CSV Output makes date values from stringsm how to prevent it?

[rpeti]

Hi there, 

would need some help with correcting my output. I have formula that transforms values to certain strings that look like this "1-17", "1-5" and when I connect it to a .csv output it always transform them to date types so january 17.

My question is that how could I prevent that from happening and keeping it a "1-17" string value? 

Note: my columns are in V_WString format.

[apathetichell · Accepted solution]

Are you opening your file in excel or in notepad? Check in notepad and see if the error still occurs. I've seen this being an Excel thing - and not a .csv or an Alteryx thing (ie the file is fine - excel is reading it in wrong.)

[ed_hayter]

I believe CSV are always text so data types are all strings. What are you opening up the CSV with to view and then seeing the string field turned to date. Sounds like the issue is with the default CSV reading settings of your viewer if i understand the question correctly.

[rpeti]

I'm opening it with excel, in notepad it's working great. Thanks a lot :)