How to Change the Primary Column in Smartsheet
- George Apostolov
How to Change the Primary Column in Smartsheet: step-by-step guide
On Smartsheet's Grid View, find the primary column and click its corresponding 'Column Menu' button.
Pick 'Insert Column Right' from the list of options.
After that, enter the column name into the provided input field and select the type. Ensure that they resemble the content of the current primary column.
Once done, click 'OK' to proceed further.
Select the content under the original primary column you want to change, then press the CTRL+C or COMMAND+C key to copy the selection.
Subsequently, tap the first cell of the newly created column and paste the content. Either press CTRL+V or COMMAND+V.
Find the other column you want to set as primary and select the details under it.
Once again, press the CTRL+C or COMMAND+C key to copy the selection.
Following that, tap the first cell under the current primary column and press the CTRL+V or COMMAND+V key to paste the selected content from the other column.
Tap the column header of the selected content, then click its corresponding 'Column Menu' button.
Choose 'Delete Column' from the list of options.
Go to the primary column afterwards and click its corresponding 'Column Menu' button.
Click 'Rename Column' to proceed.
Enter the original name of the deleted column into the given entry field and click 'OK'.
After completing these steps, the primary column in your Smartsheet will be changed accordingly.
Quick answer: To change the primary column in Smartsheet, insert a new column, copy and paste the original primary content into it, move the desired replacement content into the primary column, delete the old column, and rename the new column to match.
About this Smartsheet tutorial
Easily swap and update your primary column in Smartsheet by duplicating data, rearranging columns, deleting the old primary, and renaming. This guide shows how to change the Primary Column in Smartsheet in 15 steps, starting with "On Smartsheet's Grid View, find the primary column and click its corresponding 'Column..." and finishing with "After completing these steps, the primary column in your Smartsheet will be changed acc...". The interactive demo above is a click-through copy of the real Smartsheet interface, so you can rehearse each step before doing it in your own account.
Frequently asked questions
How many steps does it take to change the Primary Column in Smartsheet?
15 steps. Each one is listed in order above, and the demo highlights exactly where to click.
Can I try it without changing my own account?
Yes. Clicking through the demo doesn't touch your Smartsheet data or settings. Once you know the flow, repeat it in your own workspace.
This tutorial is filed under Smartsheet. Related guides: How to Connect a Smartsheet Document to Power BI, How to Copy a Sheet in Smartsheet and How to Copy a Smartsheet to Another Smartsheet Workspace. Last reviewed 05 Oct 2026.
Create your first interactive demo in minutes
No credit card required • Start building today
