> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.fabricplan.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.fabricplan.com/documentation/readme/powertable-sheets/how-tos/configure-column-properties.md).

# Configure column properties

Configuring column properties helps ensure data accuracy and consistency in the database. By defining appropriate data types, constraints, default values, and relationships, you can prevent data-entry errors and maintain data integrity.

Column properties also help improve the usability, maintainability, and scalability of your tables by controlling how data is displayed and managed.

In this article, you learn how to access and configure column properties in a powertable sheet.

### Column properties

Column properties control various aspects of a column, including:

* Input type
* Editability
* Nullability
* Default values
* Minimum and maximum values
* Lookups and relationships
* Prefixes and suffixes
* Display settings

#### Configuring columns

* When you create a powertable app by importing data from a CSV file, creating a table from scratch, or connecting to a database, you can set these properties during the setup process.
* Powertable automatically detects and configures the input type and other basic column settings. You can retain the detected settings or modify them to meet your business requirements.

<figure><img src="/files/38g714gPRmBzKQZaVRmJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Access column properties

After loading data into the powertable sheet, you can configure column properties any time in the **Columns** section.

To access column properties:

1. Select **Setup** > **Columns**.<br>

   <figure><img src="/files/TqKkMyQXB5Ko5FBr3Cd9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Alternatively, you can also go to **PowerTable** ribbon and select **Manage Columns** > **Edit Config**.

<figure><img src="/files/Dkzd0yyKS7D4EYJ1eBP5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. The **Column Setup** window opens as shown below.<br>

   <figure><img src="/files/PrUpbYGrNeXGyGQFn2yf" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Add columns

To add a new column to the table, use the **Add Visual Column**, **Add Formula Column**, or **Add Database Column** options available in the column setup window.

<figure><img src="/files/624ocYsGpNl94SljgMIq" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

For more information about these column types, see [**Add Columns Overview**](/documentation/readme/powertable-sheets/how-tos/adding-columns-overview.md).

### Set column constraints

PowerTable allows you to configure column constraints without writing code. You can apply a unique constraint to a single column or define a composite unique constraint across multiple columns to ensure that each value or combination of values remains unique. Unique constraints help maintain data integrity by preventing duplicate values.

To configure column constraints:

1. Select **Column Constraints** in the column setup window.

<figure><img src="/files/CGobucL3YDz7EdZNZZxJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. The **Column Constraints** window opens, as shown below.

<figure><img src="/files/2w169eZyPwdFJfR52p0U" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Unique Value

Use the **Unique Value** option to ensure that all values in a selected column are unique.

1. Under **Unique Value**, select a column from the dropdown list.<br>

   <figure><img src="/files/bi8IGU3M0SDCPjRk1LPq" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
2. To configure additional unique constraints, select **Add** and choose another column.
3. Select **Save**.<br>

   <figure><img src="/files/Da8HDLp3pRj9eSUAaf6P" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

After the constraint is applied, users cannot enter duplicate values in the selected column.

For example, if *ProductSKU* is configured as a unique column, users cannot enter a SKU value that already exists in the table.

{% hint style="info" %}

#### Note

Primary key columns are not listed in the **Unique Value** dropdown because they are unique by default.
{% endhint %}

If a selected column already contains duplicate values, PowerTable sheet displays an error and does not allow the constraint to be saved until the duplicate values are removed.

#### Unique Combination

Use **Unique Combination** to ensure that a specific combination of values across multiple columns remains unique.

1. Under **Unique Combination**, select the required columns from the dropdown list.
2. To configure additional unique combinations, select **Add** and choose another set of columns.
3. Select **Save**.<br>

   <figure><img src="/files/9rGzTvnfj3iyHgoon2SZ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}

#### Note

Columns configured with a **Unique Value** constraint are unavailable for selection in the **Unique Combination** constraint.
{% endhint %}

After the constraint is applied, users cannot enter records that duplicate an existing combination of values in the selected columns.

For example, if *ModelName* and *ProductName* are configured as a unique combination, each *ModelName* - *ProductName* pair must be unique. Users can reuse an individual value in either column, but the same combination of values cannot exist more than once.

If a user attempts to enter a duplicate combination, PowerTable sheet displays a validation error and prevents the record from being saved.

To remove a configured constraint, select the **Delete** icon next to it.

<figure><img src="/files/NsC3nKmmfjfaCT2Nx3Fa" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Display

Use the **Display** option to control whether a column is visible in the table.

Clear the **Display** checkbox to hide a column while retaining its data in the table. This option is useful when a column contains information that should be available but does not need to be displayed to users.

<figure><img src="/files/rECuAmSA5x2SnFUR7DlC" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To adjust column widths, drag the column header boundary or configure the width through [**Manage Columns**](/documentation/readme/powertable-sheets/how-tos/manage-columns.md) option on the toolbar.

### Required

Use the **Required** option to specify whether a column must contain a value. When enabled, users must provide a value before a record can be saved. When disabled, the column can be left blank.

Primary key and business key columns are typically configured as required fields.

<figure><img src="/files/9dNwlKoJj43QFzvcsVP7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Configure other properties

To configure or modify a column's properties:

1. Select the pencil icon next to the column or double-click the column name.<br>

   <figure><img src="/files/KuQF3GdCNrITF6n7xMqZ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

To edit the properties of a specific column directly from the table, select the column header menu and then select **Edit**.

<figure><img src="/files/8aFNz3VOiJarcSSFr5z2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Column properties are grouped into the following categories:

* [**General**](/documentation/readme/powertable-sheets/how-tos/configure-column-properties/general.md) - Configure the **Input Type**, **Constraints**, **Default values**, and other data-related settings.
* [**Display**](/documentation/readme/powertable-sheets/how-tos/configure-column-properties/display.md) - Configure the **Display name** and **Description** for a column. For numeric columns, additional formatting options are available, including the **Prefix**, **Suffix**, **Thousand Separator** and other number formatting settings.<br>

  <figure><img src="/files/VwuPyjoEYbnvHkNSb4Tu" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The following sections describe each property in detail.


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