Starter Templates
Starter templates are the easiest way for a new user to begin working in xpna without first designing a workbook layout from scratch.
They provide ready-made worksheet structures that can be inserted into the current Excel workbook, giving the user something practical to work from straight away.
This page explains how to find starter templates and how to use them in a general way, regardless of the specific template content.
Why start with a template
- A template gives a faster starting point than a blank workbook.
- It shows a practical workbook structure that can be used as-is or adjusted later.
- It helps new users understand how xpna reporting and planning layouts are commonly organised.
- It reduces the amount of manual setup needed before useful work can begin.
How to open templates
To access templates from Excel:
This opens the templates library, where starter templates and other workbook layouts can be browsed.
How to find starter templates quickly
The easiest place to begin is the Recommended view.
In this view:
- xpna highlights a suggested template to help the user get started quickly.
- Templates marked with a Starter label are intended to be beginner-friendly starting points.
- A short recommendation may explain why a template is a good first choice.
If the user wants to compare more options, they can switch to Browse all and scan the wider library.
The search box can also be used to narrow the list by name, keyword, or tag.
How to choose a template
When deciding which template to use, focus on the overall purpose rather than expecting every template to behave the same way.
It is usually helpful to:
- read the template name and description
- review the preview image
- choose the option that looks closest to the report, plan, or analysis the user wants to build
- start with a simpler starter template if unsure
The goal is to select a good starting structure, not to find a perfect finished workbook on the first attempt.
How to use a template
Once a suitable template has been selected:
- Select the template to review its details.
- Confirm that it looks like the right starting point.
- Select
Insert Template.
xpna inserts the template into the current workbook as new worksheet content.
In general, users can then:
- review the inserted worksheets
- connect the layout to the data they want to work with
- update filters, periods, members, or assumptions as needed
- keep the sections they want and adjust anything that is specific to their use case
Each template is different, so the exact next step will depend on what that template is designed to do.
What to expect after insertion
Starter templates are intended to provide a base to work from, not a locked final result.
After inserting a template, users should expect that they may need to:
- tailor headings, labels, or layout details
- change the reporting scope or period selections
- add or remove workbook sections
- adapt the workbook to their organisation's structure or workflow
This is normal. The template is there to accelerate setup and provide a strong starting point.
Good first-time workflow
For a new user, this is usually the simplest path:
- Open
Discover Templatesfrom Home. - Stay in Recommended first.
- Pick a template marked Starter.
- Insert it into the workbook.
- Review the inserted sheets and make small changes rather than rebuilding from scratch.
If the first template is not the right fit, return to the templates library and try another one.
Tips
- Start with the template that is easiest to understand, not necessarily the most detailed one.
- Use starter templates to learn the common workbook patterns used in xpna.
- Switch to Browse all if the recommended options are not close to the desired outcome.
- Treat templates as a starting point that can be refined over time.