Change File Name

[zqlcancer]

I have a simple request to change file a.xlsx to b.xlsx. As the original file has formatted data and merged data, if I read the file from a.xlsx and output is as b.xlsx, the data are not formatted any more. Does Alteryx have a simple tool which can just change the file name? 

[mceleavey]

Hi @zqlcancer ,

are you saying you just want to load it in and save it out as a new file?

M.

[FinnCharlton · Accepted solution]

Hi @zqlcancer , the easiest way to do this is with the Blob Input and Blob Output tools. They import and export files as Binary Large Objects, so no formatting is changed:

This approach will make a duplicate file with the new name, rather than renaming the original, though you can delete the original files with the Run Command tool later if you need to.

[zqlcancer]

Basically I just wanted to changed the file name like how we change the file name in windows without creating addtional file. Not sure if Alteryx has a simple to tool for this.

[FinnCharlton]

@zqlcancer You'll have to use the Run Command tool to do this: have a read here:https://help.alteryx.com/2018.2/RunCommand.htm 

You can automate the generation of batch files in Alteryx and execute them with this tool. Your batch commands will have to have the format:

ren "Path/Old File Name.file" "Path/New File Name.file"

with one command per line. This will take a bit longer to develop but is the only way to rename without copying and deleting.

[lwolfie]

There's a great macro in the gallery that does this as well, look for the File Directory Manager.  https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Community-Gallery/File-Directory-Manager/ta-p/1026101

[zqlcancer]

Thanks, if Alteryx does not have a tool to change file name directly. Perhaps the best way for me is using Blob