Insert data input columns

Plan allows you to insert calculated rows, columns, and measures directly in table or matrix reports without writing DAX. These can be formatted, rearranged, and used for further analysis.

The built-in formula engine supports a wide range of functions and provides features such as autocomplete, syntax help, and multi-line editing to simplify formula creation.

In this article, you learn how to insert and configure data input columns and measures.

Data input types

Plan provides multiple options to manually enter data in your Microsoft Fabric report. You can enter data in single or multiple cells, and format it as needed based on your reporting requirements.

The following table lists the available data input types:

Input type	Description
Number	Double-click and start typing values in directly into a cell
Text	Enter text with multi-line support and word wrap
Dropdown	Use the available presets or create your own list of values; supports both single-select and multi-select
Date	Add a date from the calendar/date picker
Checkbox	Used in case of binary selections
Person	Input users from your organization

Create a data input column

To add a data input column to your report:

1. Go to Planning > Insert Column.

2. Select the required data input column type.

1. Configure the column properties and select Create.

Configure data input column properties

You can configure the following properties while creating a data input column:

• Insert As: Choose how the column is added:

  • Visual measure - Inserts the input column across each category when a column hierarchy exists.

  • Visual column - Inserts a single column regardless of hierarchy.

• Allow input: Control when users can enter data:

  • In both read and edit modes (default).

  

  • Only in edit mode.

  

  • Based on a formula where input is allowed only when a condition is met.

  

• Input type: Change the type of data input column before creating it.

Note

The Insert as and Input type settings cannot be changed after the column or measure is created.

• Aggregation: Defines how totals and subtotals are calculated. By default, values are aggregated using Sum, but you can choose other methods such as average, minimum, or maximum.

• Distribute parent value to children: When enabled, values entered at the parent level are automatically distributed to child rows. This is useful for budgeting and allocation scenarios.

Note

The Distribute parent value to children feature is supported only for Sum and Weighted Average aggregation types.

• Default value: Display a predefined value in empty cells. This can be a static value, a measure, or a formula. If the underlying measure or formula changes, the default value updates accordingly.

Note

For visual columns, default values can only be set using static values.

• Minimum and maximum values: Set thresholds to control the allowed input range for leaf-level cells. These can be defined using a static value or a measure. If a value outside the defined range is entered, an error message is displayed.

• Description: Add a note for reference.

Access control

Plan allows you to control read and write access for data input columns.

To configure access:

1. Select Security to open the access control window.

1. Locate the required column or measure.

2. Add users by searching for their name or email under:

• Read Access to provide view-only access.

• Read + Write Access to allow editing.

Notes

• Multiple users can enter data in the same published report, including in reading view. You can track all changes using the audit module.

• By default, users can view data entered by others. When row-level security (RLS) is enabled, users can only see the data they are authorized to access.

• No additional setup is required to enable data entry. You can use the data input feature to add input fields of various types.

• You can write back data to external destinations such as Fabric SQL. You can also export the data to formats such as PDF or Excel.