How can I rename tables/dimensions/metrics in Lightdash?

Last updated: July 23, 2025

Renaming tables in your dbt project will break existing charts, dashboards, and filters that reference that table. Here's how to fix those references automatically.

This script will:

Update these in your charts:

  • Dimensions, metrics, filters, sorts

  • Table config and chart config

  • Table calculations

Not update:

  • Conditional formatting

  • Reference lines

  • Dashboards and dashboard filters

  • Charts within dashboards

Step 1: Generate an API Token

You'll need a personal API token. Here's how to create one.

Step 2: Download the Script

  1. Go to our Github API examples repo

  2. Clone or download the repo as a ZIP

  3. Navigate to the javascript folder

Step 3: Modify Variables in the Script

Open the rename_models_in_charts.js file in your preferred code editor and replace these variables with your info: 

const projectUuid = `<my-project-uuid>`
const apiKey = '<my-api-key>'
const oldModel = '<my-old-model>'
const newModel = '<my-new-model>'

Step 4: Run the Script

  1. Install the dependencies:

    • Open a terminal or command prompt in the directory where the script is located.

    • Run yarn or nmp i to install the dependencies.

  2. Test the Changes (Optional):

    • If you want to see what changes will be made without actually renaming anything, set the test variable to true in the script:

      const testing = true

    • This will log the proposed changes without making them.

  3. Run the Script:

    • Open a terminal or command prompt in the directory where the script is located.

    • Run the script using Node.js:

      node rename_models_in_charts.js

    • If you’re satisfied with the test results, set the test variable to false and run the script again to apply the changes:

      node rename_models_in_charts.js
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