"First Row Contains Data" is not applied on all files (Batch Macro)

Question

Hi everyone,

I have created a Batch Macro, which pulls in several Excel Files which have the same structure:

Row 1 to 14 contains partly information (some rows are just empty, for instance Row 1 is always empty), and the table itself starts from row 15 on.

I have set my Input tool, that "First Row Contains Data" is checked to ensure that the Input Tool shows the whole table.

However, for some Excel file, it still does not recognize the first row (which is always empty). So for some Excel files, Alteryx starts reading from Row 2 instead and for others from Row 1 (what I want it to do).

So the Macro then does not work correctly, as the table starts differently in several cases, either from row 14 or row 15.

Could you kindly help? Unfortunately, I cannot share the workflow but added screenshots of the previews.

I have never had this issue before with these settings and am kind of lost.

Happy to hear any suggestions! (Version used and allowed for usability within the company: 2024.2.1.125)

Alteryx_01.png

Alteryx_02.png

Chaoued · Answer

Here are a few approaches to fix this:

✅ 1. Force Alteryx to Read All Rows
In the Input Data tool, uncheck “First Row Contains Data”.
This way, Alteryx will read all rows exactly as they appear, including empty ones.
Then, use a Dynamic Rename or Select tool later to handle headers.

✅ 2. Use “Start Data Import on Row” Option
In the Input tool configuration, there’s an option “Start Data Import on Row”.
Set this to 1 so Alteryx always starts reading from the first row, even if it’s empty.
This ensures consistency across all files.

✅ 3. Clean the Header Rows After Import
After reading the data, use a Sample tool or Filter tool to remove the first 14 rows (since they are metadata or empty).
Then, use Dynamic Rename to promote the correct header row (row 15) as column names.

✅ 4. Use a Pre-Processing Step
If the files are inconsistent, you can add a Formula tool or Multi-Row Formula to detect and standardize the header row before the macro processes them.

jmgross72 · Answer

deselect the check mark!

If that doesn't work, try using the dynamic rename tool to promote headers from the first row of data.