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Excel Alias *Lists*

Excel Alias *Lists*

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Excel Alias *Lists*

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   In addition to the default storage of aliases within the Pathagoras system (stored in a file called "multichoice.csv" in the Instant Database folder), you can also maintain Alias *Lists* in Excel spreadsheets.

   One type of spreadsheet is the kind that bears the name of the Alias itself. Two requirements for this kind:

1.The name of the spreadsheet must match the name of the Alias (in other words, if you want to call your Alias *List* "Attorney Name", the spreadsheet name must be "Attorney Name.xls" (or .xlsx)
2.The spreadsheet must be saved the folder in which your default Alias *List* file is saved. (You default alias list is called 'multichoice.csv'. By default it is stored in the Instant Database folder. You can determine the current location of you Instant Database folder by pressing Alt-D (for Instant Database) and looking toward the bottom of the screen. The full path to IDB files is shown there in a text box. (You can copy the path to the IDB folder into your clipboard by clicking the clipboard image to the left of the text box.)

   The other type of Alias storage by spreadsheet is within a file called "multichoice.xls" (or .xlsx). In this file, multiple Alias *Lists can be stored. (Note: the base file name is the same as the 'default storage' file. Only the extension is different.)

   Here's how to set up this spreadsheet:

1.Create a new Excel spreadsheet and save it as 'multichoice.xls' or ('.xlsx') in your Instant Database files folder. You can determine the current location of you Instant Database folder by pressing Alt-D (for Instant Database) and looking toward the bottom of the screen. The full path to IDB files is shown there in a text box. You can copy the path to the IDB folder into your clipboard by clicking the clipboard image to the left of the text box.)
2.In row 1, column 1, name your first Alias (for example if you wanted to list the 50 United States, you might title it "States". You can use multiple words for titles, e.g., "United States of America", but generally shorter is better.
3.In row 2 of column 1, provide the first option.
4.In row 3 thru (infinity), type the text of all other options.
5.Repeat step 2 thru 4 for each new Alias, with the Alias always occupying row 1 and values beneath it. Use a new column for each alias. Do not skip columns. If Pathagoras sees a blank column, it assumes that you have no more aliases.

Using the *Lists*

   Use the list as any other *Alias* list. As a variable, type it between two brackets (to indicate a variable) and between two asterisk (it's the asterisks that make it an Alias: [*Attorney*], [*States*], [*Bar Numbers*]

   If you wish to group two of more Aliases together, just put a groupname inside of the variable brackets:

 
[!atty!*Attorney Name*] and [!atty!Attorney Bar Number]; [!st!*States*] and [[!st!*Capitals*]