> 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/text-checkbox-and-date.md). # Insert column - Text This article explains how to insert a text input column in a planning sheet. Use text columns to capture free-form input in reports. A text column accepts short text, long text, numbers, and alphanumeric inputs. ### Insert a text column You can use text columns to capture free-form input in reports. To insert a text column: 1. Go to **Planning** > **Insert Column** > **Text.**
2. Enter a title and configure the required settings in the side panel that opens when you select **Text**, as shown below.
3. Select **Create.** After creating the column, double-click a cell to enter text and press enter to save. You can [modify a text column](/planning-sheets/how-tos/measure-and-row-based-planning/insert-manual-input-columns.md#modify-column-properties) to edit its configuration.
### Configure text input column properties Key properties such as **Insert As**, **Input type**, **Default Value**, **Allow entry on Totals/Subtotals**, **On Change Formula**, **Allow Input** and **Description** can be configured as in other data input columns. For more information, see [configure data input column properties](/planning-sheets/how-tos/measure-and-row-based-planning/insert-manual-input-columns.md#configure-data-input-column-properties). In addition, text columns support the following properties: * **Word wrap** - Enable word wrap for long text values to improve readability. Use the **word wrap** option in the **Format** tab to adjust text based on column width. * **Prevent Null**: Prevents users from leaving the value empty. To enable this option, configure a **Default value** to ensure that a value is entered when the column is created or updated.

Note

The Prevent Null option is available only for the Short Text input type and isn't available for Long Text.

* **Text validation** - Validate text input to ensure data quality. You can: * Define **minimum** and **maximum length** to control the length of text input.
* Restrict input type (numeric, email, alphanumeric) by selecting the required option from the **Field Validation** dropdown.
* Use the **Custom** option to apply a regular expression (regex). Select **Custom** and enter the required text pattern.
{% hint style="warning" %} Only text that satisfies the validation rules is accepted. Invalid entries display an error. {% endhint %} | Field Validation | Allowed Text | | ----------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- | | **Any Value** | Allows numbers, alphabets, punctuation, and special symbols | | **Numeric** | Only numbers | | **Non Numeric** | Everything except numbers | | **Alpha Numeric** | Numbers and alphabets | | **Email** | Valid email addresses | | **URL** | Valid URL links | | **Custom** | Text that matches the defined pattern | --- # 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/text-checkbox-and-date.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.