Stepped Layout missing from Matrix row headers - Sept 2026 Deskptop

Hi DivaMeriva​ 

We would like to inquire whether have you got the chance to check the solutions provided byme and other users in community to resolve the issue. We hope the information provided helps to clear the query. Should you have any further queries, kindly feel free to contact the Microsoft Fabric community.

Hi DivaMeriva​,

MFelix​ is pointing you to the right area, but there is one useful distinction with the newer Matrix layout options.

Microsoft’s current Matrix formatting documentation now exposes three layouts under:

Format -> Layout -> Matrix layout

They behave as follows:

Compact
-> hierarchy levels are shown in a single column with indentation

Outline
-> each hierarchy level gets its own column, with the grouped/outlined structure preserved

Tabular
-> each hierarchy level gets its own column with no indentation

So if you were previously using Stepped layout = On, Compact is the closest equivalent.

If you were using Stepped layout = Off because you wanted the row hierarchy levels side-by-side on one line, Tabular or Outline is the closer equivalent.

There is also a separate setting now for expansion state.

Under:

Row headers -> Options -> Auto expand

you can control whether the row hierarchy starts fully expanded instead of requiring users to manually expand each level.

Microsoft also documents that behavior in the Matrix visual guidance.

So I would treat this as a UI/model change in the newer Matrix formatting experience rather than a missing setting:

old Stepped layout behavior
-> now expressed through Compact / Outline / Tabular

and

expand/collapse behavior
-> controlled separately through Auto expand

For the exact “row headers side-by-side on one line” layout you described, I would try Tabular first.

AI-assisted drafting: AI was used to help structure and phrase this response. I reviewed and validated the technical content before posting.

Hi DivaMeriva​ 

We haven’t heard from you on the last response and was just checking back to see if you have a resolution yet. And, if you have any further query do let us know.

Thank you.