The formula bar offers an intelligent way to build formulas for Klips in the Klip Editor or when modelling a data source you'll use to build a custom Klip.
You can type a formula directly in the formula bar or select from a list of functions. When you start typing a function name in the formula bar, a list of functions filtered by the letter you entered is displayed. Online help with examples and parameters automatically pops up for each function.
The following table includes formula bar shortcuts and tips:
In the formula bar, type:
Result
Text
Start typing to display a list of available functions, variables, and references. The function is automatically added to the formula bar when you select it.
Use the arrow keys to navigate to a function in the list. Press Enter to select it when you find the function you want.
Note: Click the Browse All Functions link at the bottom of the function list to see the Function Browser in the right sidebar.
@
Type @ to manually enter a column reference from the active data source.
$
Type $ to display a list of available variables.
Note: Variables are supported in the Klip Editor only, not when modelling a data source.
&
Type & to reference results of actions and formulas applied to other sub-components/columns.
!
Type ! to reference formulas from other sub-components.
Note: Formula references are supported in the Klip Editor only, not when modelling a data source.
"string"
Use " around a value to convert it to a string.
ALT + Aor the Lightning Bolt button
Evaluates the formula.
CTRL + A or Command+A
Selects everything in the formula bar.
CTRL + E
Selects the function that your cursor is on.
Ctrl+Home or Command + Left arrow
Places the cursor at the beginning of the formula.
//
Type // to add single line comments to explain portions of your formula.
/*multiple line comment */
Type /* to add multiple line comments to explain portions of your formula.
Enter
Applies the selected function.
CTRL+Enter or SHIFT+Enter
Adds a line break in the formula bar to make it easier to work with long formulas.
CTRL+Space
Displays the function list.
CTRL+Shift+For use the three- dot menu
Formats the formula.
ALT+Lor use the three-dot menu
Displays line numbers.
CTRL+Z
Undoes an action when modelling a data source.
List of operators
The following table includes a list of available operators:
In the formula bar, type:
What it does
+
Add
-
Subtract
*
Multiply by
/
Divide by
<
Is less than
>
Is greater than
<=
Is less than or equal to
>=
Is greater than or equal to
=
Is equal to
!=
Is not equal to
Selecting content in the formula bar
The following table describes how to select content in the formula bar:
In the formula bar:
Result
Click anywhere in the formula
Sets the focus and places the cursor.
Click on a parenthesis (brackets) in your formula
Places the cursor next to the clicked parenthesis. The matching parenthesis is also selected.
Double-click on a string
Selects the string.
Triple-click
Selects the current line.
Accessing in-app Help
When you select a function, a help pop-up displays a description, examples, and parameter information. You can dismiss the Help pop-up by clicking the X in the dialog and reactivate it at any time with the Show Function Help button.
Tip: You can also access display settings for this feature by clicking the 3-dot menu at the right-end of the formula bar and selecting Show (or) Hide Function Help.
Troubleshooting errors in the formula bar
Errors are highlighted in the formula bar:
A function or parameter that has the wrong syntax appears highlighted in red in the formula bar.
A tool tip is displayed when you hover over a syntax error in the formula bar.
If the formula evaluation results in an error, a red border will appear around the entire formula bar and an error icon will display.
Error
Result
Typos when entering a function
If the function is not spelled correctly, it will be highlighted in red.
Mismatched parentheses in formulas
Mismatched parentheses will be highlighted in red.
Missing comma separators between functions
The system highlights in red the function that is missing a comma. A tool tip is displayed on hover to describe the issue causing the error.
Omitting the semicolon (";") when copying and pasting data references in a formula
The system will highlight in red the part of the formula that is missing a semicolon.
Tips for using the formula bar in the Klip Editor (video)
The following video demo focuses on techniques for using the formula bar in the Klip Editor:
Show Function Help button.