Recording with scanner Logging

Generic question. Does the config file need to configured to exactly what data you want before playing back?
Background: Logged my GM Vehicle with Pro input 1 in the entire time for my W/B but did not have the configuration files set to interpret the data.

So, having trouble understanding if the scanner recorded volts, why can I not open a config file and it interpret it as AFR for example? Sorry, newbie and need to better understand the basics.

I thank you in advance!