Why Columns from Examples Is Missing in Excel Power Query for Mac
Question details
The user wants to locate and use the Columns from Examples option in the Power Query Editor in Excel for Mac and needs alternative ways to create example-based column transformations.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel for Mac Power Query Editor
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- The user opens Power Query Editor in Excel for Mac and wants to add a new column by providing sample output values.
- Observed behavior
- Columns from Examples is missing from the Add Column tab in Excel for Mac Power Query Editor, while it is available in Excel for Windows.
Open Excel for Mac and confirm your workbook has a query table or data connection, then open the Power Query Editor and check the Add Column tab for the Columns from Examples option. Also check for pending Office updates from Help > Check for Updates before changing your workflow.
Create the same transformation with standard Power Query tools, custom M formulas, or worksheet formulas
Use this when you need to stay on macOS and reproduce the output column without the Columns from Examples feature.
Power Query for Mac has a reduced feature set compared to Excel for Windows. You can often create the same output column by using M formulas, standard Transform commands, or worksheet tools without leaving macOS.
In Excel for Mac, select a cell in the query table, go to the Data tab, and open the query in Power Query Editor.
In the Power Query Editor, click Add Column > Custom Column, enter a column name, and type an M formula such as if [Sales] > 100 then "High" else "Low".
Use the Transform tab options such as Split Column > By Delimiter, Merge Columns, Format, or Extract to create the new column without examples.
If the query is not required, return to the worksheet and use Data > Flash Fill or formula-based helper columns to transform the values.
Run the query in Excel for Windows through a Windows computer or virtual machine
Use this when the exact Columns from Examples workflow is required and a Windows environment is available.
Check for Office updates and current Microsoft Power Query for Mac documentation
Use this to confirm whether Microsoft has recently added the feature to Excel for Mac.
Use WPS Office on Mac as a Free Excel-Compatible Spreadsheet Alternative
When Excel for Mac is missing Power Query features such as Columns from Examples, WPS Office gives Mac users a free, lightweight Office alternative that opens, edits, and saves Excel workbooks with strong format compatibility, a familiar interface, and everyday spreadsheet tools.
- 1. Download WPS Office for Mac: Go to the official WPS website, download WPS Office for Mac, and open the installer.
- 2. Install and launch WPS Spreadsheet: Drag WPS Office to the Applications folder, then open WPS Spreadsheet from the WPS Office home screen.
- 3. Open your existing Excel workbook: Click Menu > Open and select the .xlsx workbook, or drag the file directly into WPS Spreadsheet.
- 4. Use spreadsheet tools for everyday column work: Apply formulas, Text to Columns, sorting, filtering, and charts from the WPS Spreadsheet ribbon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columns from Examples available in Excel for Mac?
No. Columns from Examples is currently a Windows-only Power Query feature. Open the Power Query Editor on Mac and check the Add Column tab; if it is not listed, your version does not include it.
How can I do the same transformation without Columns from Examples on Mac?
Use Add Column > Custom Column with M formulas, Transform tab options such as Split Column or Extract, or worksheet tools such as Flash Fill and formulas.
Can I access Columns from Examples on a Mac another way?
Yes. You can save the workbook, open it in Excel for Windows on a Windows PC or virtual machine, use Add Column > Columns from Examples, and then save the workbook back to use on Mac.
Does WPS Office on Mac include Power Query?
WPS Office does not include Microsoft Power Query, but WPS Spreadsheet provides free Excel-compatible formulas, text tools, and data tools for many everyday transformation tasks.
Will Microsoft add Columns from Examples to Excel for Mac?
There is no confirmed date for Mac support. Check Help > Check for Updates in Excel for Mac and Microsoft 365 documentation to see whether the feature has been added.
