Customize default export to excel record

Question

Hi Champ, 
 
 I am using default export functionality of record in my interface to download data in to a excel. But when it's downloading, it's downloading columns with extra data. For example if I have a column with a text with an icon, then it's downloading text and appening the icon text as well which I don't want in my excel. I want only the text to be downloaded. Moreoever, if I want to download only few columns, then how can I customize that. I know we can build a different download icon link and can do that; but clinet is not preferring that option of custom development again. 
 
 Regards, 
 Ghanashyam

Varun Teja Gurrapu · Answer

Hi ghanashyamm0005 ,

Unfortunately, Appian does not allow you to customize which columns are exported when using the default Export to Excel feature in a record list or grid. It will always export all visible columns.

To avoid exporting the icon or extra decorations, make sure the Value of the column is strictly text.

Alternative Method:

1. Use a Process Model with "Export DSE to Excel" Smart Service (You need to deploy and manage the Excel Tools plug-in if not already present).
2. Create a CDT and map all the record fields to the CDT.(The CDT structure must match your data structure.)
3. Create a DSE.
4. Add proper inputs and outputs to the "Export DSE to Excel" Smart Service.
5. Trigger from an Interface(in grid) via Record Action

Hope this Helps you!!!

Peter Lewis · Answer

Can you just use the exportWhen parameter in your grid columns? The best approach is often to have two similar columns, but set one of them to show only in the grid and the other to show only in the export. Then you could have a column that shows an icon and text in the grid but only the text on export.

Mike Schmitt · Answer

Varun Teja Gurrapu said: You need to deploy and manage the Excel Tools plug-in 
 Excel Tools has "export CDT to excel" and "export SQL to excel". The DSE to Excel smart service is included in the Appian base product and has been for quite some time now, despite its noted shortcomings . 
 Tangentially related: instead of using the deprecated "export CDT to Excel" smart service, for those of us who preferred the ability to use a Base Template when generating an excel sheet, there is a relatively new plug-in called " Json To Excel Smart Plugin Converter " which can generate an Excel document from a simple JSON string.