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This guide helps you resolve common issues when working with Calcs Builder templates. If you encounter an error not covered here, please contact support.

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”Widget not appearing in template”

Symptoms: Widget is configured but doesn’t show up in the template. Solutions:
  1. Check Save Status: Ensure you’ve saved your template after adding the widget
  2. Verify Section/Page: Confirm the widget is placed in the correct section and page
  3. Check Permissions: Ensure you have edit permissions for the template
  4. Refresh Browser: Try refreshing the page or clearing browser cache
Prevention: Always save your template after making changes.

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”Invalid formula syntax”

Symptoms: Equation widget shows error or doesn’t calculate. Common Causes:
  • Missing parentheses: 2 + 3 * 4 should be (2 + 3) * 4 if you want addition first
  • Invalid variable names: Use only letters, numbers, and underscores
  • Missing operators: 2 3 should be 2 * 3
  • Unmatched quotes: Ensure all text strings are properly quoted
Solutions:
  1. Check Formula Syntax: Verify all parentheses, operators, and quotes
  2. Validate Variable Names: Ensure all variables exist and are spelled correctly
  3. Test Incrementally: Build complex formulas step by step
  4. Use Formula Helper: Use the built-in formula editor for guidance
Example Fix: 
❌ Incorrect: beam_length * beam_width + 2
✅ Correct: (beam_length * beam_width) + 2

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“Variable not found”

Symptoms: Formula references a variable that doesn’t exist. Solutions:
  1. Check Variable Names: Ensure exact spelling and case
  2. Verify Widget Order: Variables must be defined before they’re used
  3. Check Scope: Ensure variables are accessible in the current section/page
  4. Review Dependencies: Some widgets depend on others being configured first

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Input Validation Errors

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”Input value out of range”

Symptoms: User gets error when entering values. Solutions:
  1. Check Validation Rules: Review min/max values in input widgets
  2. Update Defaults: Ensure default values are within valid ranges
  3. Add Help Text: Provide guidance on acceptable input ranges
  4. Test Edge Cases: Verify validation works for boundary values
Best Practice: Always provide clear error messages explaining valid ranges.

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”Required field missing”

Symptoms: Template won’t calculate due to missing inputs. Solutions:
  1. Set Default Values: Provide reasonable defaults for required inputs
  2. Add Validation: Use conditional validation to highlight missing fields
  3. Improve Instructions: Clearly indicate which fields are required
  4. Use Placeholders: Show example values in input fields

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Calculation Errors

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”Division by zero”

Symptoms: Calculation fails when input values result in division by zero. Solutions:
  1. Add Validation: Check for zero values before division
  2. Use Conditional Logic: IF(denominator != 0, numerator/denominator, 0)
  3. Set Minimum Values: Ensure inputs have reasonable minimum values
  4. Add Error Handling: Provide meaningful error messages
Example Fix: 
❌ Risky: total_load / beam_length
✅ Safe: IF(beam_length > 0, total_load / beam_length, 0)

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“Infinite loop detected”

Symptoms: Template gets stuck in calculation or browser becomes unresponsive. Solutions:
  1. Check Circular References: Ensure no widgets reference each other in loops
  2. Simplify Complex Formulas: Break complex calculations into steps
  3. Remove Redundant Calculations: Eliminate unnecessary equation widgets
  4. Test Incrementally: Add complexity gradually and test frequently

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”Calculation timeout”

Symptoms: Complex calculations take too long or fail to complete. Solutions:
  1. Optimize Formulas: Simplify complex mathematical expressions
  2. Use Intermediate Variables: Break calculations into smaller steps
  3. Limit Iterations: Avoid recursive or iterative calculations
  4. Consider Python Solvers: Use custom solvers for complex calculations

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Lookup Widget Errors

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”Data not found in lookup”

Symptoms: Lookup widget can’t find matching data. Solutions:
  1. Check Data Source: Verify the lookup table contains the expected data
  2. Review Matching Logic: Ensure lookup criteria are correct
  3. Add Default Values: Provide fallback values when lookup fails
  4. Update Data: Ensure lookup tables are current and complete

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”Lookup table not loading”

Symptoms: Lookup widget shows empty or doesn’t populate. Solutions:
  1. Check Permissions: Ensure you have access to the lookup data
  2. Verify Connection: Check if the data source is accessible
  3. Clear Cache: Refresh the template or clear browser cache
  4. Contact Admin: Request access to the lookup table

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Template Structure Errors

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”Section/page not found”

Symptoms: Navigation or links don’t work properly. Solutions:
  1. Check Section Names: Ensure exact spelling and case
  2. Verify Page Structure: Confirm pages are in the correct sections
  3. Update Links: Fix any broken internal links
  4. Test Navigation: Verify all navigation paths work correctly

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”Template won’t save”

Symptoms: Changes aren’t being saved or template becomes read-only. Solutions:
  1. Check Permissions: Ensure you have edit permissions
  2. Verify Connection: Check internet connection and server status
  3. Clear Cache: Refresh browser or clear cache
  4. Try Different Browser: Test in a different browser or incognito mode

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Performance Issues

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”Template loads slowly”

Symptoms: Template takes a long time to load or respond. Solutions:
  1. Reduce Widget Count: Limit the number of widgets per page
  2. Optimize Calculations: Simplify complex formulas
  3. Use Lazy Loading: Load content only when needed
  4. Minimize Lookups: Reduce the number of lookup widgets

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”Browser becomes unresponsive”

Symptoms: Browser freezes or becomes slow when using template. Solutions:
  1. Close Other Tabs: Free up browser memory
  2. Restart Browser: Clear memory and cache
  3. Check System Resources: Ensure adequate RAM and CPU
  4. Simplify Template: Reduce complexity temporarily

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Export and Print Issues

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”PDF export fails”

Symptoms: Unable to generate PDF reports. Solutions:
  1. Check Browser: Use Chrome or Firefox for best compatibility
  2. Disable Extensions: Try disabling browser extensions
  3. Clear Cache: Clear browser cache and cookies
  4. Check File Size: Large templates may timeout during export

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”Print layout issues”

Symptoms: Printed output doesn’t match screen display. Solutions:
  1. Use Print Preview: Check layout before printing
  2. Adjust Page Settings: Set appropriate margins and orientation
  3. Test Different Browsers: Try different browsers for printing
  4. Use PDF Export: Generate PDF for consistent printing

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Best Practices for Error Prevention

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Template Design

  1. Start Simple: Begin with basic functionality and add complexity gradually
  2. Test Frequently: Test calculations after each major change
  3. Use Clear Names: Use descriptive variable and widget names
  4. Document Assumptions: Include notes about calculation assumptions

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User Experience

  1. Provide Defaults: Set reasonable default values for all inputs
  2. Add Validation: Include input validation with helpful error messages
  3. Give Feedback: Show progress indicators for long calculations
  4. Include Help: Add tooltips and instructions for complex inputs

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Maintenance

  1. Regular Testing: Test templates periodically to ensure they still work
  2. Update Dependencies: Keep lookup tables and data sources current
  3. Version Control: Use version control to track changes
  4. Backup Templates: Keep backups of important templates

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Getting Help

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Self-Service Resources

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Contact Support

If you can’t resolve an issue using this guide:
  1. Document the Problem: Note the exact steps to reproduce the issue
  2. Include Screenshots: Capture error messages and relevant screens
  3. Provide Context: Include template name, browser, and operating system
  4. Contact Support: Email support@calcs.com with detailed information
For more advanced troubleshooting, see our Performance Tips and Best Practices guides.
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