Hierarchical List - display and behaviour query

lizat

 

I want to put this in Smartsheet and use the expand and collapse capability. However to get the indented list I need the name and number in the primary data column in SS. That is fine but when I export back to excel I will then not be able to know the 'parent' of an item or its level. The simplest thing would be to do as I have in excel and use separate columns for the names and use the primary data column to hold the numeric Id; however SS, unlike Excel, won't (I think) allow the contents of a cell to spill across an adjacent cell even if it is empty .

 

Can anyone think of a way I can acheive what I want, these are the important things:

1. a hierarchy list
2. parent is identifiable
3. indented
4. names entirely visible
5. expand & collaspe
6. exportable to excel - with parent & level characteristics that can be interrogated and manipulated

 

If it were only me I would be able to use just SS but I have to supply to others in the business in a form where they can extract the information.

 

Thank you................................ liz

JohnHinkle

Why dont you use the built in grouping feature in Excel, rather than creating your own system using columns?

 

When you export a sheet from Smartsheet that has hierarchies, Excel will automatically use the built in grouping tool. Like this: