When to use this
Every set of report columns you save is stored as a named column layout in the Columns dropdown, and the name you give it when you first save — often something like test or New configuration — stays until you change it. This article shows you how to rename a layout from the column editor so that the dropdown on every report shows a name your team recognizes, with no change to the columns themselves or to the reports that use the layout.
For creating and editing the columns in a layout, see How to create and edit report columns.
1. Open the column editor
- Open any report from the Reports tab.
- Click Edit at the top right and choose Edit columns. Alternatively, click New column layout next to the Columns dropdown — either route opens the same column editor.
Layout names can only be changed from inside the column editor. The Columns dropdown on the report view switches between layouts but does not show the rename or delete icons.
2. Find the layout in the columns dropdown
- In the column editor, open the Columns dropdown at the top of the page.
- Type part of the current name in the search box if the list is long.
Each layout in the list shows a pencil icon and a bin icon on the right.
3. Rename the layout
- Click the pencil icon next to the layout.
- Type the new name over the old one.
- Press Enter to save the name.
The new name appears immediately in the Columns dropdown on every report that uses the layout. The columns, time periods and variances in the layout stay exactly as they were.
[Screenshot: layout name being edited in the columns dropdown]
4. Choose names that work across reports
A layout is shared by every report that selects it, so name it for what it shows rather than for one report. Names such as 12 months + YTD, Actual vs budget by quarter or Board pack columns tell the next person exactly what they will get, and make the dropdown easy to scan when it holds several layouts. If a layout is no longer needed at all, remove it instead — see How to delete a column layout in a report.
5. Save and check the report
Click Save & Exit to return to the report, then open the Columns dropdown to confirm the new name is showing.