# Identifying similar columns

During sensitivity scans and schema change scans, Tonic Structural identifies groups of similar columns.

To identify similar columns, Structural uses a text embedding model to calculate the semantic similarity between any two column names in the database. When a column name's semantic similarity  to the name of a given column is above a specified threshold, then the column is similar to the given column.

If a column has similar columns, then the **Applied Generator** column contains an icon that includes the count of similar columns.

<figure><img src="/files/HNiTVFPmsHNiMAs7G6TW" alt=""><figcaption><p>Similar columns icon with the count of similar columns</p></figcaption></figure>

By default, the similar columns icon is hidden. To display the similar columns icon, hover over the column row.

When you assign a generator to a column, the similar columns icon for that column remains visible during your current session.

When you click the similar columns icon, Structural displays a panel with an option to filter the list to display the current column and its similar columns. To apply the filter, click **Filter**.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/P8Cxq1L0gD5EVngyBoBa" alt=""><figcaption><p>Similar columns panel with filter option</p></figcaption></figure>

The similar columns filter is applied, and other table and column filters are removed.

<figure><img src="/files/Jf5OGYeQvlALw0PXS4tk" alt=""><figcaption><p>Database View column list with a similar columns filter applied</p></figcaption></figure>


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