Blob Help!

Hi all! I am trying to format the output data from my workflow in Excel so it has colors, formulas, etc. From what I've read (The Blob: Reporting That Isn’t From a Horror Film, Share: Excel Templates with Blob Tools and Control Containers, and more), the blob tools seem to be the best way to do this, but I'm having trouble grasping how to use them in my workflow. I've attached a pic of my workflow, an Excel file containing a sheet with the unformatted output data and another sheet showing how I'd like the output data to be formatted, and a Word doc listing the formatting I did to the output data. Can anyone help me get to the finish line or at least a few steps further?

Also, the input/output data will continue to grow, so there will be more data columns/rows needed as time goes on. I'm not sure if I'll need to manually update the formatted Excel template or if there's a way to automate this.

Thanks so much!!

Workflow.PNG

Output Data.xlsx

Formatting.docx

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Accepted answers

SPetrie

There are a couple posts dealing with outputting to excel files using blob tools I remember posting on previously. Both have examples you can look at as well.

The posts are here and here.

CloudDuck

I hope that this will inspire you; since i don't have your workflow i just replaced the Blob guide you just mentioned in your favour.

Blob.yxzp

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jryan_jl

P.S. The formatting isn't set in stone, so it can be changed if needed. For instance, the totals row can be put at the top and the subtotals/grand totals columns can be put to the left (to the right of the names) if that helps to automate incorporating the growing data.

apathetichell

Hey @jryan_jl - I am confused. There are no blob tools here. the blob tools takes in a file as a location (ie a string). you change that string in a formual tool to an output location. you use a block until done. you ouput the blob.

you branch off the block until done to your main workflow. you pass in the blob location (but use a select tool to drop the blob itself) to your main workflow. (append fields ---- again don't include your blob field) - you output to your file you created above.

You set up the format in your excel file PRIOR to making a copy of it as a blob. that's it.

jryan_jl

Thank you, @apathetichell. There are no blob tools in my workflow yet because I'm trying to understand how to incorporate them. I'll try your instructions. Thanks again!

SPetrie

There are a couple posts dealing with outputting to excel files using blob tools I remember posting on previously. Both have examples you can look at as well.

The posts are here and here.

jryan_jl

@SPetrie, thanks so much! I was hoping for examples. I'll give them a try.

CloudDuck

I hope that this will inspire you; since i don't have your workflow i just replaced the Blob guide you just mentioned in your favour.

Blob.yxzp

jryan_jl

@CloudDuck, thanks very much! My workflow contains confidential information throughout so I didn't post it. I appreciate you creating a workaround!

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