Alteryx Canvas Bookmark

[Swift34]

We use several Files that are fairly large (canvas size). To traverse around to try and find where we last left off or to examine a specific X, Y at a specific zoom....one would need to either remember the tool number to search for or search for a keyword that returns several choices.

My suggested solution would be to create a bookmark(s). This would allow you to save a named bookmark that would save exactly where (X,Y) you are in the canvas and the Zoom level (Z). This way you could easily switch back and forth with in a canvas just back clicking the bookmark.

If anyone has ever used a CAD program that allowed the creation of 'Views' within the same diagram...this would be similar.

Thank you

[chris_love]

I have a simple idea we could use to create this - I'll build it and post it for your thoughts.

[chris_love]

Okay so here's my idea to solve this while we wait for a better solution.

First download my Bookmark Macro - click here

You'll then need to add it to Alteryx, so if you haven't already create a Macro Repository folder and drop it into there (Instructions).

Now when you open Alteryx you'll find the Bookmark macro in the Annotations category. Add it to the workflow:

Configure:

Follow the instructions

Now when you search (and select sort by Name):

It works, it's not ideal but it's okay.

To improve this in the product instead of a macro I'd ask Alteryx to add a checkbox to the Comment tool to turn it into a Bookmark (and give it a name), then amend the Find functionality to default to only showing bookmarks. 

[Swift34]

Sounds great!

[chris_love]

Let me know how it works once you've tried it @Swift34 

[Swift34]

Thank you again, Chris. Will it matter if I'm still running 9.5? We have
not been given the approval to upgrade yet!

[chris_love]

It might do, there's not special features but I did build it in v10. Let me
know if it doesn't work and I'll rebuild in v9.5.5.

Chris

[Swift34]

I just tried opening Alteryx and it complained about a macro that it could
not open!

[GeoffJ]

That's a neat solution, Chris!

We are working to improve the controls you use to navigate around the canvas, including a way to jump to specific locations.

Hopefully, you'll see these enhancements in the very near future. I'll follow up when the details get solidified.

Geoff

[GeoffJ]

It's now possible to "bookmark" a section of the canvas with a Tool Container.

1. Add a Tool Container to the canvas (from the Documentation category).
2. Give the Tool Container a meaningful name in the "Caption" text box in the Properties/ Configuration window.
3. Right click anywhere on the canvas. You now have the option to "Zoom" to your Tool Container(s).

Read more about enhancements to Canvas Navigation in Alteryx 10.1.