How to Export Pivot Grid with Expanded Nodes to Excel in Bold BI
Published:
Overview
If your Pivot Grid widget in Bold BI exports to Excel with collapsed groups (showing only top-level nodes), you can ensure the exported file includes all expanded rows and columns by enabling Expand Nodes by Default.
This setting forces the Pivot Grid to display and export data in a fully expanded hierarchical view, solving common issues reported by dashboard users who need detailed Excel reports.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Open the Dashboard in Edit Mode
- Log in to your Bold BI instance.
- Open the desired dashboard and click Edit.
2. Select or Add the Pivot Grid Widget
- Select an existing Pivot Grid widget on the canvas, or drag a new one from the widget gallery.
- Assign data to Value(s), Row(s), and Column(s) as needed.
3. Enable “Expand Nodes by Default” in Properties
- Click the Settings (gear) icon on the widget to open the configuration panel.
- Go to the Properties tab → Basic Settings section.
- Check the box for Expand Nodes by Default.
Note: Enabling Expand Nodes by Default will automatically hide the Save Nodes State option. This is expected behavior.
4. Save / Publish the Dashboard
- Click the Publish button at the top to apply changes.
5. Export to Excel with Expanded Nodes
- Switch to View / Preview mode.
- Click the More options (…) menu on the Pivot Grid widget.
- Select Export → Excel.
The downloaded Excel file will now contain the Pivot Grid data with all nodes expanded by default.
Troubleshooting
- Export option missing? → Go to widget Properties → Export Settings and enable Allow Excel Export.
- Nodes still collapsed in export? → Confirm hierarchy fields are in Row(s)/Column(s) and Expand Nodes by Default is checked. Republish the dashboard.
Best Practices
- Use Expand Nodes by Default when users need complete hierarchical data in reports.
- For interactive dashboards, consider keeping Save Nodes State enabled (disable Expand Nodes if user-specific collapse states are preferred).
- Test exports with sample data containing deep hierarchies.
Related Articles
EO
