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Input Data Tool

Use Input Data to connect to a table to pull data into your workflow.

Tool Components

Input Data with Anchors.png

Figure: Input Data tool with anchor.

The Input Data tool has 1 anchor.

Output anchor: Use the output anchor to connect to the file or database that contains the data you want to use in your workflow.

Configure the Tool

Create Datasets and Connections in Alteryx One Platform

When you create workflows in Designer Cloud, you can use the datasets and connections that you created in Alteryx One. For more information on creating datasets and connections in Designer Cloud, refer to the following pages:

You can also upload a dataset directly via the Input Data tool configuration panel.

Use Data in Your Workflow

The Input Data tool configuration window offers a few options for bringing data into your workflow.

If you've previously uploaded a dataset or created a connection, you can select which data to input to your workflow from the list of Datasets. You can filter this list to view all datasets, only the datasets owned by you, or datasets that have been shared with you. Select the dropdown to expand the dataset details.

Alternatively, you can select the Connect to Data or Upload Data buttons for additional options. The detailed view gives you access to these options:

*Supported Connections

Note that the Dataset Options vary depending on the type of connection (Snowflake, Sharepoint, etc.). Go to Supported Connection Types for additional information.

  • Datasets: Similar to the Datasets list on the main Input Data tool configuration panel. If you've previously uploaded a dataset (via Alteryx One > Data), you can select which dataset to use in your workflow. Select the dataset you want to use, and select the Confirm button to proceed.

    • You can use the funnel icon to filter this list to view all datasets, only the datasets owned by you, or datasets that have been shared with you.

    • Select the "eye" icon to view a dataset preview.

  • Upload Data: This is the default selection when you select the Upload Data button from the configuration panel. Use this section to upload a file to use in your workflow. This file will also be saved to the Data section of Alteryx One. Review the instructions below for details.

  • Connections: This is the default selection when you select Connect to Data and points to your account's base storage. Use data from the base storage or other data sources that your account has access to (for example, Snowflake, Sharepoint, etc.). This section allows you to navigate your data storage folders and files and locate the data source you want to use.

    Create Connections

    If you need to connect to a new external data source, you can do so via the Data > Connections section in Alteryx One Platform. For additional information, refer to Connect to Data and Supported Connection Types.

    If you already have access to the connection that you need, you can navigate to the relevant data source.

    1. Select your Connection from the left menu. You can filter the view for all connections, only the connections owned by you, or connections that have been shared with you.

    2. Next, navigate the files and folders available via your connection to locate the file with the data that you want to use in your workflow.

    3. Once you locate your file, you can select the "eye" icon to view a dataset preview.

    4. Use the 3-dot menu to create a dataset with parameters or delete the dataset.

    5. Select the file you want to use and select Next to review and update your Dataset Options*:

      • Select Edit to update the file Name and provide a Description.

      • Use the Encoding dropdown to change the encoding if needed.

      • Use the Header dropdown to let Alteryx know how to handle your file header. These are your options:

        • Infer Header: By default, Alteryx attempts to infer the header from your file.

        • First Row: Select this option if your file uses the first row as column headers.

        • No Header: Select this option if your file does not include a header.

      • Additionally, XLS and XLSX files have these Dataset Options:

        • In Dataset Creation, select All Sheets to combine current and future sheets into a single dataset, or Selected Sheets to choose sheets individually.

        • In Start Data Import on Row, enter the number of the row to start reading data from.

        • Select the Import Raw Data checkbox to read data without formatting.

    6. Last, select Create Dataset to finish your connection. You can also select Close to exit the dataset upload process or Back to select a different file. When you select Create Dataset, your new file is automatically used in your workflow.

Upload Data

If you need to upload a new dataset to use with your workflow, you can do so via the Input Data tool configuration. This file will also be saved to the Data section of Alteryx One. You can upload CSV, XLS, and XLSX files via the Input Data tool. Review additional information at Import a File.

To upload a file from your local directory...

  1. Select the Upload Data button to open the Upload Data dialog screen. This is the same detailed view that you can access via the Connect to Data button, and gives you access to Datasets and Connections if needed.

  2. To upload a file, either drag and drop your file into the provided field or select Choose File to browse for the file on your computer. When you select a file, you will land on the Create Dataset screen.

  3. Next, you have the option to configure some settings, and you also have access to a Dataset Preview to make sure your dataset appears as expected.

    • Select Edit to update the file Name and provide a Description.

    • Use the Encoding dropdown to change the encoding if needed.

    • Use the Header dropdown to let Alteryx know how to handle your file header. These are your options:

      • Infer Header: By default, Alteryx attempts to infer the header from your file.

      • First Row: Select this option if your file uses the first row as column headers.

      • No Header: Select this option if your file does not include a header.

    • Additionally, XLS and XLSX files have these Dataset Options:

      • In Dataset Creation, select All Sheets to combine current and future sheets into a single dataset, or Selected Sheets to choose sheets individually.

      • In Start Data Import on Row, enter the number of the row to start reading data from.

      • Select the Import Raw Data checkbox to read data without formatting.

  4. Last, select Create Dataset to finish your upload. You can also select Close to exit the dataset upload process or Back to select a different file. When you select Create Dataset, your new file is automatically used in your workflow.

Change Dataset

To change the dataset you want to use in your workflow:

  1. In the Input Data tool configuration panel, select the "x" icon associated with the dataset currently in use.

  2. You will return to the main Input Data tool configuration options.

  3. Select a new dataset to use from the Datasets list or select the Connect to Data button to select from existing datasets and connections, or to upload data.

Edit Dataset Details

To edit your dataset details:

  1. In the Input Data tool configuration panel, select the edit (pencil) icon to open the Edit Dataset window.

  2. Select Edit.

  3. Edit your dataset details, then select Save.

Notes

Note

The Input Data tool samples the first 10 MB of data from your dataset to show in the Results Grid. However, when you run your workflow, the entire dataset is used.