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# Add an input column to a table (Beta)

> Add an input column to capture new data alongside an existing table, including one you can't otherwise edit, backed by a writable Sigma table.

> **Note**
>
> This documentation describes one or more public beta features that are in development. Beta features are subject to quick, iterative changes; therefore the current user experience in the Sigma service can differ from the information provided in this page.
>
> This page should not be considered official published documentation until Sigma removes this notice and the beta flag on the corresponding feature(s) in the Sigma service. For the full beta feature disclaimer, see [Beta features](/docs/sigma-product-releases#beta-features).

Input columns allow you to capture new data in tables that are otherwise uneditable.

Sigma stores an input column's data in a Sigma table on the connection's write schema, then joins the data back into the table element using primary key columns. This enables you to supplement existing data without modifying the underlying source table.

This page explains how to add and edit an input column in a table. For general information about Sigma tables and how they work, see [Sigma tables overview](/docs/sigma-tables-overview).

> **Info**
>
> Sigma tables are currently supported by Snowflake, Databricks, and PostgreSQL connections.

## Requirements

To add an input column to a table:

* You must be assigned an [account type](/docs/account-type-and-license-overview) with the **Can create, edit, and publish workbooks** permission enabled.
* You must be the workbook owner or have **Can edit** [workbook access](/docs/folder-and-document-permissions).

## Considerations and limitations

* When you duplicate an input column or an element containing an input column, the original and duplicate columns write to the same underlying Sigma table.
* Underlying Sigma tables that back input columns aren't currently surfaced in the data catalog or elsewhere in Sigma.
* If [Sigma table audit logging](/docs/audit-sigma-table-changes) is enabled on the connection with auto-create turned on, Sigma creates audit logs for all underlying Sigma tables that back input columns. However, like the Sigma tables themselves, the audit logs aren't currently surfaced in Sigma.

## Add an input column to a table

Add an input column to enter and view editable data in an existing table.

1. Open a workbook draft and locate the table you want to update.
2. Click the down arrow (![](https://sigma-docs-screenshots.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Icons/caret.svg)) in any column header to open the column's menu. Sigma will add the input column directly after this column.
3. In the column menu, select **Add column via** > **Input column**.
4. In the **Add input column** modal, complete the required fields:
   * **Type**: Select the input column's data type.
   * **Column name**: Enter a display name for the input column.
   * **Primary key column(s)**: Select one or more columns from the table to match input column values to rows. The primary key doesn't need to uniquely identify single rows. When you add an input column to a table grouping, this field is auto-populated with the grouping's column and cannot be changed.
5. Click **Submit** to add the new input column to the table. Input columns display a pencil icon (![](https://sigma-docs-screenshots.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Icons/edit.svg)) in the column header to indicate editability.

## Enter data in the input column

Enter data in the input column to supplement the existing table data.

1. In the input column, double-click the cell you want to edit, then enter a value.
2. Press <kbd>Enter</kbd> to apply the change.

   Sigma writes the value to the underlying Sigma table, keyed to the row's primary key.

   > **Info**
   >
   > A newly entered value doesn't display immediately. To view it, refresh the page or element.

## Rename an input column

Rename an input column the same way you rename any column in the table.

This change applies to the column's friendly name (the column label displayed only in Sigma) and does not affect the column ID in the underlying Sigma table.

1. In the input column's header, click the down arrow (![](https://sigma-docs-screenshots.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Icons/caret.svg)) to open the column menu.
2. Select **Rename column**, then enter a new name.
3. Press <kbd>Enter</kbd> to apply the change.

## Delete an input column

Delete an input column to remove it from the table.

Deleting an input column from the table does not affect the underlying Sigma table and its data, which persists in your data platform.

1. In the input column's header, click the down arrow (![](https://sigma-docs-screenshots.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Icons/caret.svg)) to open the column menu.
2. Select **Delete column** to remove the column from the table.

## Related resources

* [Sigma tables overview](/docs/sigma-tables-overview)
* [Add an existing Sigma table to a workbook](/docs/add-sigma-tables-to-documents)
* [Edit a Sigma table's data or schema](/docs/edit-sigma-tables)