Done. Sample data added.
    Press Return at arrow 3. When it says Done. Sample data added., you can close the window.

    If it says something else, such as Docker isn't running, it will tell you what to do. Fix that and double-click the file again.

  5. Refresh your browser

    Go back to your software and refresh the page. The sample clients are there, along with their jobs, invoices, income and expenses.

    The SoleTrader Clients and Projects list showing eight sample clients.
    The client list now has eight sample clients.(or sample patients for crystalsolutions or praxis)
    The SoleTrader Tax Summary page showing quarterly income and expenditure with an expenditure-by-category breakdown.
    The Tax Summary shows quarterly income and spending, with the category breakdown.

Removing the sample data

When you have had a good look round, double-click Remove sample data (…).command in the same folder and press Return. Only the sample rows are removed – anything you have entered yourself stays exactly as it is. (The first time you may need to repeat steps 2 and 3 for this file.) You can add the sample data again at any time.

Questions

Is it safe to open?

Yes. The file is a short, plain-text script, and you can read it first: right-click it, choose Open With → TextEdit. It checks that Docker and your software are running, then adds the rows from the .sql file in the same folder to your database. It doesn't connect to the internet. Your Mac warns you only because the file isn't signed by Apple.

It says my software isn't running

Open Docker Desktop, go to Containers, and start your software if it isn't running (press the play button next to it). Wait for it to show Running, then double-click the file again.

It says it can't find the .sql file

The script needs the .sql files in the same folder. If you moved the .command file on its own, put it back with the others.

I ran it twice. Do I have duplicates?

No. Running it again removes the earlier sample rows first and then adds them again.

I'm on Windows, or I'm not using Docker

On Windows, use the .bat files in the same zip in the same way (right-click → Run as administrator if nothing happens). Without Docker, the .sql files can be imported with phpMyAdmin instead – choose your database, click Import, pick the file and click Go. (for standard installs see the sample-data-phpmyadmin page)

Remember: the sample data is made up. Every name, address and phone number is invented, and it isn't meant for a live practice or business – remove it before you start entering your real records.