Frequently asked questions
The practical details behind TidyExport's private, local-first workflow.
Are my files uploaded?
No. The current cleaner reads, analyzes, and generates downloads in your browser. There is no file-upload API in the core workflow.
Which files are supported?
CSV files up to 25 MB or 100,000 rows, and XLSX files up to 15 MB or 50,000 data rows. Legacy XLS, encrypted workbooks, and password-protected files are not supported.
What happens to Excel formatting?
Cell values, dates, numbers, and number/date formats are retained where the XLSX file provides them. The cleaned workbook uses a new simple table style; formulas are exported as their last calculated values.
Does it support multiple worksheets?
TidyExport cleans the first worksheet only. The workspace warns you when additional worksheets exist, and they are not included in the cleaned download.
Why protect formula-like text?
Text starting with =, +, -, or @ can be interpreted as a formula by spreadsheet apps. The default safety option prefixes these values so they open as text. You can turn it off before downloading.
Can I undo a cleanup?
Yes. Recipe edits can be undone and redone before download. Your original file is never changed, so it remains your backup.
What is saved in a recipe?
A recipe contains its name, expected column names, schema fingerprint, ordered cleanup rules, and any literal find/replace text you enter. It does not automatically copy spreadsheet rows. Anonymous recipes are stored only in this browser and can be exported or deleted.
What happens when next month’s columns change?
TidyExport compares the new file with the recipe schema. Reordered columns are flagged, and missing columns can be mapped to their current names before dependent steps run.
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