Exporting to a csv file and excel opening a string field as a Date.

Question

My workflow is creating an outfile in CSV.  When I open the csv file in excel.  a string field DEC1 is being opened as a date 1-DEC.  Is there something that can be done in the workflow so that excel opens and displays the field as a string DEC1 instead of a date?

HomesickSurfer · Answer

Hi @BobSievert

How irregular or wrong would it be to have these values output with a ' or space as a prefix using:

"'"+[Field_1]

or

" "+[Field_1]

AngelosPachis · Answer

Hi @BobSievert ,

I believe this posts solution by @danilang  answers your question

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Discussions/Problem-formatting-date/td-p/467212

The issue arises from opening a csv file with Excel, which applies its own formatting rules. If you open it with a text editor, the values are displayed correctly