You can select from two different options when exporting an additional field that uses the variable field extension:
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Export format string. In this option, the value displayed in the Additional Information view will be exported exactly as you see it.
For example with this option, a value in the sample language field would be exported as:
French (Speak: Expert, Write: Capable, Read: Capable
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Export raw data. In this option, the data is exported as it is stored. Each field is preceded by a tilde (~), a caret (^), and a number indicating which field it is.
~^1French~^~`~^2Expert~^3Capable~^4Capable~^
The ~^1 indicates the beginning of the first field (Language), the ~^2 indicates the beginning of the second field (Speaking Ability), and so on.
The export option you select depends on the purpose of the export. If you want to use the export file to generate a report or in a mail merge, select to export the format string. If you are going to import the file into a different system, the raw data option is usually better.
Select the Export Option
- If not already done, define the format string for the field as described in Define How InterAction Should Display the Field Values in Multi-Column Additional Fields.
- Under Export Additional Field as, select to export either the Format string or the Raw data.
- If you are finished defining the additional field, choose OK to close the dialog box.