6 Replies Latest reply on Aug 8, 2016 7:10 AM by Tom W

Tableau Union - Unable to see the list of all files in directory

Sagar Agarwal Aug 8, 2016 2:59 AM

Hi,

I want to use the Union feature that started in Tableau 9.3 wherein we can combine multiple files of same type (i.e. either csv or excel, etc.). Once we select a file and click Ok, Tableau automatically lists all files within that folder for UNION purposes. However, I see that my Tableau is not giving any such view. I am posting snapshots that I prepared with sample data for understanding. I am also using Tableau Desktop 9.3

Please help me solve this as I have 600+ files to be merged via this process. Unfortunately, I cannot load this into any SQL / DB server and connect.

1. Re: Tableau Union - Unable to see the list of all files in directory

Akshay Netalkar Aug 8, 2016 3:58 AM (in response to Sagar Agarwal)

Hi Sagar,

Please select the source file to text and navigate to the folder where all your files are present. Select one of the files as data source and you will be able to find all the files in the folder once the connection has been made. Then you can use the union feature.
Also refer this link for your convenience.
Tableau 9.3 Union - YouTube

Hope this answer your question.

Regards,
Akshay
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2. Re: Tableau Union - Unable to see the list of all files in directory

Sagar Agarwal Aug 8, 2016 5:24 AM (in response to Akshay Netalkar)

Hi Akshay - thanks for your response. I tried doing that but it messed up the file data. Also, it doesnt list the other files in the folder. See the snapshot below.
My steps - Connect to Data Source - Text Files - Change option to "All Files" - Selected the excel file.
Also tried this => Connect to Data Source - Other files - Selected the excel file. I get the same view as i pasted previously (no list of other files)
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3. Re: Tableau Union - Unable to see the list of all files in directory

Tom W Aug 8, 2016 5:50 AM (in response to Sagar Agarwal)

The union files option does not work with Excel, it works with CSV files.
You won't be able to interpret an Excel file as text in the way you've done it as an Excel file is not a plain text readable file type.

You have a number of options;
1. Export all Excel files to CSV and connect to those
2. Add new tabs to an existing Excel file and union the tabs within a file
3. Manually consolidate your files into one tab in Excel.
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4. Re: Tableau Union - Unable to see the list of all files in directory

Akshay Netalkar Aug 8, 2016 6:43 AM (in response to Sagar Agarwal)

I totally agree with Tom.

I guess the first option will be useful.
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5. Re: Tableau Union - Unable to see the list of all files in directory

Sagar Agarwal Aug 8, 2016 6:56 AM (in response to Tom W)

Hi Tom - yes, unfortunately I did the 3rd option for now as I had only 3 files to work with currently. But I will keep this in mind.

Thank you very much for this. Good day!
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6. Re: Tableau Union - Unable to see the list of all files in directory

Tom W Aug 8, 2016 7:10 AM (in response to Sagar Agarwal)

Please mark the answer as correct to close the thread.
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