Insert a Column

Inserts a column into an existing Excel worksheet.

Overview

This procedure inserts a column into an existing Excel worksheet at a specified column number. The existing column at that position, along with any columns to its right, is shifted one position to the right. This is useful in automation workflows where new data fields need to be dynamically added without overwriting existing content.

Syntax

Below is a line-by-line overview of the automation syntax. Expand each line to learn more.

insert a column into the worksheet

What does it do?

Begins column insertion into the current worksheet.

Where does it go?

This phrase should be written on a new line.

Is it required?

✅ Yes — This phrase is required.

Does it require data?

✅ Yes — A reference to the worksheet must be defined in the automation.

the column name is "column-header"

What does it do?

Specifies the header name for the new column.

Where does it go?

Indented under insert a column into the worksheet where.

Is it required?

✅ Yes — This phrase is required.

Does it require data?

✅ Yes — Replace column-header with the desired column header name.

Example

the column name is "Total"

the column number is n

What does it do?

Specifies where to insert the new column.

Where does it go?

Indented under insert a column into the worksheet where.

Is it required?

✅ Yes — This phrase is required.

Does it require data?

✅ Yes — Replace n with a column number (1-based). Existing columns will be shifted right.

Example

the column number is 3

the column values are x, y, z

What does it do?

Specifies the data to insert into the new column.

Where does it go?

Indented under insert a column into the worksheet where.

Is it required?

❌ No — This phrase is optional.

Does it require data?

✅ Yes — Replace x, y, z with a list of values for the column cells. If not specified, the column will be empty.

Example

the values are 100, 200, 300

Examples

1. Insert Empty Column

Inserts an empty column with a header at position 2.

insert a column into the worksheet where
    the column name is "TAX"
    the column number is 2

2. Insert a Column by Specifying Column Name, Number, and Values

insert a column into the worksheet where
    the column name is "TAX"
    the column number is 2
    the values are 30, 40, 50