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7.1 Creating a New Workbook

Designing workbooks is done in Datashop Expert. You can start from scratch or from a copy of an existing workbook.

Create from Scratch

  1. In the main window, select the Workbooks folder – or the subfolder where the workbook should live.
  2. Right-click in the contents list → New, and choose the type of workbook: Workbook, Dashboard (classic), Dashboard with tiles, Report-style workbook or Display. The types are explained in 7.2 Workbook Types. Clicking the + button (or pressing Ctrl+N) creates a multi-purpose Workbook right away.
  3. The new workbook opens in Interactive design mode, ready for you to add visuals – see 7.4 Inserting and Arranging Visuals.
  4. Save it with File → Save (Ctrl+S). The first time, you give it a name, choose a folder and add a description.

From inside another workbook, File → New... creates a new workbook too.

Create as a Copy

To build on an existing workbook:

  • In the main window: right-click the workbook → Copy (Ctrl+C), select the target folder, right-click → Paste (Ctrl+V). Then rename the copy (F2).
  • With the workbook open: File → Save as... and give the copy a new name or folder.

Tips – Creating a New Workbook

  • Decide on the purpose and audience first: a dashboard for the screen, a report for printing, or a display for a wall screen.
  • Ask the future users what they need: dimensions, metrics, periods and filters.
  • Keep a clear folder structure. Mark test workbooks with a date and TEST in the name, so they're easy to clean up later.