# Autocomplete Behaviour

This article explains **autocomplete behaviour** in the Model Reef Formula editor.

You will learn:

* How autocomplete suggestions are triggered.
* What kinds of items appear in suggestions.
* How autocomplete reduces errors and speeds up formula writing.

Autocomplete is designed to make it easy to reference existing variables and drivers without memorising exact names.

## 1. When autocomplete appears

Autocomplete suggestions appear when you:

* Start typing in the expression area.
* Type characters that match the start or part of a variable or driver name.
* Pause after a partial name.

A dropdown list appears near the cursor showing matching items.

## 2. What autocomplete suggests

Suggestions can include:

* Variable names.
* Driver names (economic, operational, modifier).
* Sometimes categories or built in metrics, depending on context.

Items are usually ranked based on how closely they match what you have typed so far.

## 3. Selecting from autocomplete

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Start typing

Start typing the name of the variable or driver you want.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Choose from the list

When you see it in the suggestion list, use the arrow keys or mouse to select it.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Insert the reference

Press Enter or click to insert the reference into the formula.

The inserted reference uses the correct internal syntax for that item.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## 4. Benefits of autocomplete

Autocomplete helps by:

* Reducing the chance of typos in names.
* Making it easier to discover existing variables and drivers.
* Speeding up formula writing in large models.
* Ensuring that references stay linked even if display names are later updated.

It is particularly useful when naming conventions are applied consistently.

## 5. Autocomplete and renaming

Because formulas use internal identifiers:

* Renaming a variable or driver does not break existing formulas.
* Autocomplete will show the new name in future suggestions.

This allows you to improve naming without worrying about formula breakage.

## Related articles

* [Picking Chart Types](/syntax/chart-and-table-syntax/picking-chart-types.md)
* [Scenario Selector](/syntax/understanding-the-interface/scenario-selector.md)
* [Parent/Child Behaviour](/help/building-your-model/parent-child-behaviour.md)
* [Build a Working Capital Model](/how-tos/operations-and-unit-economics/build-a-working-capital-model.md)


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