Ensuring Stable References for In/Out Formula Column

Miguel S. · 2025-10-16 18:11:10.441166+00

Hi everyone! I created a formula that assigns a value of "In" or "Out" based on the company description. The column itself works correctly and displays the results in the table. The problem is when I try to use this new formula column as a reference (e.g., in a Filter step, a Reference Column step, or when configuring a subsequent export action to a new table), the column cannot be correctly referenced, resulting in an incorrect output. I need to be able to reliably reference this "In/Out" formula column. Please advise on how to make this column stable for subsequent steps.

Ensuring Stable References for In/Out Formula Column | Clay

Clay Support
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When referencing your "Category Filter" formula column in downstream steps, use the forward slash (/) to properly reference the column data. [1]
For conditional runs that depend on your formula column, ensure the formula has completed before subsequent columns execute. Add a status-checking formula column using:
Clay.getCellStatus({{Category Filter}})
Then set "Only run if" conditions on dependent columns to check this status column. This ensures your Category Filter has finished processing before other columns reference it.
When using the column in filters or exports, reference it by typing / and selecting "Category Filter" from the menu to insert the proper column reference. This ensures downstream steps receive the actual text values ("In" or "Out") rather than the formula object itself.
If issues persist after implementing these steps, request human assistance by clicking "Talk to a person."
Clay Support
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Is that what you were looking for?
Miguel S.
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Not really. This is what I am already doing. The problem is that for some reason the when I reference the category filter, it is only assigned to 2 rows and not all of them.
Clay Support
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Sorry to hear you're still having trouble with the formula column. I’m routing you to our human team now so they can assist you further.
Intercom
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Clay Support is sharing a file with you.
Our support team has got your message and we'll get back to you soon!
If you’re dealing with a specific table, drop the URL below so we can help you quicker. Otherwise, someone from our team will be in touch soon!
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Nicole G.
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Hi Miguel,
Thanks for reaching out to support. Would you be able to expand more on how you are trying to reference it, and in what types of following actions. Feel free to let me know what enrichments you're using and how you are structuring the message.
Miguel S.
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Hi Nicole, The first image is a conditional formula on a write to table column. Based on my category filter column, I am trying to send the row to another table if the category filter value = "In".
Nicole G.
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Got it, could we try something like, only send if /columnname is "IN", then you can use our metaprompter to help you generate it and then it should load
Miguel S.
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Miguel S.
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This always happens when I try to reference a column that doesn't have unique values for each row (like a name)
Nicole G.
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would you mind sending over your table url please would love to explore this deeper in your workspace
Miguel S.
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Here you go: https://app.clay.com/workspaces/541479/workbooks/wb_0t454srcVJMJjMdK4nt/tables/t_0t454wmV4ZacmVwgkzi/views/gv_0t454wnY4B66mrucoa3
Nicole G.
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Hi,
I was able to set it up for you, please see the attached GIF walkthrough below, let me know if you have any additional questions:
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Miguel S.
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I see it working. It's weird because In the preview window you can't see the filter working.
Nicole G.
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I think it is only showing 2 example instead of all of them but I am happy it is working now :)

21 comments