Navigating the Input Panel: A User Guide


The Input Panel is your primary tool for entering and projecting data across your model's timeline. This guide will help you understand how to access the panel, choose the right data entry modes, and use the interface effectively.

1. Opening the Input Panel

Before you can enter data, you need to open the panel for the specific metric you want to edit.

  • Identify Input Rows: Look at the leftmost column of your main data table. Rows that allow manual data entry feature a distinct input indicator icon (which looks like a database with an arrow). Rows with a calculator icon are formula-driven and cannot be manually edited.
  • Select the Row: Click on a row that has the input indicator (for example, "Subscription price per month").

  • Show Panel: Look at the Tool Bar located directly above the table grid. Click the button labeled "Show input panel". The panel will slide out on the right side of your screen.

Note: When the panel is open, this toolbar button changes to "Hide input panel", offering you a quick way to toggle the panel out of view.

2. Choosing Your Data Entry Mode

Before you begin entering numbers, it's crucial to select the correct projection behavior. The Input Panel offers four distinct modes, located as prominent buttons below the main graph:

  • Constant: Use this mode when you want the monthly value to remain exactly the same throughout the entire timeline of your model. Enter it once, and it projects forward indefinitely.

  • Yearly (Constant by Year): Choose this if your monthly numbers change annually but stay the same within any given year.

    Note: Entering a value here sets the monthly amount for that year; it does not take your value and divide it by 12.

  • Monthly (Constant by Month): This mode offers the most granular control. Use it when every single month requires a specific, potentially unique value.

  • Growth Rate: This mode creates a compounding curve. You enter an initial opening value and a percentage growth rate, and the system automatically calculates the compounding monthly increases.

⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: Avoid Switching Modes!

Once you have started entering data using one mode (for example, 'Monthly'), do not switch to another mode (like 'Yearly'). Doing so will erase your specific inputs. The system will overwrite your detailed data, displaying only the average of the values you previously entered. Always decide on your entry mode before inputting data.

3. Understanding the Interface Controls

The Input Panel is designed with several features to help you view and manage your data efficiently.

Visualizing Your Data

  • The Main Graph: At the top of the panel, a bar chart visually represents the data you are entering, allowing you to instantly see the trend (e.g., a steady line for 'Constant', or an upward curve for 'Growth Rate').

  • Metric Help: Next to the title at the top of the panel, you may see a small (?) icon. Hover over or click this for quick contextual information about the specific metric you are editing.
  • Expand / Collapse View: If you need more space to view data across a longer timeline, look for the "Expand view" icon (four arrows pointing outward) located just below the data entry modes. This opens the panel into a wider overlay. To return to the sidebar view, click the "Collapse view" icon in the same location.

  • Show / Hide Actuals: When working in the expanded view, you have the option to view historical data alongside your projections. Look for the button on the right side, just above the data table.
  • Click "Show actuals" to display past periods. These will appear as slightly darkened, uneditable columns preceding your active forecast.
  • Click "Hide actuals" to focus solely on your future projections.

  • Dimension Selector (The Cube Icon): Look for the cube icon accompanied by numbers (e.g., (2/2)). This dropdown menu is essential when dealing with complex metrics. It allows you to toggle between different "dimensions" within the block you are currently editing.

  • Column Filters: In the data table below, the first column header (which categorizes your line items, such as "Products" or "Pricing") includes a funnel icon. Clicking this icon allows you to filter the list, hiding specific line items so you can focus only on the ones relevant to your current task.

Closing the Panel

  • When you are finished entering data, you can either click the "Hide input panel" button in the top toolbar, or click the "X" in the top right corner of the Input Panel to close it and return your full attention to the main workspace.