Duplicator
The Duplicator generates multiple copies of a sheet based on values from a field in a data model. Each copy is a separate sheet in the workbook, with the corresponding value inserted into a reference cell. Formulas and data extractions on the sheet use that cell as a filter, so each generated sheet shows different results while keeping the same layout.
For example, if you have a sales report sheet and duplicate it by the Salesperson field, the Duplicator creates one sheet per salesperson. Each sheet contains the same formulas and extractions, but filtered to that salesperson's data. The reference sheet used to generate the copies cannot be deleted while the Duplicator is active.
A workbook can only have one duplicator.
When to duplicate sheets
- Generate one sheet per value from a field, like one sheet per region, department, salesperson, or company code.
- Preserve a standard layout across all generated sheets without rebuilding each one manually.
- Filter data at the sheet level so each sheet only contains the data relevant to its value.
- Refresh all sheets at once to pull the latest data and automatically add sheets for new values.
Duplicate sheets from a field
- Select the cell that will act as the reference cell for the duplicated value.
- On the Analysis tab, select Duplicator.
- Select the Environment and Data Model.
- On the Field tab, search for or select the field you want to duplicate by.
- In Field Location, confirm the reference cell where each value will be inserted.
- (Optional) Add filters or groups to limit which values generate sheets.
- Select Preview Values to review the list of values before saving.
- Select Save. The workbook now contains a separate sheet for each value.
You don't need to close the Duplicator to change the field location. Move the dialog aside and select any cell. The location updates automatically.
For a complete walkthrough, see Duplicator Example.
Duplicator properties
| Property | What to configure |
|---|---|
| Environment | The environment to retrieve values from. If set to Current Environment, data is pulled from whichever environment is active. |
| Data Model | The data model that contains the field used to determine which values generate sheets. |
| Field | The field to duplicate by. This can be a dimension, measure, or description. |
| Field Location | The cell where each duplicated value is inserted. Formulas and extractions on the sheet should reference this cell to filter data per sheet. |
Add filters
Filters control which values from the selected field generate sheets. Without filters, every value in the field creates a sheet. With filters, only values that match your criteria are included. You can add individual filters or filter groups, and combine them with And / Or logic. For each filter, you select a field, an operator, and a value.
- Individual filters target a single condition.
- Groups wrap multiple filters together so they are evaluated as one unit.
Values can be entered manually or by referencing a cell. You can also search for a specific value using the prompt icon next to a filter.
Enter filter values
Each filter value can be entered as a text string or as a cell reference. The behavior depends on how the value field is configured.
| Mode | How it works | How to set it |
|---|---|---|
| Cell reference | The value is pulled dynamically from a cell in your sheet. The Duplicator updates when the cell value changes. | Select the underscore in the value field, then select the cell in your sheet. |
| Text string | The value is typed directly and stays fixed regardless of what's in your sheet. | Select the A icon next to the value field. When active, the icon turns blue. |
If you use the prompt to select a value, it is automatically set as a text string.
Refresh the workbook
Refreshing updates all duplicated sheets with the latest data. If new values exist in the field since the last refresh, new sheets are automatically created.
- Automatic refresh on open
- Manual refresh
Automatic refresh on open
- On the Analysis tab, select Duplicator.
- Enable Refresh On Open.
- Select Save.
All duplicated sheets update automatically each time the workbook is opened.
Manual refresh
- On the Toolbar panel, select Refresh.
- Make sure the Duplicator toggle is on.
- Select Entire Workbook to refresh all sheets, or Current Sheet to refresh only the active sheet.
Remove the Duplicator
Removing the Duplicator clears the duplication settings from the workbook. You can choose to keep the generated sheets or delete them.
- On the Analysis tab, in the Tools section, select Clear Duplicator.
- Check Keep existing sheets if you want to keep the generated sheets. If unchecked, all duplicated sheets are deleted.
- Select Clear.
Include duplicated sheets in a distribution job
When a workbook with a Duplicator is included in a distribution job, the Duplicator can run as part of the distribution process. This means the sheets are generated (or regenerated) automatically before the data is refreshed and the workbook is distributed.
To enable this, open the View Properties dialog for the workbook in the distribution job and turn on Enable Duplicator. This toggle only appears if the selected workbook contains a Duplicator.
When enabled:
- The Duplicator runs during the distribution even if Refresh On Open is turned off in the workbook.
- Parameters cannot be defined for cells in duplicated sheets, since those sheets are deleted and recreated each time the distribution runs.
Distribution jobs with a Duplicator may take longer to complete since each sheet is generated before the data refresh starts.