Organize variables
Put variables in sections and groups, move and copy them, sort dimension items, and add descriptions.
Sections and groups put related variables together, so a reader can follow the model from inputs to results. The order of the rows does not change a result. Eigenn finds the calculation order from the formulas.
1. Use sections
A section is a top-level block of rows, such as Revenue or Balance sheet.
- To add a section, open a model and select More → New section. Eigenn adds a section named New section.
- To change its color, open the section options (⋮) and select Section color. The colors are blue, gray, green, orange, purple, and red.
- To rename it, open the section options and select Rename.
A new model has an Inputs section at the top. You cannot rename, move, duplicate, or delete it.
2. Use groups
A group sits inside a section or inside another group.
- To add an empty group, put the pointer on the section row. Select the folder icon (Add a group to section name). Eigenn adds a group named New group.
- To group rows that already exist, select a cell in the first row. Shift-click a cell in the last row. Then press Cmd+G (Ctrl+G on Windows). The rows must be in the same section or group.
In Charts, the inputs panel shows one tab for each group that holds input variables. A tab shows only the input variables directly in that group.
3. Move and copy variables
- Drag a variable onto a section or a group to move it to the end of that section or group.
- Drag a variable onto another variable to put it above that variable.
- Drag a section onto another section to change the order of the sections.
You can also use the options menu of a variable:
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Move to | Moves the variable to the section or group that you select. |
| Copy to | Adds a copy, named variable name copy, to the section or group that you select. |
| Duplicate | Adds a copy in the same section or group. |
4. Read a group in a formula
A formula can name a section or a group. sum(Operating costs) adds the variables in the Operating costs group for the same period. avg(Operating costs) gives their average. A variable inside that group cannot use this formula, because the formula would read itself. The formula editor shows "This would create a loop".
5. Sort dimension items
A variable with a dimension shows one row for each dimension item. To sort those rows by value:
- Open the options menu of the variable and select Sorting.
- In Sort by, select Entire model period or Last actual date. Default keeps the order of the dimension.
- In Direction, select Descending or Ascending.
Entire model period sorts by the sum of all periods. Last actual date sorts by the latest actual value.
6. Add a description
- Open the options menu of the variable, section, or group.
- Select Add description.
- Type up to 500 characters and select Save description.
To change it later, select Edit description. The description of an input variable shows under its name in the inputs panel of Charts.