Workflow documentation

[DeeSC]

Hi, I am looking out for ways to automatically extract the documentation of the workflow built.

I require a columnar extraction as follows 

'Tool ID', 'Tool Type' , 'Input/Output' , ' Columns/Fields used', ' Name of file for input/ output' etc

I have tried linking with Python, XML Parse but its not giving me the desired output

[GrowthNatives]

Hi @DeeSC ,

Yes, it’s possible to extract workflow documentation in a structured (columnar) format from an Alteryx .yxmd file using XML parsing — this is exactly how tools like Workflow Admin Manager (WAM) and metadata macros work.

Here’s a step-by-step approach:

1. Read the Workflow File: Use the Input Data Tool to load the .yxmd file as text (set file type to "Flat ASCII").
2. Use the XML Parse Tool: Configure the tool to parse at the path 

/AlteryxDocument/Nodes/Node
​

3. Extract Key Attributes

• Use Select or Formula tools to extract:

  • Tool ID: from <Node ToolID="...">

  • Tool Type: from <GuiSettings Plugin="...">

  • File Name: from <Configuration><File value="...">

  • Field Names: from <Properties> or <Field name="...">

4. Use Regex Tool:

• To extract embedded attributes (e.g., file paths or field names), use Regex patterns like: 

File="([^"]+)"
Field="([^"]+)"
Plugin="([^"]+)"
​

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[ntakeda]

I haven't used it myself, but I think it’s probably possible with Alteryx Copilot.

https://help.alteryx.com/aac/en/alteryx-copilot.html#marketplace-download

[caltang]

This is a great plug for my article: https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Engine-Works/AI-Meets-Alteryx-Exploring-XML-Automation-and-Insights...

In it, it details how you can extract the information with any LLM of your choice. :) 

Hope this helps @DeeSC 

[terry10]

I use the Workflow XML parser:  https://help.alteryx.com/current/en/designer/tools/parse/workflow-xml-parser-tool.html

Point the Blob Input tool at the .yxmd or .yxmc file of your workflow, convert the blob to a string, then connect to the Workflow XML parser.  

[csh8428]

@terry10 how do you have the blob convert tool configured?

[terry10]

@csh8428 

Sorry for my delayed reply.