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Delete Cell

This node deletes the specified cell from an Excel file.

Common Properties​

  • Name - The custom name of the node.
  • Color - The custom color of the node.
  • Delay Before (sec) - Waits in seconds before executing the node.
  • Delay After (sec) - Waits in seconds after executing node.
  • Continue On Error - Automation will continue regardless of any error. The default value is false.
info

If ContinueOnError property is true, no errors will be caught when the project is executed even if a Catch node is used.

Input​

  • Excel File Descriptor - The ID of the Excel file descriptor to remove cell from. This ID is generated by the Open Excel or the Create Excel node.
  • Cell - The location of the cell to delete. (e.g. A1, B8)

Options​

  • Target - Specifies whether to delete the active cell or a specific cell.

    • active-cell - Deletes the active cell.
    • specific-cell - Deletes a specified cell.

Note: If no cell is specified when deleting the active cell, the current selected cell will be deleted.

How It Works​

  1. Validates Input: Checks that file descriptor and target option are provided
  2. Verifies Target: Ensures a valid target option is selected (active-cell or specific-cell)
  3. Checks Cell Input: If specific-cell is selected, validates that a cell reference is provided
  4. Retrieves Handle: Gets the Excel file handle from the descriptor
  5. Validates Cell: If specific-cell, validates the cell reference format (e.g., A1, B5)
  6. Deletes Content: Sets the cell value to empty string (""), effectively clearing the cell
  7. Preserves Structure: The cell remains in the sheet but its content is removed

Requirements​

  • The Excel file must be opened with Open Excel or created with Create Excel
  • A valid file descriptor must be provided
  • When using specific-cell target, a valid cell reference must be provided (e.g., A1, B5, C10)
  • When using active-cell target, an active cell must be set (use Set Active Cell if needed)

Error Handling​

Error CodeDescriptionSolution
Core.Excel.DeleteCell.ErrOnCreateConfiguration parsing failedCheck node configuration is valid
Core.Excel.DeleteCell.ErrOnMessageMessage parsing failedVerify input message format
Core.Excel.DeleteCell.ErrTargetTarget option is empty or invalidSelect either active-cell or specific-cell
Core.Excel.DeleteCell.ErrCellCell reference is empty or invalidProvide valid cell reference (e.g., A1) when using specific-cell
Core.Excel.DeleteCell.ErrFileDescriptorFile descriptor is empty or file not foundEnsure file is opened/created before deleting cell

Usage Examples​

Example 1: Delete Specific Cells​

Clear specific cells from a worksheet:

- Open Excel (data.xlsx) -> fileDesc
- Delete Cell:
  - Excel File Descriptor: fileDesc
  - Cell: "A1"
  - Target: specific-cell
- Delete Cell:
  - Excel File Descriptor: fileDesc
  - Cell: "B5"
  - Target: specific-cell
- Save Excel (fileDesc)
- Close Excel (fileDesc)

Example 2: Delete Active Cell​

Clear the currently active cell:

- Open Excel (report.xlsx) -> fileDesc
- Set Active Cell (fileDesc, "C10")
- Delete Cell:
  - Excel File Descriptor: fileDesc
  - Target: active-cell
- Save Excel (fileDesc)
- Close Excel (fileDesc)

Example 3: Conditional Cell Deletion​

Delete cells based on conditions:

- Open Excel (inventory.xlsx) -> fileDesc
- Get Cell Value (fileDesc, "D5") -> stockLevel
- If {{stockLevel}} == 0:
  - Delete Cell:
    - Excel File Descriptor: fileDesc
    - Cell: "D5"
    - Target: specific-cell
  - Set Cell Value (fileDesc, "E5", "Out of Stock")
- Save Excel (fileDesc)
- Close Excel (fileDesc)

Usage Notes​

  • Delete Cell only clears the cell content, it does not remove the cell from the sheet structure
  • The cell remains in place but contains an empty value
  • Cell formatting, borders, and styles are preserved
  • To completely remove a cell and shift others, use Delete Row or Delete Column instead
  • When deleting the active cell, make sure an active cell is set first
  • The operation affects only the currently active sheet
  • Multiple cells can be deleted by calling the node multiple times
  • Remember to save the file to persist the changes

Tips​

  • Use Delete Cell for clearing individual cell values while preserving structure
  • For removing entire rows or columns, use Delete Row or Delete Column nodes instead
  • Consider using Set Cell Value with empty string as an alternative approach
  • When deleting multiple cells, process them in a loop for efficiency
  • Verify cell references before deletion to avoid clearing wrong data
  • Use Get Cell Value before deletion if you need to backup the data first
  • Remember that deleted (cleared) cells will show as empty in formulas
  • Save the file after deletion to make changes permanent