Workbench Export Types

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WORKBENCH EXPORT TYPES

In previous blog posts, we have discussed how to utilize Workbench to update, insert and upsert data in your Salesforce instance.  In this blog, we will discuss the 4 different dataset views that are available when querying data through Workbench along with when you might use each of the 4 different options.

 

The most common way to visualize your data within Workbench is in a List view. This view gives you a list of the columns you chose with cells and values displayed.  This is what a List view looks like.

You will often use this view if you just want a quick view of the data that is being returned before potentially doing larger operations.  you can also use this for quick data validation if you want to view a short list of records.

 

 

The next option for viewing data is Matrix.  In order to use the Matrix view, you will need both a column value and a row value.  This means you’ll need a grouping row.  However, as of May 2022, this feature is bugged within Workbench.  See the article here.  This is the error you will receive as of May 2022.

The next view option is Bulk CSV.  This is what you will use when you want to export the data from Workbench into an Excel document.  If you want to do any of the bulk data actions such as insert/upsert/update you will want to choose Bulk CSV.

 

After you choose Bulk CSV and click query, you’ll see this screen.

This lets you know the status of the job.  After completion, click the arrow above the envelope to download the file locally.  The output will be a CSV that you can use to prepare for a data load.

The final option is Bulk XML.  If you are planning to work with Salesforce’s or even 3rd party APIs then, Bulk XML can be beneficial.  Once you choose the Bulk XML option, you’ll see the same screen to download the file.  The output will look like the screenshot below.

As we can see, Workbench offers a handful of ways to view, interact with, and export data from Salesforce. We can do this all in an easy-to-consume manner.

 

 

Additional Resources

1.   Using Workbench:  Using Workbench to Insert, Upsert, and Update Data

2.   Using Workbench to Query Data: Using Workbench to Query Data

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