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ghanashyam905071
May 2, 2025
Question

Customize default export to excel record

  • May 2, 2025
  • 6 replies
  • 0 views

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

6 replies

varuntejg243705
varuntejg243705
May 2, 2025

Hi [mention:8a27d71badb7400d9bd8de772aa50e64:e9ed411860ed4f2ba0265705b8793d05] ,

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
peter.lewis
Employee
May 2, 2025

FWIW this is not correct - see my post below. In the 24.4 release we released the ability to customize which columns are exported to excel.

peter.lewis
peter.lewis
Employee
May 2, 2025

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.

    annap0005
    annap0005
    May 5, 2025

    provide a drop-down/selection to user where they can select the column names which they want to export and configure exportWhen parameter whether the column is present in selected list ex: contains(array:selectedColNameListFromDropdown, value:currentCol)

    ashwinia3199
    ashwinia3199
    May 5, 2025

    Hey Hi,

    Download only few columns: This is possible in latest release of appian by configuring exportWhen parameter for gridColumn

    one option Form my side for Raw data: Use the WEB API with Clean Data and generate CSV

    If the latest version allows using an API to trigger a CSV download:

    • Use a backend API only use raw data (excluding icons or visual components) to generate CSV

    • This gives you full control over what's included in the CSV, avoiding unwanted icon labels or extra rendering noise.

    Or Keep Icon and raw data in different column by adjusting width and use exportWhen 

    Thanks

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