Putting Sheet Tab in Order

[KamenRider]

Hi guys,

I'm quite wondering how can I put the tab in order based on my requirements. I have tried setting it in order using the Union tool but nothing is happening. It doesn't move. Is there any other way I could arrange it. Below is the current arrangement.

 

I would like to arrange as follows:

1. Checklist

2. Data File

3. Latest Codes Fired

4. A. Ensure LD Remediation

Please advise.

Kamen

[caltang]

It is alphabetical. One way I would suggest is to have a few block-until-dones or use my 7-output-block-until-done here https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Community-Gallery/Multiple-Block-Until-Done-7-Outputs/ta-p/1259424

The first output should filter for Checklist, then second filters for Data File, and so on... so forth. 

This will let you write it out in the order you desire, else it follows the alphabet.

[jdminton]

I see two options for this. The first is to use block until done to control how quickly the sheets finish. Alteryx adds the sheets in Excel as they finish. If you are creating a new Excel file, you will need this. I'm not sure, but testing with the small file, it kept the order after the initial file was created, but I'm not certain it will do that with a larger file, so you may need to keep the block until done tools in the workflow.

The second option is to only replace the range in the output tool. This may not be possible with your workflow though. Let me know if these work. 

[jdminton]

@caltang Excel sheet order isn't alphabetical. It is based on timing of completion.

[caltang]

Hmm, if that's the case then how come the user's outputs are still not sorted according to their fancy?

I agree the solution should be to use BUD to get the sheets to come out first/second/third/etc... my earlier comment is still the same solution as yours. The reason why I mentioned that is because OP's using Union tool and probably outputting based on a certain dimension as the group - in this case the 4 items in OP's post. It's sorted Alphabetically because the Union is outputting it all at once and is grouping the dimensions alphabetically. 

Additional finding: https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Desktop-Discussions/How-to-change-excel-sheet-orde... 

[jdminton]

@caltang I believe this was just a coincidence. In my example, without the block until done, I was getting them in not alphabetical order. 

[caltang]

I did some experiment here:

The output is:

It is alphabetical for me - don't think timing plays a role here if the output is from the same spot. Because we don't declare it, the sheet names are alphabetically sorted. Don't think this is a coincidence, but I'm looking to learn if this is not the case. 

Can't find much documentation on it yet...

[jdminton]

@caltang are you using AMP engine?

[caltang]

Yes - using AMP! Did you turn yours off?

[jdminton · Accepted solution]

no, lol. I don't know why you are seeing alphabetical, but I know that it doesn't always do alphabetical. I've run into this several times. @KamenRider try renaming the sheets to output with a,b,c,d in front of the name or 1,2,3,4 etc. and see if that resolves for you.