> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.prophecy.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Alteryx Multi-Field Formula tool > Prophecy Multi-Column Edit Gem

> Mapping between Alteryx’s Multi-Field Formula tool and Prophecy’s Multi-Column Edit gem

The [Alteryx Multi-Field Formula tool](https://help.alteryx.com/current/en/designer/tools/preparation/multi-field-formula-tool.html#multi-field-formula-tool) applies a single expression across multiple selected columns, modifying or creating new fields using Alteryx’s expression language.

Prophecy provides equivalent functionality through its [Multi-Column Edit gem](/data-analysis/gems/prepare/multi-column-edit/). This gem lets you define one transformation pattern that is applied to all selected columns.

## Automated migration results

When Import detects an Alteryx Multi-Field Formula tool:

* It generates a MultiColumnEdit gem.
* The Alteryx expression is converted into a an expression template that uses Prophecy’s placeholder variable ( `column_name` or `column_value` ).
* The import process applies this template to each selected column, matching Alteryx’s behavior.
* Field overwrite or “create new field” options are preserved when possible.

The result is a Multi-Column Edit gem that applies one SQL transformation pattern to all chosen columns.

## Manually replicate in Prophecy

To manually recreate Multi-Field Formula behavior in Prophecy:

1. Add a **Multi-Column Edit** gem.
2. Select the columns you want to transform.
3. Enter an expression that refererences the placeholder `column_name` or `column_value`. (Prophecy automatically substitutes each selected column at runtime.)
4. Choose whether to overwrite existing fields or create new fields with a naming pattern.
5. Validate output in the Data Explorer.

## Configuration options

**In Alteryx:**

* Select multiple fields using the UI.
* Define one formula referencing `_CurrentField_`.
* Choose overwrite vs new-field creation.
* Optional renaming rules for new fields.

**In Prophecy:**

* Select multiple fields inside the Multi-Column Edit gem.
* Write a single SQL expression using `column_name` or `column_value` as placeholders.
* Choose whether to 1) apply to original columns or 2) maintain original columns and add prefix or suffix to new columns.

## Output behavior

* Alteryx evaluates the formula in the Designer engine.
* Prophecy evaluates the SQL expression inside the Databricks SQL Warehouse, generating one derived expression per selected field.

## Known caveats

* Some Alteryx functions do not map directly to SQL and may require adjustments.
* Expressions that don’t generalize across fields may not convert cleanly.
* Type behavior may differ when applying one expression across multiple columns.

## Example

### Alteryx Multi-Field Formula example

Goal: Trim whitespace from `[Name]`, `[City]`, and `[State]`.

Alteryx expression: `Trim([_CurrentField_])`

### Prophecy equivalent (MultiColumnEdit gem)

Select the same three columns and define the expression:

```
trim(${column})
```

Prophecy applies this transformation to each selected column, producing the same result as Alteryx’s Multi-Field Formula tool.