https://bugs.documentfoundation.org/show_bug.cgi?id=172276
Bug ID: 172276
Summary: Feature Request: Improve the Function Wizard and
formula tooltip workflow in LibreOffice Calc for
faster, more modern, and less disruptive formula
entry.
Product: LibreOffice
Version: 26.2.2.2 release
Hardware: x86-64 (AMD64)
OS: Linux (All)
Status: UNCONFIRMED
Severity: enhancement
Priority: medium
Component: Calc
Assignee: [email protected]
Reporter: [email protected]
Description:
Hello LibreOffice team,
I would like to suggest several usability improvements for the Function Wizard
and inline formula assistance in LibreOffice Calc.
Currently, when using the Function Wizard, the parameter descriptions and
detailed explanations are placed in a separate lower section of the dialog. In
my opinion, this layout slows down formula entry and makes the workflow less
efficient.
I would like to propose the following improvements:
Move parameter descriptions closer to the input fields
The explanatory text currently shown in the lower section of the Function
Wizard could instead appear directly near the parameter input areas (for
example, in the upper/right sections of the dialog).
This would reduce mouse movement and make formula entry faster and more
intuitive.
Keep detailed help accessible through the Help button
Users who need more detailed explanations could still access the existing
documentation through the Help button inside the wizard.
Allow uninterrupted formula entry without leaving Calc
A more compact and integrated Function Wizard design would help users continue
working without interrupting their workflow or visually leaving the spreadsheet
environment.
Improve inline formula tooltips
It would be very useful if formula tooltips could:
be draggable/repositionable by the user,
remain visible while switching between sheets or references,
avoid disappearing during multi-sheet formula editing.
Details continue:
Important usability issue
One of the most important missing features in LibreOffice Calc is that some
functions do not show the meaning of their parameters directly inside the
Function Wizard or inline formula hints.
For example, when using the SUBTOTAL function, the first parameter represents
function types such as:
1 = AVERAGE
2 = COUNT
9 = SUM
etc.
However, LibreOffice Calc does not display this list directly in the Function
Wizard interface or inline formula tooltip.
Currently, the user must click the Help button, open a web browser, and read
the documentation page to understand these parameter values. This feels
outdated and interrupts the workflow significantly.
I believe these parameter mappings should be shown directly inside:
the Function Wizard,
inline formula hints/tooltips during formula entry,
and ideally as dropdown suggestions or contextual help.
This would make formula writing much faster, more intuitive, and
beginner-friendly, especially for functions like SUBTOTAL, AGGREGATE, MATCH,
and similar functions that use numeric parameter codes.
These suggestions are based on my personal experience and observations while
using Calc. There may already be related settings or ongoing discussions that I
may not be aware of.
Thank you very much to everyone contributing to LibreOffice and making it
better every day.
Steps to Reproduce:
1. Open LibreOffice Calc.
2. Start entering a formula and open the Function Wizard.Preferably subtotal
formula.
3. Try entering formulas that require multiple parameters or references across
different sheets.
4. Observe the placement and behavior of parameter descriptions and formula
tooltips during formula editing.
Actual Results:
Parameter descriptions are placed in a separate lower section of the Function
Wizard, which increases mouse movement and reduces workflow efficiency.
Inline formula tooltips may disappear while switching sheets or editing complex
references, and they cannot be repositioned by the user.
The current workflow feels less integrated and less efficient during continuous
formula entry.
Expected Results:
Parameter descriptions should appear closer to the parameter input fields for
faster and more intuitive formula entry.
Inline formula tooltips should:
- remain visible while switching sheets or editing references,
- optionally be draggable/repositionable,
- provide a more seamless formula editing workflow.
The Function Wizard should allow more efficient formula entry without
interrupting the spreadsheet workflow.
Reproducible: Always
User Profile Reset: No
Additional Info:
For additional context and mockup images related to this enhancement request,
please refer to this Reddit discussion:
https://www.reddit.com/r/libreoffice/comments/1t0iyuz/libreoffice_calc_needs_excelstyle_formula_hints/
The post contains visual examples and usability observations related to formula
hints, parameter descriptions, and Function Wizard workflow improvements.
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