For users who can edit a report, the table cell variable lets you dynamically reference numeric values from manual tables in your report directly within your narrative text. When the table value updates, every place in the document that references it updates automatically, ensuring accuracy and consistency across your financial documentation.
Select a section below to navigate directly to it:
Create a Table Cell Variable Walkthrough
Select Next to move through the guide. You can also zoom in and out of the image by selecting the Magnifying Glass in the bottom right-hand corner. You can view the full guide by selecting the External Link icon.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Create the Table Cell Variable and Reference the Financial Data
- Click the Text Block where you want to add a Variable.
- Click in the Text where you want to insert the Variable.
- Click Insert Variable.
- Click Table Cell.
-
Select the Table you need to pull the numeric value from.
- Tip: Start by searching for the section name. The system will display all tables within that section, along with their corresponding table IDs.
-
Select the Cell of data you want to reference.
- Note: The system only allows you to reference numeric values.
- Click Next.
Apply Formatting to the Variable
-
Before you insert the variable, you can apply some formatting to the variable.
-
The Prefix adds contextual wording before the value and includes dynamic options that change with the value's sign, such as “increases / decreases.” It adapts automatically if the underlying value changes sign in a future reporting period.
- Example: “increased by $19,826,154”
-
Number Format controls how the number itself is displayed. Choose Full Dollars for a currency-formatted figure, or None for a plain number.
- Example: $19,826,154 vs. 19,826,154
-
Scale rescales large values for readability in narrative text (e.g., Thousands, Millions, Billions).
- Example: $19.8 million instead of $19,826,154
-
Suffix adds wording after the value, such as a unit label or descriptive phrase.
- Example: “ $19,845,345 million increase”
-
The Prefix adds contextual wording before the value and includes dynamic options that change with the value's sign, such as “increases / decreases.” It adapts automatically if the underlying value changes sign in a future reporting period.
- Click Finish when ready to add the Variable.
The Table Cell Variable will be inserted where you initially clicked within the text. Double click on the variable if you need to edit it. You can also copy and paste the variable to other text blocks within your report by selecting it and using Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V to copy and paste.
Troubleshooting
Issue: The next button is not available for me to select a value from a table.
Solution: The cell does not contain a numeric value and cannot be referenced. Select a numeric value to continue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Where should I use table cell (financial) variables?
A: The best use of this functionality is to reference values from manually populated tables and automate the related narrative text. When you update the value in the manual table, the corresponding value in the narrative will update automatically as well.
For example, this could include Notes or certain sections of the Statistical Section. That information may also need to be referenced in the narrative portion of your report.
Variables should not be used to reference values from financial statements that are populated through MDF
Have more questions or need assistance?
Submit a Request