Understanding Table Data Exports and Writes in Database Management

Tim P. · 2025-12-03T15:07:08.229Z

What's the difference between "send table data (export)", "send table data (enrichment)" and "Write to other table"?

Understanding Table Data Exports and Writes in Database Management | Clay

Clay Support
APP
·
·
Write to Other Table is deprecated but still works - it's the legacy way to transfer data between tables.
Send table data is the new replacement with two methods: [1]
Send row: Transfers each row as-is to another table (like exporting/moving data)
Send row for each item in a list: Breaks down lists in cells and creates separate rows for each item (enrichment workflow)
The key difference is "Send row" moves complete rows while "Send row for each item" expands lists into individual rows for further processing.
Clay Support
APP
·
·
Is that what you were looking for?
Clay Support
APP
·
·
If you need any more help understanding these options or how to use them, I'm here to assist. Would you like to provide more details about what you're trying to achieve with these table data actions?
Tim P.
·
·
What about Send table data (enrichment)?
Clay Support
APP
·
·
"Send table data (enrichment)" refers to the Send row for each item in a list method. [1]
This method takes lists within cells (like multiple people found at a company) and creates separate rows for each item in the destination table. [2] It's called "enrichment" because it flattens lists into individual rows for further processing - perfect for when you need to enrich each item separately.
Clay Support
APP
·
·
Did that answer your question?
Tim P.
·
·
Can't i do the same thing with "send table data (export)"?
Clay Support
APP
·
·
No, "Send row" (export method) and "Send row for each item in a list" (enrichment method) work differently. [1]
"Send row" sends each row as-is to another table - it transfers complete rows without breaking down any lists inside cells.
"Send row for each item in a list" specifically flattens lists within cells, creating separate rows for each item in the destination table. [2] So if you have a cell with 5 people, the export method sends 1 row with that list intact, while the enrichment method creates 5 separate rows.
Clay Support
APP
·
·
Does this clarify things?
Clay Support
APP
·
·
If you need any further help understanding the differences between these table data methods, I’m here to assist. Would you like to share more about what you’re trying to accomplish with these actions?
Tim P.
·
·
Ok different question. If I want to export to google sheets - can I do that and make clay create headers for me. Basically I just want an exact copy of the table in google sheets. But it's annyoing that I manually need to create headers in Google before the operations work.
Clay Support
APP
·
·
For an exact copy with headers, use CSV export instead of the Google Sheets integration. [1]
Go to Actions > Export > Download CSV, then upload that CSV to Google Sheets. [2] The CSV export mirrors your Clay table exactly including all headers automatically.
The Google Sheets integration requires manual header setup because it's designed for ongoing data sync, not one-time copying. [3]
Clay Support
APP
·
·
Is that what you were looking for?
Tim P.
·
·
Ok but if i want the sheet dynamic...I guess I need to download the CSV and only add headers in sheets right?
Clay Support
APP
·
·
For a dynamic Google Sheets connection, you need to manually create headers in Google Sheets first, then use our Google Sheets integration. [1]
Set up your Google Sheet with column headers that match your Clay data, then use Add Enrichment > Google Sheets > Add Row to map your Clay columns to the sheet columns. [2] This creates a live connection where new Clay rows automatically sync to your sheet. [3]
CSV export won't give you the dynamic connection you want - it's just a one-time snapshot.

27 comments