Extract filename from a file with no data

[aka_ash]

Hi,

I am currently extracting a dates from filenames, however i have come across an issue where i have an empty file and still need to input the filename of that file to extract the date.

I use the Output File Name as Field in the Input tool.

Is there another way for me extract the filename from a file that might not have any data?

[BrandonB · Accepted solution]

Depending on your process, you could instead leverage the Directory tool which contains file and metadata information https://help.alteryx.com/current/designer/directory-tool

[Qiu · Accepted solution]

@aka_ash 
Can you further define "empty"? I use directory tool and pull out the information of an "empty" excel file.

We can use Run Command tool if necessary.

[aka_ash]

Hi @BrandonB and @Qiu ,

I am currently using input tool instead of the directory tool and hoping there was a way I could extract via input tool.

Looks like I will need incorporate the Directory tool to extract the metadata filename instead.

Thanks both,

Ash

[BrandonB]

Rather than using the Input Data tool you can pair the Directory tool with a Dynamic Input tool. That way you can both extract data and metadata simultaneously