How to configure custom columns on Monday.com

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-18

Quick Answer

Custom columns in Monday.com allow you to track specific data types like dates, numbers, and status updates. You can add and configure them through the column header menu by clicking the '+' icon and selecting your desired column type.

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Prerequisites

Active Monday.com account
Board creation or editing permissions
Basic understanding of Monday.com workspace navigation

Step-by-Step Instructions

Navigate to your board

Log into your Monday.com workspace and select the board where you want to add custom columns. Click on the board name from your Workspace sidebar or Main Dashboard to open it.

If you don't have editing permissions, contact your board owner or admin to grant you access.

Add a new column

Locate the + Add Column button at the right side of your existing column headers. Click the + icon to open the column selection menu. You'll see various column type options displayed in a grid format.

You can also right-click on any existing column header and select 'Add column to the right' for quicker access.

Select your column type

Choose from available column types such as Status, Date, Numbers, Text, People, Timeline, or Dropdown. Click on your desired column type to proceed with configuration. Each type serves different data tracking purposes.

Consider your data needs carefully - Status columns are great for workflow tracking, while Numbers work best for metrics and calculations.

Configure column settings

In the column configuration panel, enter a descriptive Column Title in the name field. For Status columns, customize the status labels and colors by clicking + Add Label. For Number columns, set the number format, currency, or units using the Format dropdown.

Use clear, descriptive names for your columns to ensure team members understand their purpose immediately.

Set column properties

Configure advanced settings based on your column type. For Date columns, choose between Date or Date & Time formats. For People columns, decide if multiple people can be assigned. Enable Required toggle if the column must be filled for every item.

Apply and position the column

Click Add Column or Save to create your custom column. The new column will appear at the rightmost position. To reorder, hover over the column header, click and drag the ⋮⋮ (drag handle) icon to move it to your preferred position.

Position frequently used columns closer to the item name for better visibility and workflow efficiency.

Test and populate the column

Add sample data to your new column by clicking on cells in the column and entering appropriate values. For Status columns, select from your configured options. For Date columns, use the date picker or type dates in the format MM/DD/YYYY.

Create a few test entries to ensure your column configuration works as expected before rolling it out to your team.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Cannot see the 'Add Column' button

Check if you have Edit or Admin permissions for the board. Contact your workspace admin to upgrade your permissions, or ask them to add the column for you.

Column appears but formatting looks incorrect

Click the column header dropdown arrow and select Column Settings. Review the format options and adjust the Display Format, Currency, or Number Format as needed.

Status column labels are not saving properly

Ensure you press Enter or click outside the label field after typing each status name. If labels disappear, try refreshing the page and reconfiguring the column settings.

New column doesn't appear in automations or integrations

Wait 1-2 minutes for the column to sync across Monday.com's systems. Go to Board Settings > Automations and check if your new column appears in the dropdown menus for triggers and actions.

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