Copy Columns
Make a second copy of a column under a new name. The original column stays.
Why copy a column
Some steps write over the values in a column. A copy keeps the original values safe. You can compare the before and the after side by side.
An inventory file is a good example. Copy list_price to list_price_original. Then apply your discount rules to list_price. Both numbers stay in the grid.
Duplicate a column
- Type copy in the Search transforms box, in the Pipeline panel.
- Click Copy Columns. The panel opens below the grid.
- Find your column in the left list. Use the Search columns... box to filter it.
- Click the + button on that row.
- Look at Copied columns on the right. A new row is there.
- Type your own name over the suggested name.
- Click Apply.
The two lists
- The left list holds every column in the table. A letter shows the type: T for text, # for number, D for date.
- The + button turns into a tick after you add a column. You cannot add the same column twice.
- The right list starts with the message Click + on a column to copy it.
- Each right-hand row shows the source column, an arrow, and the name box.
- Click the x at the end of a row to cancel that copy.
Add as many rows as you need. One step can copy several columns at the same time.
Rules for the new name
- Each row starts with a suggested name, such as Copy of list_price.
- You get an error if the new name already exists in the table.
- You also get an error if two rows use the same new name.
- Rows with an empty name are ignored.
- Apply asks for at least one named copy if no row is complete.
For SQL users
Each copy becomes one more expression on a SELECT *:
SELECT *, "list_price" AS "list_price_original", "supplier" AS "supplier_raw" FROM "inventory"Related Operations
- Select Columns - Pick and reorder columns
- Delete Columns - Remove columns from the table
- Combine Columns - Combine columns and text into one