Streamline Data Grouping with Merged Columns in KeepTool

Updated October 2025

Introduction

When analyzing complex Oracle data, clarity and structure are key.
You often need to see how related columns — such as City and ZIP Code — interact, but traditional grouping methods can quickly clutter your view with unnecessary hierarchy levels.
That’s where merged column grouping in KeepTool Hora comes in.

This feature gives you a more natural and intuitive way to visualize your data by allowing multiple related columns to be grouped together as one unit.
As a result, you can focus on meaningful data relationships instead of redundant levels of detail.

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Grouping Columns in the Data Content Browser

In KeepTool’s Data Content Browser, you can organize and explore data interactively.
At the top-right corner of the window, you’ll find a checkbox labeled “In-memory grid mode.”
Once this option is enabled, the entire dataset is loaded into memory, unlocking advanced filtering and grouping capabilities.

Traditionally, you could drag a column header into the Group By bar (located between the filter area and column headers) to group the data by that column.
Dragging additional columns added secondary groupings, creating a hierarchical structure — for example, grouping the COMPANY table by CITY and then by ZIP CODE.

However, this hierarchical approach can sometimes become redundant.
For instance, CITY and ZIP CODE often have a one-to-one relationship, which means a multi-level grouping adds unnecessary complexity.

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Introducing Merged Column Grouping

To make data browsing more efficient, KeepTool introduces merged column grouping.
With this enhancement, you can group related columns together on a single level rather than creating nested hierarchies.

Simply hold down the Ctrl key while dragging a new column next to an existing grouped column.
This action merges the two columns into a combined grouping key.
KeepTool then treats both columns as one logical group, showing them side by side instead of stacked hierarchically.

This approach is particularly helpful when columns are tightly correlated — for example, Department and Location, or Customer Name and Customer ID.
The result is a much cleaner and more readable grouping structure that mirrors how your data is logically related.

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Why Merged Column Grouping Matters

Merged column grouping simplifies the way you interact with your data.
It eliminates unnecessary hierarchy levels while keeping your data organized and meaningful.
Moreover, it helps you gain faster insights and prepares your grouped data for exports to Excel or reports.

Here’s why it’s useful:

• Reduces redundancy: No more deep nested levels for closely related columns.

• Improves clarity: View correlated attributes in one coherent group.

• Saves time: Easier navigation and export-ready structure.

• Enhances analysis: Focus on data semantics, not structural complexity.

In short, merged column grouping allows you to align how you view your data with how it actually relates in the real world.

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Conclusion

KeepTool continues to evolve with features that make working with Oracle databases faster, clearer, and more intuitive.
Merged column grouping is just one example of how we translate real-world database challenges into smart, practical tools.
Whether you’re a developer, DBA, or analyst, you’ll appreciate how this feature helps you see relationships more clearly and work more efficiently.

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Try It Yourself

To experience merged column grouping in action:

1. Open the Data Content Browser in KeepTool.

2. Enable In-memory grid mode.

3. Drag your first column (for example, CITY) into the Group By bar.

4. Hold Ctrl and drag a related column (for example, ZIP CODE) beside it to merge them.

5. Explore the results and enjoy the simplified view.