Having worked on multiple apps, utilizing different data sources, and owned by different people, I have constantly struggled with issues concerning utilizing external files to the app. I think that this is an important area that needs some attention and improvement from the Appsheet developers, or at least some documentation about how to work around these issues. I’ll try to layout some specific examples of issues I’ve encountered
Adding a new data source
Adding a new sheet in an existing workbook works fine. However when trying to add an entirely new data source, the process goes like this:
Specifying default app folder
From Info->Properties->Default app folder. I can type anything in this field, as an editor or owner, but there is zero confirmation that it does anything. I feel like this field should also be a data source picker like in #1, where you first pick your service (google,microsoft,dropbox,smartsheet,etc), then choose a folder.
If I type a folder name as an editor, is this specifying the folder in the owner’s google drive?
Selecting workflow templates.
I’ve had mixed success with this one. Some specific examples:
Save file workflows
With the “file folder path” field, just like the “default app folder” from #2, there is no confirmation about this, and does it specify the path in the owner’s drive?
I have one app where the default app folder has been set, and works fine for the automatic image saving (auto-created subfolder: “tablename_images”), but not for save file workflows.
Just wanted to write these issues down so there is a record for it. The only thing I’d really like an answer to right now would be #4; how can I get save file workflows to use the proper folder, optimally without having to ask the app owner to do very much? Other insights or descriptions of similar issues are welcome too.
#4 - When you don’t specify any folder with your Workflow, it will save the PDF into “Attachment” subfolder. That Subfolder you can find from Appsheet > Data > Appname-123456 > Attachment. If you use a formula for the folder name, it will add that subfolder if that folder name doesn’t exist when the PDF is created. The same will happen if you just type the folder name like “FolderName”. This will create that folder to Appsheet > Data > Appname-123456 > FolderName. This will happen when the first PDF is created.
How do I select a different data source in #2?
It took me a long time to understand that the data path was to my google drive, when the data source is on another account in Dropbox.
How is it done where files are saved to the data path in a specified data store?
The only Sources I have defined is the Dropbox one. How is Drive even available.
If I understood your request correctly… unfortunately you can save files only to your main data source.
Is the main data source defined as Drive, unmutable?
If the account is created and used with your Dropbox account, it’s your main data source and you are only able to store files to your Dropbox account through the app.
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