Adding the month dynamically to the file output while preserving the formatting

Question

Hello,

I am trying to dynamically rename one file while multiple sheets while preserving the formatting of the workbook. I tried changing the entire file path in the output tool using a column created to dynamically change the file name, but receive an error stating I need to specify a sheet name. Attached is my workflow.

Add_month_name_to_sheet_name.yxmd

amadra · Answer

@JustinB12  - This is possible (maybe not in the most straightforward way).

One way of keeping the same output formatting and renaming the file is by using the blob output tool. Blob output will create a a copy of the original file and will dynamically rename the file.

Try the attached workflow by configuring the input (output file of your previous workflow) and a new output file.
In blob input choose the setting "Modify file name by: Appending Field To File Name"

I recommend not running this workflow manually and instead chaining this workflow to your original workflow (i.e. run this automatically after the first one finishes), to create your final output file.

create_new_file_by_renaming_file.yxmd

DataNath · Answer

@JustinB12 I think what is likely happening is that, because you’re changing the filepath before output and obviously the month has changed, you’re not actually overwriting at that point but creating a new file because the name is different. The immediate way of getting around this that I can think of is building the table in Alteryx and then outputting it as a .xlsx from the render tool, though I’m not sure if the formatting you’re applying is beyond their capabilities.

JustinB12 · Answer

Yes, Please see my updated workflow. It will keep the same formatting if I rerun with the same file name, but I did a test run where the file name changed to the next month and the formatting was lost.

Add_month_name_to_sheet_name.yxmd