Copy Files Workflow

[KagenB]

Hello!

I am attempting to build a workflow that will copy files from one location to another on a daily basis. I have built the below simple workflow and it seems to work fine in copying file names but not the actual file themselves. When I open the output file the only contents are the file name itself. Any thoughts on refining this workflow would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

[fmvizcaino · Accepted solution]

Hi @KagenB ,

I suggest you to use this excelent tool developed by @bobpeers .

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Discussions/File-Copying-and-Moving/td-p/592216

Best,

Fernando Vizcaino

[KagenB]

This is great! Wow I didn't even know this existed. Thank you so much!

[KagenB]

I seem to be struggling to configure the output source correctly - any tips?

[fmvizcaino]

Hi @KagenB ,

You only need to pass the full path+file+extension to both source and destination file path.

Best,

Fernando Vizcaino

[bobpeers]

The source should be the full path to the file to move or copy. If you specify a destination as a directory without a filename the files will be moved/copied their using their original file names.

If the destination is a full path (directory and filename) then the files will be moved/coped and renamed to the new name you provide.

Hope that helps!

[KagenB]

I'm sorry for the continued questions - I'm not sure why I'm struggling so much here. 

I'm using a directory tool to specify where I'd like to pull files from

I've selected "FullPath" in the source file paths as I want to be able to pull all files data from this folder and copy it

But I'm hitting a mental block on what tool to use / how to best specify where I want the files to be copied to.

Sorry again for the continued questions - I appreciate your help!

[KagenB]

[bobpeers · Accepted solution]

No problem 🙂

Use the directory tool to specify the full path of the source files just as you have done.

The destination is up to you but the easiest way it to use a formula tool and make a column called destination with the path (or path + name) of where you want the files to go. Then map this is the destination.

Of course you could build the destination column in lots of ways, there just needs to be at least two columns, one for the file source and one for the destination.

[KagenB]

Thank you so much! I was just thinking about the formula tool backwards. I really appreciate the help.

Have a great day!