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Product Update

Exported Values That Look Like Formulas Stay Text

Exported Values That Look Like Formulas Stay Text

When a name, tag or field value starts with =, +, - or @, Shelf's CSV exports now put a single quote in front of it, so Excel and Google Sheets show it as text instead of running it as a formula. Negative numbers are left alone.

A spreadsheet runs a cell that starts with =, +, - or @ as a formula when you open the file, so a value someone typed into Shelf could act as a formula on your computer. Shelf's CSV exports now put a single quote (') in front of such a value, and Excel and Google Sheets show it as plain text. Negative numbers such as -5 or -$5.00 keep working as numbers, so totals still add up.

This covers both asset export formats, Standard and Import-ready, and bookings, report exports, non-registered members and activity notes. Upload an asset export to update or import your assets and Shelf removes the added quote again, so nothing changes in your data. See Exporting Data from Shelf for the details.

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