Exporting blank rows after a recurring number

[johnlewisdesign]

Hi guys

I need to somehow export data, but add a 1 line gap between each grouped number.

An example would be a purchase order number such as

11234 Line item 1

11234 Line Item 2

11234 Line item 3

11235 Line Item 1

11235 Line item 2

11236 Single Purchase

11238 Another Single purchase

Etc etc.

What is the easiest way to insert a blank row for export purposes only? I don't want blank records hanging around. Its so I can get data into AccountEdge from FileMaker, which needs the blank row. I'm not looking for a plugin, just a method so I can do it myself.

Thanks!

John

[comment]

You could export as XML and use a custom XSLT stylesheet to write out the text file according to your specifications.

Another option (Mac OS only) is to use Applescript to write the file.

[LaRetta]

Another option is to use a temp table (please see attached). This type of process comes in handy when you need sub-headings or anything out of norm. The temp table can be used for many, many other things as well.

UPDATE: BTW, I put step to clear the $$values at the beginning of the script only so everyone could see the resulting values on the layout. Switch to the Export Temp layout to see the results. Normally clearing the global values will happen at the end of the process so you will want to move that step to the end.

REPLACED DEMO FILE. I had an If[] test on whether to include a blank value but I realized I could include that directly in the Set Variable[] step for simplicity so I changed it. :^)

tempSpacers.zip

Edited September 13, 2012 by LaRetta

[johnlewisdesign]

Wow LaRetta thanks for that! I shall check it out now.

@comment: this may also well be an option, as its a Mac only environment. Amazing people, thank you!

@LaRetta that is PERFECT! Thank you so much. I didn't think of having a not equals step, nor an extra row to keep track of things! Loving your work.

[LaRetta]

Btw, John, if you need to remove the opening blank row, you can handle it (remove it) from the variable after the variable is written. I wasn't sure from your example but it appeared to begin with blank row also. Let us know if it needs tweaking.

[beverly]

I those temporary "reporting-only" tables, LaRetta! I'm glad you suggested it to John.