topic Re: Rename a file after a Dynamic input tool in Alteryx Designer Desktop Discussions

Rename a file after a Dynamic input tool

SWerbecki — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 12:46:34 GMT

Hello!

I'm feeding a dynamic input tool a file path that I am constructing with a formula tool.

I want to rename this file after I read it with the Dynamic input or at the end of the workflow.

For example:

File name: Mydata_07212025.txt

Rename to: Processed_Mydata_07212025.txt

Thank you!

Re: Rename a file after a Dynamic input tool

abacon — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 12:57:41 GMT

@SWerbecki I would try this, just append the desired text in front of the filename field in a formula tool.

Bacon

Re: Rename a file after a Dynamic input tool

HannahBrauer223 — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 15:03:32 GMT

My first thought was to use a Block Until Done tool so that you can read back into the same file to give it a new name. However, since the name is changing, it won't find the original file but instead create a new file with the new name. Is that an option? Or you could add a row or column in the existing file that says "processed". My final thought it to use another RPA type software that checks to see if an output exists related to that file, then rename/move/delete the original file.

Hannah Brauer

Crowe LLP

Re: Rename a file after a Dynamic input tool

jrlindem — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 19:00:39 GMT

If you're trying to rename the original source file, after it's read and pulled into your workflow:

The solution I would recommend is:

Read the file into your workflow
Use run command tool to rename and/or move the file
Optional: Use another run command tool even later in the workflow to remove or archive the original source file depending on your needs

Bottom line is you can use command prompt language via the run command tool to manipulate files on your computer!

Re: Rename a file after a Dynamic input tool

SWerbecki — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 12:54:34 GMT

Thank you for the solutions!

Re: Rename a file after a Dynamic input tool

Gaurav_Dhama_ — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 18:54:43 GMT

You can read the file as normal, also import the file full path.
Towards the end of your workflow when you are writing an output, use a block until done and attach an append tool to its 2nd or 3rd anchor.
on source side of append tool, join the input tool file path. Ensure that you take out only one row, use unique or summarize or sample, that will be your choice.
After the append tool use the run command tool to rename the file.

This method will ensure that your whole process run successfully then only rename the file to processed.