# Select Columns

In this document, you will explore how to select columns in Astera Dataprep. Selecting columns is useful when you want to limit your dataset to only the relevant fields for analysis, transformation, or export. 

1. To select columns in Astera Dataprep, click on the *Layout* option in the toolbar and select the *Select Columns* option from the drop-down. 

![](https://3181888596-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzEifS4h8yurLAAwiGNX2%2Fuploads%2FHbaXm6C6tdea1hsSSwDu%2F0.png?alt=media)

2. Once selected, the *Recipe Configuration – Select Columns* panel will open.

![](https://3181888596-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzEifS4h8yurLAAwiGNX2%2Fuploads%2FpARCrjTXex1axhSmv0AD%2F1.png?alt=media)

3. Use the *Column Name(s)* drop-down to choose the columns that you want to include.

![](https://3181888596-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzEifS4h8yurLAAwiGNX2%2Fuploads%2FMUnITUsUOa41CH9t8uLv%2F2.png?alt=media)

4. Once done, click on ![](https://3181888596-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzEifS4h8yurLAAwiGNX2%2Fuploads%2Fs981Ufv8EBNNex1HPe5M%2F4.png?alt=media) *Apply*. The Grid will now display only the selected columns.

![](https://3181888596-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzEifS4h8yurLAAwiGNX2%2Fuploads%2FjeSxIJA2BoQhTyY7Lv1h%2F4.png?alt=media)