Is it possible to create a column description, or a second name for a column?

[avierywan]

I mean to create a column that has more than one name, or add a description for the column title itself. This is for large datasets with a huge number of columns; when column names are shortened, acronyms, a numerical identifier, or simply aren't self explanatory.

[lbenjamin]

I see the description in the desktop version - but how do you see it in the service version?

[dnair322]

 which version of power bi desktop supports this feature? Since I have updated my power bi desktop version to Version: 2.81.5831.821 64-bit (May, 2020) but still not able to see these properties tab to add a description for the column name.

[MartinBroussea]

In more recent version, column properties can be set in the model view in Power BI Desktop.

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

@avierywan,

Right-click on your field and select Properties, you are able to add description for the field.



Regards,
Lydia

[jmorseCOS]

For anyone looking at this recently and curious as to how things currently stand in 2024..

You must go into the Model view.

You should have two panes on the right: Properties, Data.

From there, select a table and column and notice that the Properties pane swaps views based on field/column selection.
This is where you find the text entry for column description.

@Anonymous 

[Anonymous]

Is there a way to automate adding the field descriptions either using an import or using M queries.?

[rgsiiiya]

Ditto this question.  We are setting up enterprise Fabric and need to provide rich descriptions to assist users, and also help the copilot feature.  We have HUNDREDS of tables, and THOUSANDS of columns!

opening every column manually to enter a description is a showstopper!!!

How can we import or script this information?

[avierywan]

Thank you, I hadn't seen that option because I was using an older version.