Matrix Builder: User Instructions
Matrix Builder helps you create a Structured Word Inquiry matrix from word sums. It does not decide whether your analysis is correct. You must check the morphology yourself.
This is an update of the fantastic Matrix Maker, posted here with permission, that Neil Ramsden created for us so long ago, and which many of us depend on. You can see more of his SWI work and other projects here.
1. Enter the word-family base
In the Word Family Base section, enter the main base element for the matrix.
Example:
sign
Click the green checkmark beside Base to confirm it.
You may also enter:
Denotation — the meaning of the written base, such as:
mark, symbol
Root — the etymological root, such as:
Latin signum: sign, mark
Click the green checkmark beside each field after entering it.
The base appears in the center of the matrix. The denotation and root, if entered, appear beneath it.
2. Build a word sum
Use the Word Sum Builder to create one word sum at a time.
The base is automatically inserted into the word sum. You can add elements to the left or right by clicking the small +buttons on each element card.
Use the type buttons to label each element as:
- prefix
- base
- suffix
- connecting vowel
Enter the completed word in the final word box if you want it saved with the word sum.
Example:
con + sign + ment → consignment
Click the green checkmark to add the word sum.
Click the red X to clear the current word sum builder without saving that word sum.
3. Edit an existing word sum
Click any word sum in the Word Sums list.
It will load back into the Word Sum Builder.
Make your changes, then click the green checkmark to save the revised version.
If you clear all the elements while editing a word sum and then click the green checkmark, that word sum will be removed.
4. Add many word sums at once
Open the Bulk Import section.
Enter one word sum per line.
Accepted formats include:
sign+al+ed
or
sign+al+ed → signaled
You can also copy a list of word sums from another document and paste them here.
Click Add All.
The program will skip duplicate word sums automatically. Every imported word sum must contain the main base.
5. Save and load your work
Use Export Data to save the full matrix data as a JSON file. This preserves the base, denotation, root, and all word sums.
Use Import Data to reload a saved JSON file.
The program also uses local browser storage, so your current work may reappear when you return to the page on the same browser and computer. Exporting a JSON file is still the safer way to preserve your work.
6. Save only the word sums
Click Save Word Sums to download a plain text file containing the current word sums.
This is useful if you want a simple list without the full matrix data.
7. Export the matrix
Click Save as PDF to save the matrix as a PDF.
Click Save as JPG to save the matrix as an image file.
These exports save the matrix itself, not the full editing interface.
8. Clear everything
Click Clear All to erase the base, denotation, root, matrix, and all word sums.
The program will ask for confirmation before clearing everything.
9. Important reminder
Matrix Builder arranges the elements you enter. It does not determine whether a word sum is morphologically accurate.
You are responsible for checking that:
- the base is correct;
- the prefixes and suffixes are real morphemes;
- connecting vowels are used appropriately;
- the completed word is spelled correctly;
- the word belongs in the same word family.
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