# 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:

<table><thead><tr><th width="178">Input type</th><th>Description</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><a href="/pages/d1U162wTDoFssKWgWuRI">Number</a></td><td>Double-click and start typing values in directly into a cell</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/pages/eM68wWzZaozymrIFGnJ2">Text</a></td><td>Enter text with multi-line support and word wrap</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/pages/3nvoF8bszv5lxkBK5ZEC">Dropdown</a></td><td>Use the available presets or create your own list of values; supports both single-select and multi-select</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/pages/m6YJeyIaNQ1IDxqgRFYV">Date</a></td><td>Add a date from the calendar/date picker</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/pages/m6YJeyIaNQ1IDxqgRFYV">Checkbox</a></td><td>Used in case of binary selections</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/pages/gsseNJII7Ejev5TjHEvc">Person</a></td><td>Input users from your organization</td></tr></tbody></table>

### 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.

<figure><img src="/files/6RJwz8uaKuo22T5CyWAj" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. 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.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/WcjMIKmcHEvGUsHIiIE4" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/Ln5FlvrARNakt8C4ziss" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

* **Allow input**: Control when users can enter data:

  * In both read and edit modes (default).

  <figure><img src="/files/3YawWOg6HrL9dFwH8rEL" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

  * Only in edit mode.

  <figure><img src="/files/4dME82smPBkon9aGgcMQ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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

  <figure><img src="/files/iBUqgvczlPX5Ts5s9JYW" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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

<figure><img src="/files/T2Lvm9wfsrBjaxcxrKZV" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}

#### Note

The **Insert as** and **Input type** settings cannot be changed after the column or measure is created.
{% endhint %}

* **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.

<figure><img src="/files/179MX0T2wpnai1ixjRr1" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* **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.

{% hint style="warning" %}

#### Note

The **Distribute parent value to children** feature is supported only for **Sum** and **Weighted Average** aggregation types.
{% endhint %}

* **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.

{% hint style="warning" %}

#### Note

For visual columns, default values can only be set using **static values**.
{% endhint %}

* **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.

<figure><img src="/files/HXRe2LrkhLjA5UvRPLrT" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* **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.

<figure><img src="/files/ajiNoy1dBDfJ9YmRrToC" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. Locate the required column or measure.
3. Add users by searching for their name or email under:

* **Read Access** to provide view-only access.
* **Read + Write Access** to allow editing.

{% hint style="info" %}

#### 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.
  {% endhint %}


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.fabricplan.com/planning-sheets/how-tos/adding-business-logic-and-formulae/measures-and-columns/insert-manual-input-columns.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.