Does renaming column headings affect refresh data?

[jessem]

 Hi,

If I rename a column heading of standard dataset to a custom name, does it affect its ability to refresh and pull in new data?

I'll use MailChimp for example. If I rename the default column 'report_summary.open_rate' to 'Open Rate', is PBI still able to read the all new incoming data from MailChimp? I worry that once I rename all of the headings to suit my needs , PBI won't be able to match the new columns names to the columns MailChimp provides.

[GTR · Accepted solution]

As long as you are doing this in the data model itself, it should not have an impact on the refresh process. I renamed a few of my columns and have had no issues with refresh. 

[jessem]

Great, thank you!

[GilesWalker · Accepted solution]

As GTR mentioned, if you change the column names in the Power BI editor then there will be no issue. Power BI will now that the new column Open Rate corresponds to report_summary.open_rate. However if the source data changes names then this can effect your visuals.

Giles

[GTR · Accepted solution]

As long as you are doing this in the data model itself, it should not have an impact on the refresh process. I renamed a few of my columns and have had no issues with refresh.