Hello,
I am trying to re-use a formatted excel spreadsheet and fill it with the data from the workflow. The output is setting the data on the cell I want to but the format from the template is lost once the Workflow has ran. The configuration I am using I have used it before with other workflows and it worked in the past but it suddenly it stopped working.
Is there a bug in Alteryx Designer preventing to re-use formatted outputs or is it my configuration that needs change? I am sharing my configuration.
Thanks in advance for any tip that would help me solve this issue.
hi @marydjc
Please make sure that the option "Preserve Formatting an Overwrite" is checked in configuration of Output tool.
Hi @gawa , that box is checked. Please see attached
Hi @marydjc - looks like you haven't included a range in your file path which is required to use the preserve formatting functionality
@Bren_Spill I have done that and it is still not working. My directory path also includes this range
@flying008 yes I have the Version: 2023.1.1.336 Patch: 5
Given you are changing the entire file path in the output tool - you may need to build the range into the file path being fed into the tool.
Can you provide a packaged workflow for testing?
@marydjc I have been populating Excel templates as a primary output where I'm working since it is the preferred client format. I personally never allow Alteryx to output to an existing formatted worksheet because it causes more problems than it is worth and creates a maintenance nightmare for future updates. Here are the best practices that I have found which have been used for years of error free running and no support calls based on template errors:
It's true there are other ways such as data connections or using powerquery, etc, but this is the best method I've found with the fewest steps for the client and least amount of file corruption issues and support calls.
@32bit can you please share an example of your explanation?