Enable setting a fix width of each column in a matrix

[Thorunn_Arna_Om]

It is needed to be able to resize a column for all occurrences in a matrix. That is, not by dragging the size for each and every column value, but with setting a specific pt length in the visualization setup.

If the column values change, etc depending on a slicer selection, all resizing of columns stop working and the initial sizing of the column takes over. Therefore it needs to be possible to change the "initial size" of each column.

This is for example needed in cases where column titles are much wider that what the data values actually need - causing the column width to be set according to the title length(when it would be better to wrap the titles to two-three lines). Therefore the matrices look bad if it is not possible to size the columns according to plan.

[lcasale]

-> ability to define a custom size (calculated if needed) in the matrix or table properties for columns and/or for rows It could give the ability to align 2 tables or matrix. It would be even better if we could also align a chart (column chart for instance) and a table.

[shivendr]

Dear Power BI Team,

I would like to suggest an enhancement to the Table and Matrix visuals in Power BI. One persistent challenge while building pixel-perfect, professional reports is the dynamic resizing of column widths based on the data values. This behavior often disrupts the visual consistency of the report, especially when interacting with slicers or when data changes dynamically.

Suggestion:
Introduce an option in the Format Pane that allows users to set a fixed column width and Dynamic column width for Table and Matrix visuals. This will give report developers more precise control over the layout and appearance of these visuals, ensuring a cleaner and more consistent user experience.

Thank you for your continued work in making Power BI better with every update.

Best regards,
Shivendra Singh Bhadauriya
Power BI Professional

[LLA]

Description:
Currently, Power BI does not offer a direct way to set fixed column widths for individual columns in a Table visual through the Format pane. Users must manually resize columns or resort to editing the report.json file in .pbip projects, which is not user-friendly or scalable.

Proposed Enhancement:
Introduce a “Column Width” setting under the Format > Specific Column section for Table visuals. This would allow users to:

Set a fixed width (in pixels or DIUs) for each column.
Optionally toggle auto-sizing on/off per column.
Preview column width changes in real-time.
Apply consistent formatting across reports without manual resizing.

Benefits:
Improves usability and precision in report design.
Reduces reliance on manual tweaks or metadata editing.
Enhances accessibility and layout control for enterprise reporting.
Aligns with formatting flexibility already available in Matrix visuals.

Use Case Example:
A user wants to align multiple table visuals across a report page with consistent column widths for better readability and visual harmony. Manual resizing is error-prone and time-consuming, especially when dealing with dynamic data or multiple visuals.

[locka]

FYI

I have seen this request numerous times. It is prudent to search first and see if this has not been requested before. As the only way ideas will get taken up however obvious they are is by the number of votes. Therefore, if we have multiple posts votes get dispersed and not collated, please examples below: -
https://community.fabric.microsoft.com/t5/Fabric-Ideas/Issue-with-Fixed-Column-Width-for-Matrix-and-...

https://community.fabric.microsoft.com/t5/Fabric-Ideas/Column-Width-for-Table-Matrix-Visuals/idi-p/4...

To be honest I wish Microsoft would collate those that are obvisuly requesting the same thing.

[Jennifer7711]

It's good to know that this has been suggested before- and agree it would be great if the ideas could be combined. I think your suggestion to have this functionality live in the 'Specific column' formatting section is spot on.

[vbsantos]

Currently, column widths in Table and Matrix visuals can only be adjusted manually. Every time a new column appears (for example, new days in a calendar), it resets to the default width, forcing users to manually resize again and again.

Problem:

• No option to set a global fixed width for all columns.

• New columns always revert to default width.

• This is unmanageable in dynamic scenarios like calendars, schedules, or daily reporting.

Suggested improvement:

• Add an option to define a fixed column width (in px or %) for all columns in the visual.

• Optionally, allow min/max width settings to balance flexibility with consistency.

• Apply this setting globally to the visual, not just on individual columns.

Benefit:

• Eliminates repetitive manual resizing.

• Ensures consistent layout across dynamic reports.

• Improves usability for anyone working with calendar, schedule, or time-series data in matrices.