KB-2432 Excel Tools Plug-In contains deprecated export-related smart services

Symptoms

1. The Export Data Store Entity to Excel smart service does not support exporting datasets with more than 50 columns.
2. The Export SQL to Excel and Export CDT to Excel smart services from the Excel Tools plug-in are flagged as deprecated in the Appian Health Check report.
3. The Using Excel with Appian documentation recommendation is to use "Excel Tools Plug-in" for use cases needing to "Export more than 50 columns".

Cause

This product use case has been logged to the Appian Product Team for consideration to add this functionality in the product (#6250 and #2682). Kindly note it is not Appian Support's policy to disclose how or when a product use case will be implemented.

Appian has no plans to remove the Export to Excel/CSV smart services without providing an alternative, supported method.

Action

1. Use the Excel Tools Plug-in's Export SQL to Excel or Export CDT to Excel smart services to export datasets with more than 50 columns. Refer to the Using Excel with Appian documentation for detailed guidance.
2. Create a Support Case with Appian Support to request addition of your use case to product enhancement requests #6250 and #2682.

Note: Perform thorough performance testing when using the deprecated smart services to ensure acceptable system performance. The deprecated smart services are not supported for use in exporting less than 50 columns.

Workaround

1. Reduce the number of columns in the export where possible to stay within the 50-column limit supported by the Export Data Store Entity to Excel smart service.
2. Continue to monitor product enhancement requests #6250 and #2682 for future product updates.

Affected Versions

This article applies to all versions of Appian.

Last Reviewed: November 2026