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Daaud_Ali's avatar
Daaud_Ali
Copper Contributor
Jan 02, 2024

Excel Dynamic Master Template

We have a research methodology where we essentially have a template with a list of criteria on it and for each new businesses we research we have a separate copy of the template sheet with. This list of questions keeps changing as we develop and as we start researching more businesses going through and manually changing each sheet is very time consuming. 

 

Is there any way of setting up one dynamic template sheet that when it’s edited with new rows or columns etc it will update all of the other sheets as well?

excel
Excel on Mac
  • NikolinoDE's avatar
    NikolinoDE
    Gold Contributor
    Jan 03, 2024

    You can create a dynamic master template in Excel that automatically updates all other sheets whenever you make changes to the master. Here's how you can achieve this:

    1. Create a Master Template:
      • Design your master template with all the criteria/questions you need.
      • Ensure that the data is organized in a structured way (e.g., each column represents a question, and each row represents a business).
    2. Create a Table for Data:
      • Select your data range and convert it into a Table. You can do this by selecting the range and pressing Cmd (⌘) + T. Make sure to check the box that says "Create Table with Headers."
    3. Name the Table:
      • In the "Table Design" tab, provide a name for your table in the "Table Name" field. Let's call it "BusinessData" for this example.
    4. Use Formulas and Dynamic Ranges:
      • Instead of referencing specific cells, use structured references and formulas to refer to the table and its columns. For example, instead of Sheet1!A2:A100, use Table1[Column1].
    5. Create a Dynamic List of Businesses:
      • In another sheet, create a dynamic list of businesses. You can use the unique values from the first column of your master table or any other method that suits your needs.
    6. Use Data Validation for Dynamic Selection:
      • You can use Data Validation to create a dropdown list for selecting a business from your dynamic list. This way, you can easily switch between businesses.
    7. Create Formulas for Dynamic Data Display:
      • Use formulas such as VLOOKUP or INDEX/MATCH to dynamically display data based on the selected business.
    8. Protect the Master Template:
      • To prevent accidental changes to the master template, you can protect the worksheet. However, leave the cells containing the dynamic data unprotected so that they can be updated.
    9. Duplicate Sheets for Each Business:
      • Duplicate the sheet for each business, and use the Data Validation dropdown to select the specific business.

    Now, any changes made to the master template, such as adding new rows or columns, will automatically reflect in all the duplicated sheets when you update the data in the master table.

    This approach allows you to maintain a central master template while efficiently managing and updating individual sheets for each business. The text and steps were edited with the help of AI.

     

    My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!

     

    Hope this will help you.

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