How can I read data from .li files?
Data Logger can create compressed .LI files
Written by Paul Cracknell
Updated at January 8th, 2026
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- Python API
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- mokucli
The Data Logger can create files in a .LI format; this is a fast and compressed format.
The LI File Converter can be used to convert binary data from a .li file into plain text data in .csv (comma-separated values) format, a Python .npy file, or to a MATLAB .mat file. You can download the LI File Converter on the utilities page. The LI File Converter is also built into our desktop Apps.
Furthermore, mokucli includes a functionality that allows you to convert .li file to other formats. For more information, please install mokucli and enter the following command in PowerShell/cmd:
mokucli convert --helpThe details of the command can be seen below:
PS C:\Users\heyan> mokucli convert --help
Usage: mokucli.exe convert [OPTIONS] SOURCE
Convert Liquid Instruments binary data files to standard formats.
Converts .li binary data files (up to version 4) captured by Moku devices
into standard data formats for analysis in external tools.
Supported output formats:
- CSV: Comma-separated values for spreadsheet applications
- NPY: NumPy array format for Python analysis
- MAT: MATLAB format for MATLAB/Octave
- HDF5: Hierarchical Data Format for scientific computing
The converted file will be created in the same directory as the source
file with the appropriate extension.
NOTE: This command relies on platform-optimized extensions so may not
work on all operating systems.
Examples:
mokucli convert data_capture.li
mokucli convert measurement.li --format mat
mokucli convert /path/to/data.li --format npy
Arguments:
SOURCE FILE [required]
Options:
--format [csv|npy|mat|hdf5] [default: csv]
--help Show this message and exit.To convert a .li file to a CSV format, please run the following command in PowerShell/cmd, replacing “test.li” to your .li file name:
mokucli convert .\test.li --format=csvThe .li file will be converted to a CSV file. To convert .li file to other formats, simply change the “csv” to the desired format name.
PS C:\Users\heyan> mokucli convert .\test.li --format=csv
[===========================================================================]
Done.