Applied Steps window

Where it all starts

This is an essential component of Power Query, and you must be familiar with it!
It displays each transformation in a vertical sequence. From there, you can edit, reorganize, delete and document a transformation.

How to show/ hide the Applied Steps pane:

• Open the View menu
• Click Query Settings icon

If you are not happy with a step, highlight it, click the X icon to permanently remove it.
What a change, no more “Ctrl Z” to cancel an inadequate command.

For a smooth start with data transformation, a good habit consists in renaming and/ or describing applied transformations. Your query can potentially grow. More transformations can be invoked. Therefore, you will be happy to read a user-friendly description and information in the “Applied Steps” pane.

Rename and describe a transformation:

• Right click a step
• Chose between Rename/ Reorder/ Insert Description or Delete

More info. and key points on the Applied Steps window on below slide:

Why the Formula Bar matters?

The Power Query User Interface offers over 100 transformations. Meanwhile, the M language provides a set of 700 functions. Showing all those functions in the User Interface was simply not possible.
I like thinking about the “Formula Bar” as my personal assistant. A great helper to learn the M syntax created behind each step.

Let’s recap

Hide/ display 2 fundamentals Power Query elements from the View menu.
Query Settings button: show/ hide Applied Steps and Properties panes.

You will find a complete description of Power Query editor user interface on this link.