> 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/planning-sheets/how-tos/measure-and-row-based-planning/insert-manual-input-columns/insert-column-fundamentals.md). # Insert column - Fundamentals ### Insert Data Input Columns in a Planning Sheet Introduction Planning and what-if analysis often require you to enter values, projections, or other details that don't exist in the underlying dataset. Data input columns let you add and manage these values directly within a report, making it easier to perform planning, forecasting, and scenario analysis. In planning, you can insert data input columns and measures directly in your reports without writing Data Analysis Expressions (DAX). You can format these columns and reuse them for subsequent calculations and analysis. In this article, you learn how to insert and configure data input columns and measures. ### Data input types Planning supports various data input column types to accommodate different planning and reporting scenarios. Depending on the information you want to capture, you can create columns for numeric values, formulas, text, users, and predefined option selections. The following table describes the available data input column types.

Input type	Description
Number	Double-click and start typing numerical values directly into a cell.
Text	Enter text with multi-line support and word wrapping.
Checkbox	Capture binary values such as Yes/No or True/False.
Person	Select users from your organization.
List	Use predefined values or create your own list of values. Supports both single select and multi-select options.
Date	Select a date using the date picker.
Simulate	Use this column to simulate the number columns.

### Create a data input column To add a data input column to your report: 1. Go to **Planning** > **Insert Column**. 2. Select the data input column type that you want. 3. Configure the column properties and select **Create**. Note For detailed instructions on configuring each data input column type, see the related articles linked in the Data input types section. ### Configure data input column properties Configure the following properties while creating a data input column: * **Insert As**: Choose how to add the column: * **Visual measure**: Inserts the input column across each category when a column hierarchy exists. * **Visual column**: Inserts a single column regardless of hierarchy. * **Input type**: Change the type of data input column before creating it. Note You can't change the **Insert as** and **Input type** settings after you create the column or measure. * **Default value**: Specifies the value to display in empty cells. Depending on the input type, use a **Static** value, **Dimension**, or **Measure**. If the underlying measure or formula changes, the default value updates accordingly. Note * For visual columns, set default values only by using **static values**. * The **Default value** option isn't available for **Long Text**, **Multi Select**, or **Person** input types. * **Entry in total and subtotal rows**: Allows users to enter values in total and subtotal rows. This option is enabled by default. Clear **Allow entry on Total/Subtotals** to prevent entries in these rows. Note The **Allow entry on Totals/Subtotals** option is available for all input types except **Number**. * **On Change Formula**: Defines the action to perform when a value in the column changes. Specify a formula or script that automatically executes whenever the value updates. Use this option to trigger calculations, update related values, or perform other actions based on the change. Note The **On Change Formula** option is available for all input types except **Long Text**. * **Allow input**: Control when users can enter data: * **In both read and edit mode**: Users can enter data in both reading and editing modes (default). * **Only in edit mode**: Users can enter data only in editing mode. In reading mode, the cells are disabled for entries. * **Based on formula**: Users can enter input only when a condition is met. Planning evaluates the condition using a user-defined formula. * **Add Breakdown**: Select this option to enable multi-dimensional value allocation. For more information, see Plan across multiple dimensions with cubes. * **Description**: Add a note for reference. ### Modify column properties To modify the properties of an existing data input column: 1. Go to **Planning** > **Insert Column** > **Manage Measures**. 2. Select the option you want: * **Edit** (pencil icon) to modify the column properties. * **Delete** to remove the column. * **Show/Hide** to control column visibility. Alternatively, use the column gripper: 3. Hover over the column or measure header to display the column gripper. 4. Select the column gripper and choose the action you want, such as **Edit Measure**, **Delete Measure**, or **Hide Column**. 5. If you select **Edit**, a side panel opens where you can update the properties. After you make the changes, select **Update**. ### Access control With planning, you can control read and write access for data input columns. To configure access: 1. Select **Security** to open the access control window. 2. Locate the column or measure that you want to configure. 3. Configure the access settings. The options are **Read Access** and **Read + Write Access**. 4. Add users to the appropriate access column by entering their name or email address. Select the user from the search results. * **Read Access**: Provides view-only access to the data input column. * **Read + Write Access**: Provides permissions to view and edit the column. ### Other considerations * Multiple users can enter data in the same published report, including in reading view. You can track all changes by using the audit log. * By default, users can view data entered by others. When row-level security (RLS) is enabled, users can see only the data that they're authorized to access. * You don't need additional setup to enable data entry. You can use the data input feature to add input fields of various types. * You can write back data input columns to external destinations such as SQL database in Fabric. You can also export them to formats such as PDF or Excel. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## 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, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.fabricplan.com/planning-sheets/how-tos/measure-and-row-based-planning/insert-manual-input-columns/insert-column-fundamentals.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. 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.