2. anuboXBRL Reader versus Analyzer
The anuboXBRL Reader & Analyzer Add-in is a single Microsoft Excel add-in. Your ANUBO license determines whether you use the Reader or Analyzer edition — the task pane shows the active edition after sign-in. You install the add-in once; switching between Reader and Analyzer does not require reinstallation. See Section 3.3 for details.
Sections that apply to Analyzer only are marked with Premium in this guide (in the add-in, Attributes shows a Premium badge and upgrade overlay in Reader).
2.1 At a glance
| Capability | Reader | Analyzer |
|---|---|---|
| Insert single label/value (items, standard mode) | Static text/number | ANUBO.XBRLLabel / ANUBO.XBRLValue (recalculates) |
| Dimensional items & dimensional analysis | Static cells only — inserts are possible, but without ANUBO formulas the sheet does not retain concept, period, unit, or dimension parameters | Dynamic BYDIMENSIONS formulas (XBRLFACT*BYDIMENSIONS) — fact context stays visible and auditable in the formula bar |
| Insert tables | Static, scaled numbers; resolved labels | Dynamic formulas for labels and values |
| Sections (batch layout) | Static result | Dynamic formulas |
| Attributes (report header, change parameters) Premium | Visible, disabled with upgrade prompt | Enabled |
| Recalculation on workbook calc | No (values remain fixed) | Yes (via ANUBO Custom Functions) |
| Decimals and scaling | Applied automatically to inserted values | Applied inside formulas |
| Personal cloud storage (max reports) | 10 reports | Analyzer basic: up to 100 reports |
Task pane workflows for items, tables, and dimensional analysis are described in Chapter 7. BYDIMENSIONS function syntax is in Chapter 8.
2.2 When to use which edition
-
Reader
- Best for: static reporting packs, quick exports, and speed — especially simple line items where the value alone is sufficient context.
- How it works: writes static values into cells; it does not insert ANUBO custom functions.
- What you lose in the sheet: the formula bar shows only the number (or label text), not the underlying concept, reporting period, unit, or dimension members.
- Review and audit: that missing in-sheet context makes facts harder to trace later — particularly for dimensional breakdowns (segments, regions, products), where several similar values may sit side by side without an obvious link to their XBRL identity.
- Dimensional inserts: Reader can still place dimensional facts from the task pane, but treat that as a snapshot export, not a durable analysis model.
-
Analyzer: dynamic workbooks that should refresh on recalculate; work where colleagues must see and verify parameters in the formula bar; bulk parameter changes; report headers; and dimensional analysis built on BYDIMENSIONS formulas that preserve fact context in the sheet. This is the recommended edition when dimensional facts, traceability, or live-linked models matter.