Format List Column

The Format List Column action A feature that supplies the instructions in a botflow. formats a list column in a botflow A file that stores the actions and variables designed to automate tasks..

Using the Format List Column action, you can create a format a list column:

  • To prepare the list for the import of new data.
  • On a network drive in the network domain.
  • In a database.

Some examples of using the Format List Column action with lists are:

  • A list created in the Nintex RPA Botflow pane.

  • With a Loop Action to perform a work action with each column in the list.

  • File and folder information imported or compiled into a list column using the Expression Builder.

Add a Format List Column action to a botflow

This example provides the steps necessary to add a Format List Column action to a botflow.

To add a Format List Column action to a botflow:

  1. On the Actions List, click Lists and then click Format List Column from the Column list.

    2. The Action Builder window for Format List Column displays.

  1. Set the Format List Column settings:
    • List: Enter a list name in the List field.
    • Column: Select a column setting from the Column drop-down.
    • Include headers: Check the box to include list column headers for formatting.
    • Formula: Use the Formula drop-down to select to format the selected list columns with either a math or text formula.
  2. If needed, adjust the Run Error Task settings to fine tune how the action runs.
  3. If needed, adjust the Run Switch setting to create the action without running it.
  4. Optionally, add an action note.
  5. Click OK to add the Format List Column action to the botflow.
Field or button Description
Format List Column Options/Settings

General

  • List: Enter a list name in the List field, select a list using the drop-down, or use the Expression Builder to build the action settings using variables or other token values.

  • Column: Select a column setting from the Column drop-down.
    • All columns: Select to apply formatting to all columns in the list.
    • Exact Column: Enter a list column name in the Column field, select a column name from the drop-down, or use the Expression Builder to build the action settings using variables or other token values.
  • Include headers: Check the box to include list column headers for formatting.

Options

  • Formula: Use the Formula drop-down to select to format the selected list columns with either a math or text formula.
    • Math: Select to add, multiply, divide, or subtract from values in a list column.
      • Number: Enter a number to add, multiply, divide, or subtract from values in a list column or use the Expression Builder to build the action settings using variables or other token values.
  • Text: Select a text format option from the Text drop-down.
    • Between: Returns the text found between two values. The Between formula builder is located in the Expression Builder at Formula -> Text -> Between.
      • Start value: Enter a start value in the Start value field or use the Expression Builder to build the action settings using variables or other token values.
      • End value: Enter an end value in the End value field or use the Expression Builder to build the action settings using variables or other token values.
    • Clean: Removes all non-printing characters for selected columns.
    • Left: Returns a specified number of characters from the left side of a string. The Left formula builder is located in the Expression Builder at Formula -> Text -> Left.
      • Length: Enter an length value in the Length field or use the Expression Builder to build the action settings using variables or other token values.
    • LeftOf: Returns the text to the left of a specified value. The LeftOf formula builder is located in the Expression Builder at Formula -> Text -> LeftOf.
      • End value: Enter a value in the End value field or use the Expression Builder to build the action settings using variables or other token values.
    • Replace: Replaces a specified part of a string with another string a specified number of times. The Replace formula builder is located in the Expression Builder at Formula -> Text -> Replace.
      • Find: Enter a value in the Find field or use the Expression Builder to build the action settings using variables or other token values.
      • Replace with: Enter a value in the Replace with field or use the Expression Builder to build the action settings using variables or other token values.
    • Right: Returns a specified number of characters from the right side of a string. The Right formula builder is located in the Expression Builder at Formula -> Text -> Right.
      • Length: Enter an length value in the Length field or use the Expression Builder to build the action settings using variables or other token values.
    • RightOf: Returns the text to the right of a specified value. The RightOf formula builder is located in the Expression Builder at Formula -> Text -> RightOf.
      • Start value: Enter a value in the Start value field or use the Expression Builder to build the action settings using variables or other token values.
    • Trim: Removes all leading or trailing spaces for selected columns.
Run error task
  1. Click Run error task.
  2. Open the On Error drop-down list and select the required setting:
    • Run error task: A botflow containing an error task automatically runs the error task in the event of an error. If the botflow does not contain an error task, the botflow stops in the event of an error.
    • Stop on error: The botflow stops in the event of an error.
    • Ignore errors: The action is skipped in the event of an error and the botflow attempts to execute the next action
  1. Click X to close the drop-down and save the setting.
Note

(Optional) Type a Note to document any special instructions or functionality.    
Run Switch

The Run Switch toggle controls how Nintex RPA runs an action when adding or editing an action in a botflow.

  • Run: To run the action automatically when you click OK, turn the toggle to Run.

  • Don't Run: If you do not want to run the action automatically when you click OK, turn the toggle to Don't Run.
OK/Cancel Click OK to save the action or click Cancel to discard the action or any changes.