# Building models

Create a new financial model or fill an existing model in Excel.

Source: <https://docs.finbar.com/excel/build-model>

The **Build Model** mode can create a financial model from scratch or fill an existing model in the current worksheet. It uses the company's reported data to build historical periods and forecasts, section by section.

> **Note**
>
> Model building is in public beta, we welcome any feedback. For now, the builder focuses on populating historical values and formulas - forecasting and model drivers are coming soon.

## Start a model

1. **Choose a company.**

   Search by company name or ticker.

2. **Choose where to start.**

   Select **Start from scratch** for a new model, or **Use existing data in current sheet** to fill a template or partly completed model.

3. **Review the sections.**

   For a new model, choose the statements and breakdowns you need and arrange their order. You can add custom sections for any specific areas you want to model. For an existing model, check Finbar will automatically divide your model into sections. You can edit a section or add your own instructions.

4. **Choose the period range.**

   Set the first historical year and the final forecast year. The latest reported period is selected automatically.

5. **Confirm the plan.**

   Review your choices, decide whether Finbar may suggest missing rows, and add any final guidance. Then generate the template or start filling the existing model.

## Review and finish

When starting from scratch, review the proposed rows before inserting the template. You can edit the rows, ask for changes, or choose where the template should be inserted. Finbar shows a preview before replacing any existing content.

Once building begins, the progress screen shows each section separately. You can open a section to see more detail, add further guidance, or retry a section that needs attention. If Finbar asks to add a missing row, review the proposal and choose whether to add it.

Completed values can be traced back to their original reports using the source button in the add-in header. See [Document basics](https://docs.finbar.com/excel/basics.md#tracing-data) for details.

> **tip**
>
> Recent model runs appear on the first Build Model screen. Use them to return to work that is still running or needs attention.