# Importing Column-Level Comments from Excel into TDM

**URL:** <https://forums.toadworld.com/t/importing-column-level-comments-from-excel-into-tdm/61805>\
**Category:** Toad Data Modeler\
**Created:** [August 19, 2026, 7:39pm UTC](https://forums.toadworld.com/t/importing-column-level-comments-from-excel-into-tdm/61805 "2026-08-19T19:39:05Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![rmanivannan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a4c791/32.png) [@rmanivannan](https://forums.toadworld.com/u/rmanivannan)\
**Post date:** [August 19, 2026, 7:39pm UTC](https://forums.toadworld.com/t/importing-column-level-comments-from-excel-into-tdm/61805/1 "2026-08-19T19:39:05Z")

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Hi,

I’m using Toad Data Modeler (TDM) v7.3. In our current data model, most tables do not have descriptions/comments for individual attributes (columns).

We are now planning to add comments for all attributes. Instead of manually entering the comments for each column, we have the comments available in a spreadsheet along with the table name and column name.

**Is there a way to import the spreadsheet into TDM so that the comments for the corresponding attributes are updated automatically?**

I’d appreciate any suggestions or guidance on whether TDM supports this or if there is another way to accomplish it.

Thanks!

Rajesh

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**Author:** ![Gita.Sharifi](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/quest/user_avatar/forums.toadworld.com/gita.sharifi/32/16973_2.png) [@Gita.Sharifi](https://forums.toadworld.com/u/Gita.Sharifi)\
**Post date:** [August 26, 2026, 3:08pm UTC](https://forums.toadworld.com/t/importing-column-level-comments-from-excel-into-tdm/61805/2 "2026-08-26T15:08:54Z")

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Hi Rajesh, can you please try out the attached steps and let us know how that works out for you?

[TDM\_Attribute\_Comments\_Excel\_Import.pdf](https://forums.toadworld.com/uploads/short-url/hSYVZJuOxrWNa399UD0M2hnRhGf.pdf) (1.5 MB)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![rmanivannan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a4c791/32.png) [@rmanivannan](https://forums.toadworld.com/u/rmanivannan)\
**Post date:** [August 28, 2026, 2:54pm UTC](https://forums.toadworld.com/t/importing-column-level-comments-from-excel-into-tdm/61805/3 "2026-08-28T14:54:14Z")

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Hi Gita,

Thank you so much for sharing the steps. I followed them and was able to update the column-level descriptions using the Export and Import Excel feature.

I just wanted to confirm one thing-My understanding is that these steps are specifically for updating the column-level descriptions and will not make any changes to the existing data model.

In particular, the existing relationships and the current layout/positions in the ER diagram will remain unchanged and will not be disturbed.

Could you please confirm if my understanding is correct?

Thank you!

Rajesh

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**Author:** ![Gita.Sharifi](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/quest/user_avatar/forums.toadworld.com/gita.sharifi/32/16973_2.png) [@Gita.Sharifi](https://forums.toadworld.com/u/Gita.Sharifi)\
**Post date:** [August 31, 2026, 5:25pm UTC](https://forums.toadworld.com/t/importing-column-level-comments-from-excel-into-tdm/61805/4 "2026-08-31T17:25:42Z")

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Hi Rajesh,  
Yes, your understanding is correct. The Export and Import Excel feature can be used to update the column-level descriptions without changing the existing data model, relationships, or the layout/positions in the ER diagram.

When editing the Excel file, you can modify the column-level description and other applicable fields, but the first column, **“ID,” must not be changed, deleted, or modified**. The ID is used to map the Excel data back to the correct objects during the import.

As long as the ID and the required data relationships/references are preserved, the import will update the applicable properties without disturbing the existing model structure or diagram layout.

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**Author:** ![rmanivannan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a4c791/32.png) [@rmanivannan](https://forums.toadworld.com/u/rmanivannan)\
**Post date:** [September 1, 2026, 2:13pm UTC](https://forums.toadworld.com/t/importing-column-level-comments-from-excel-into-tdm/61805/5 "2026-09-01T14:13:01Z")

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Hi Gita,

Thank you for the detailed explanation and confirmation. This clears up my understanding, especially regarding the importance of preserving the **ID** column during the Excel export/import process.

I really appreciate your help!

Best regards,  
Rajesh