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Merge columns: take the first value that is not empty

Combine several columns into one by trying them in order and keeping the first value that is not empty.

Written by Umer Ishaq

Merge columns tries your inputs in order and returns the first value that is not empty. It is marked Free.

How do I add one?

  1. Click Add column, then Merge columns. The panel is titled Transformation › Merge columns.

  2. Data type is set to Text.

  3. In First try, enter what to try first. The field's hint shows "Hello " + @{First Name}. Type / to insert a column.

  4. In Then try, enter the next option. Click Add input to add more.

  5. Click Add column and run (the button shows your row count).

The Add column menu open under the table toolbar, listing Add enrichment, Use AI, Functions, Waterfall, Formula and Merge columns, then the column types Text, Number, Date, URL, Image URL, Rich text, File, Checkbox, Single select and Multi-select. The Merge columns item is outlined in red.

Each input also has a Use AI button and a bin icon to remove it.

The Merge columns panel, titled Transformation then Merge columns. Data type is set to Text. Two inputs, First try and Then try, each have a box with a Use AI button and a bin icon, and an Add input button sits below them. The First try box is outlined in red. At the bottom a message reads Fill in at least one input before running, and the footer shows Free.

What do I see before I add it?

The panel says "Merge data from other columns in a defined order." Until at least one input is filled in, the footer says "Fill in at least one input before running."

Good to know

  • Merge columns is also listed on the Tools tab, described as "First non-empty value wins" and marked Free.

  • The first input that returns a value wins. Put your most trusted source first.

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