Columns

Columns is the parameter that determines which fields are output to the destination sheet, in what order, and with what names. It lets you tailor the data display to the end user's needs.

Column types

System columns

Generated automatically based on the selected dimensions and metrics. Names correspond to the field names in the data source.

Manual columns

Columns to the right of the report data that aren't overwritten on refresh. Used for comments, tags, statuses, formulas.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Open the column settings

In the builder, go to the Output > Columns section.

2. Configure the order

Drag columns to change the output order. By default: dimensions first, then metrics.

3. Rename columns (optional)

You can set a custom name (alias) for each column. For example: campaign_name → Campaign, impressions → Impressions, cost_micros → Spend, $. Click on the column name and enter a new one.

4. Hide unneeded columns (optional)

Columns can be hidden from the output without removing them from the configuration. Hidden columns aren't written to the destination sheet, but their metrics are still extracted (they can still be used in filters and sorting).

5. Configure formatting (optional)

For numeric columns you can set: the number of decimal places, the thousands separator, and the date format.

6. Account for manual columns

If there are manually-entered columns to the right of the report data: under Replace mode they are removed, under Append/AppendDedup/SoftRefresh they are preserved. Plan your sheet structure with this in mind.

How to verify

• Run the report and open the destination sheet
• Check the column order — it should match your settings
• Check the names — aliases should be used if set
• Check that hidden columns are absent
• Check the number and date formatting

Related articles

• Headers — managing the header row
• Write modes — impact on manual columns
• Dimensions — dimension columns
• Metrics — metric columns