Outputting a blank space in Excel output

I'm trying to create a template so I can import data in tax software. The template requires any blank cells within the data set to have a single space. I can go into template with excel to use find and replace, but that is cumbersome and requires someone to make sure that happens.

I created a new column using a formula tool with " ". This works well in Alteryx and creates the blank space I need, but when the file is outputted to excel, the space dissappears. How can I keep this blank space?

I have an example of what I see happening below.

Thank you in advance.

Blank space output.yxmd

Output

Accepted answers

Strange and Interesting scenario. I took @Jean-Balteryx's suggestion of ASCII 160. It seems to work.

You can use CharfromInt to convert ASCII number to character.

Workflow:

Output:

Normal blank doesn't seem to work but ASCII blank is working. But i don't know why 🤔

Hope this helps : )

Blank space output.yxmd

All comments

Hi @to8nbeyond,

I'm not sure if it works but you can try replacing spaces with ASCII character 160.

I refer to this post : https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Discussions/Keep-leading-spaces-in-the-column-names-in-excel-output/td-p/725923

Strange and Interesting scenario. I took @Jean-Balteryx's suggestion of ASCII 160. It seems to work.

You can use CharfromInt to convert ASCII number to character.

Workflow:

Output:

Normal blank doesn't seem to work but ASCII blank is working. But i don't know why 🤔

Hope this helps : )

Blank space output.yxmd

This worked, thank you!!!

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