Array Formulas

**Ragnarok_421** · 10-23-2013, 06:08 PM

Hello everyone,

I am new here and hoping someone can help me out with this. I am working on a project and was wondering if array formulas can be used to pull criteria based data from a source file and automatically populate a different file? The data needs to be linked so that when the source file changes the "child" files change with it but not the other way around. I am thinking arrays because of the file size mostly. (this is a HUGE file) I would post the actual file as an example but it contains a lot of proprietary information. If you need a better idea of what I am describing I could make a similar mock up to post as an example. Maybe VBA would be a better way to go with this (and those examples are welcome too) but there has got to be a way to do this without getting involved in coding. I am not really sure how to go about this to be quite honest and any relevant suggestions are welcome.

Thanks in advance.

**FDibbins** · 10-24-2013, 12:20 AM

Hi and welcome to the forum

Linking files is pretty standard, depending on what/how you want to link the data, and would range from a simple ='[file1.xlsx]sheet 1'!$A$1 through standard vlookup() to INDIRECT() (which needs an add-in to work on closed files)

If you could provide a dummy workbook/s showing samples of what you are working with, and what your expected outcome would be, we can start putting something together for you.

To attach a file to your post,
click advanced (next to quick post),
scroll down until you see "manage file",
click that and select "add files" (top right corner).
click "select files" find your file, click "open" click "upload" click 'done" bottom right. click "submit reply"

Once the upload is completed the file name will appear below the input boxes in this window.
You can then close the window to return to the new post screen.

**Ragnarok_421** · 10-25-2013, 02:11 PM

Here is an example of what I am working on. Basically I need the facility sheets (X1 XX 1X) to pull a snapshot of the data from the October 2013 source sheet based on the facility code on the short sheet. I have highlighted instructions within the file itself further detailing what I am trying to do. thanks.