Overview of Private and Default Files

This article explains the differences between private files and default files in imports and exports and helps you decide which type of file is most appropriate to use. It also describes how to:

• Set a default import file for a file Import Data Source.
• Set a default export file for an Export Action.

If you use the Anaplan API to access files, read the section on Access to Private and Default Files via the Anaplan API.

About Private Import and Export Files

New import and export files are set as private files unless you choose otherwise. A private file is not shared with other model users and is removed if not accessed at least once every 48 hours. This means that:

• A private import file can only be accessed by the Workspace Administrator who originally uploaded the source file to the model.
• A private export file can only be accessed by the user who originally exported the data from the model.

A private import file is created when:

• A Workspace Administrator uploads a source file in Model Settings > Import Data Sources and leaves the value of the Set Default File dropdown unchanged: No (keep private).
• Any user uploads a source file via the Anaplan API.

A private export file is created when:

• Any user runs a file Export Action as part of a Process (for example, from a button on a dashboard).
• Any user runs a file Export Action via the Anaplan API.

About Default Import and Export Files

You can think of default files as "fallback" files: if a user's private file no longer exists for a file Import Data Source or file Export Action, the default file is used instead. A default file can be set for Admins Only or Everyone.

Workspace Administrators have the ability to set a default file when they:

• Upload a file to a model
• Modify a file Import Data Source
• Create or edit an Export Action

Default Files in Imports

If a default file is set for a file Import Data Source:

• When a Workspace Administrator runs the file import, the default file is used if they don't have a private file.
• When a Workspace Administrator edits the Import Action or the file Import Data Source, they will see the default file in the Mapping tab. If they have a private file, they will see that instead.
• Workspace Administrators can upload a different source file with the same file name and set it as the new default file.

Default Files in Exports

In the case of exports, when a Workspace Administrator or an end user runs an Export Action, either in the Anaplan user interface or via the API, a new private file is created and exported.

Set a Default Import File

1. In the File Options dialog, select Admins Only or Everyone from the Set Default File dropdown:

2. Save the file Import Data Source or run the file import.

Set a Default Export File

1. In the Export dialog, select the Save Export Definition checkbox.
2. Select Administrators only or Everyone from the Set as default file for dropdown.

3. Save the Export Action, or run the export.

Edit Private and Default Import Files

When you edit a file import previously set as a default file, you can switch the privacy level between Admins only and Everyone.

When you edit a private import file, you'll see the message "This file is not shared with other users".

Not Set indicates a private import file without a corresponding default file.

Replace an Existing Default Import File

If you're uploading a file for which a default file is already set, you can choose whether to replace the default file with the newly uploaded file or upload a new version of the private file. Use the options in the Replace default file dropdown:

Access to Private and Default Files via the Anaplan API

The Download Files action allows Anaplan API users to download import and export files in chunks, based on their role.

• If a default file is set for Admins only, only Workspace Administrators can download the default file. Other API users (end users) will receive an empty file.
• If a default file is set for Everyone, all users (including end users) in your Anaplan environment (tenant) can download the default file.

If an API user has created a private file, either via the API or in the Anaplan user interface, they will receive their private file instead of the default file.

If they haven't run a particular export in the past 48 hours, an API user who requests the export file via the Download Files action will receive the default file. End users will only receive the default file if the Export Action has been set for Everyone.

Access Overview Table and Diagram

The following table summarizes who can access private and default files set for imports.

The following diagram summarizes which Workspace Administrators can access both default and private import files over a 48 hour period.