FAQs: Layout Builder

General Overview

1. What is the Layout Builder?
   The Layout Builder is a tool for defining data structures (schemas) used in automation workflows.

2. Why is the Layout Builder important?
   It helps streamline data mapping and processing, ensuring accurate schema definitions for source and target data.

Creating a Layout

3. How do I select a data format for my layout?
   Navigate to the Setup step in your automation and select either the "Text" or "Excel" data format.

4. What is the process to add a new layout?
   Click the "Add" button under the Format Type section, provide a name and description, and configure layout settings.

5. What settings can I define for text layouts?
   Specify record separators and header presence, and either upload a sample file or manually enter field names.

6. How do I define a schema from a sample file?
   Upload the file, choose a sheet and starting row for field extraction, and then select a row as the schema definition.

Field Customization

7. Can I rename fields in my schema?
   Yes, you can modify field names directly in the schema definition view.

8. How do I add additional fields to my layout?
   Use the "Add Row" option in the Field Customization section.

9. What formats can I specify for date fields?
   Define custom date and time formats based on your requirements.

10. Can I change the data types of fields?
    Yes, field data types can be modified during customization.

Advanced Features

11. What is the Action Menu?
    It is a feature that allows adding, removing, or editing fields within the schema.

12. What are Advanced Settings?
    Additional properties can be accessed via the settings button in the top-right corner.

Testing the Layout

13. How can I test a layout with default files?
    The uploaded file is automatically tested and displayed in the Test View, flagging any errors.

14. Is custom file testing possible?
    Yes, you can upload a different file to test its compatibility with the layout.

Secure Files

15. Can I use password-protected Excel files?
    Yes, during layout setup, provide the password to enable the file to be read and processed.

Editing Predefined Layouts

16. What are predefined layouts?
    These are layouts provided for common applications like BambooHR and Shopify.

17. Can predefined layouts be edited?
    Yes, you can edit and add child records to these predefined layouts.

Troubleshooting

18. What should I do if the layout fails to load my data?
    Ensure the data format and settings match the file structure, and validate the schema.

19. How do I resolve flagged errors during testing?
    Review the flagged data rows in the Test View and adjust your layout settings accordingly.

20. Can I test layouts without uploading a file?
    No, a file is required for layout testing to validate compatibility.

Optimization and Best Practices

21. What is the best way to start with complex schemas?
    Begin with a sample file and incrementally define fields, testing compatibility at each step.

22. How often should I test a layout?
    Test after every major change to ensure compatibility and data integrity.

23. Can I reuse layouts for multiple automation workflows?
    Yes, layouts are reusable across workflows with similar data structures.

Miscellaneous

24. Is Layout Builder only for schema definition?
    Primarily, but it also helps test and troubleshoot data compatibility issues.