Exports (Excel / Word / PPT)
Taking your models and analysis out of the platform
Reading time: ~7 minutes
1. Overview of Exports
Why Exports Exist
Exports let you take your work out of FinanceModel for sharing, presentation, or further analysis. They transform your model and results into standard file formats that stakeholders can open, review, and edit using familiar tools.
Three Export Formats
FinanceModel supports three export formats, each designed for a different purpose:
- Excel (.xlsx) — For analysis, review, and detailed work
- Word (.docx) — For documentation and narrative reports
- PowerPoint (.pptx) — For presentations and executive communication
Relationship Between Model and Export
Exported files are derived from your model at a specific point in time. They capture the state of your model when you created the export. There is no live connection between the exported file and your model—changes made in one do not affect the other.
2. Excel Export
Purpose
The Excel export provides a fully editable spreadsheet that preserves formulas and calculation logic. It is designed for users who want to work with the numbers directly, perform additional analysis, or audit the underlying calculations.
What's Included
- Model inputs and assumptions
- Financial statements and supporting schedules
- Formulas that calculate derived values
- Scenario-specific outputs (if applicable)
- Summary metrics and key outputs
Formulas Preserved
Excel exports include formulas so you can trace how outputs are calculated from inputs. This allows you to audit the logic, make changes to assumptions, and see how those changes flow through the model.
Intended Use
- Detailed analysis and further modeling
- Audit and review of calculation logic
- Sharing with stakeholders who prefer spreadsheets
- Archival of model state at a specific point
3. Word (DOCX) Export
Purpose
The Word export creates a narrative document that summarizes your model and its outputs. It is designed for documentation, reporting, and sharing findings with stakeholders who need context alongside numbers.
What's Included
- Executive summary of key findings
- Tables showing model outputs and metrics
- Assumption summaries
- Scenario comparisons (if applicable)
- Supporting narrative and context
Editable Document
The exported Word file is fully editable. You can add commentary, adjust formatting, include additional sections, or tailor the document for specific audiences before sharing.
Intended Use
- Investment memos and deal documentation
- Board reports and management updates
- Due diligence materials
- Archival documentation of analysis
4. PowerPoint (PPTX) Export
Purpose
The PowerPoint export generates a presentation-ready deck that highlights key outputs and decision-relevant information. It is designed for executive communication and leadership briefings.
What's Included
- Summary slides with key metrics
- Decision-focused output summaries
- Scenario comparison highlights
- Key assumptions overview
- Professional formatting for presentation
Editable Slides
The exported PowerPoint file is fully editable. You can customize slides, add your own content, adjust branding, and tailor the presentation for your specific audience and context.
Intended Use
- Executive and board presentations
- Investment committee meetings
- Client-facing deliverables
- Internal decision briefings
5. Traceability & Audit
Exports support traceability by capturing the state of your model at a specific point in time.
Model State at Export Time
Each export reflects the exact state of your model when you created it. Inputs, assumptions, calculations, and outputs are captured as they existed at that moment. This provides a point-in-time record for reference and audit.
Metadata and Timestamps
Exported files include metadata indicating when the export was created. This helps you identify which version of the model was used and track the history of your analysis over time.
No Live Link After Export
Once exported, the file is independent of your model in FinanceModel. Changes you make to the model after export are not reflected in the exported file. Similarly, edits you make to the exported file do not update your model. If you update your model, you must re-export to create a new file with the latest information.
Best Practices for Audit
- Export at key milestones to create a record of model evolution
- Use consistent naming conventions that include dates or versions
- Store exports in a secure, organized location
- Note any manual edits made to exported files after export
6. Limitations & Responsible Use
Understanding export limitations helps you use them appropriately and communicate clearly with stakeholders.
Key Limitations
- Exports are snapshots — They capture a moment in time and do not update automatically
- No guarantee of correctness — Exports reflect model outputs, which depend on the inputs and assumptions you provide
- Formatting may vary — Complex formatting may not translate perfectly between platforms
- Edits are not synchronized — Changes to exports do not affect the original model
User Responsibilities
- Review exports before sharing with external parties
- Validate that outputs are reasonable and consistent with expectations
- Document any manual edits made to exported files
- Communicate the limitations of model-based analysis to stakeholders
- Re-export if the model has been updated since the last export
Using Exports Responsibly
Exports are tools for communication and documentation, not certificates of accuracy. The value of an export depends on the quality of the underlying model and the appropriateness of the assumptions. Always apply your own judgment before using exports for decisions or sharing them with others.