> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.modelreef.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.modelreef.io/syntax/understanding-the-interface/branch-selector.md).

# Branch Selector

This article explains the **Branch Selector** in Model Reef.

You will learn:

* Where the Branch Selector appears.
* How to switch between branches and consolidated views.
* How branch context affects variables, dashboards and reports.

Branches represent entities, divisions, stores, projects or other business units inside a model. The Branch Selector controls which part of the branch tree you are looking at.

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### Where you see the Branch Selector

The Branch Selector usually appears in:

* Variable and driver lists.
* Dashboards and report views.
* Some modals where context matters, such as when creating new variables.

It is typically a dropdown or tree control that shows the branch hierarchy for the current model.
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### Selecting a branch

When you choose a branch in the selector, Model Reef:

* Filters variable lists to items in that branch and its children.
* Shows P\&L, Balance Sheet, Cashflow and Cash Waterfall for that branch and its subtree.
* Updates dashboards and charts to reflect the selected part of the business.

Selecting the root or top level branch usually shows the fully consolidated group view.
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### Branch context in editing

When you create a new variable while a branch is selected:

* The new variable is created inside that branch by default.
* Category and naming suggestions may follow the context of that branch.

This makes it easy to build models branch by branch without having to manually assign each variable's location.
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### Branch Selector and permissions

The Branch Selector respects permissions:

* Users with branch level access only see branches they are allowed to view.
* Users with model level access see the full tree.

If a branch does not appear in the selector for a user, they cannot access its variables or outputs.
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### Common usage patterns

You will typically use the Branch Selector to:

* Switch between entity level and group level views.
* Move between stores, projects or regions.
* Focus on a specific part of the business during review.
* Drill down from group numbers into the contributions from child branches.

Getting comfortable with the Branch Selector is key to navigating large models.
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***

## Related articles

* [Scenario Selector](/syntax/understanding-the-interface/scenario-selector.md)
* [Picking Chart Types](/syntax/chart-and-table-syntax/picking-chart-types.md)
* [Delay Rules](/help/drivers-variables-and-timing/delay-rules.md)
* [Build a Capex & Depreciation Model](/how-tos/operations-and-unit-economics/build-a-capex-and-depreciation-model.md)