> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.phocassoftware.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.phocassoftware.com/flex-modes/switch-modes.md).
# Switch modes
Use the **Modes** menu in the toolbar to switch between Flex Modes. Each mode is a predefined data view that displays specific columns in the grid, as outlined below.\
\
To apply a mode, open the **Modes** menu and select one. The grid automatically updates to show the new column layout, and the menu displays the selected mode’s name.
## Period mode
**Period mode** is the default view, summarizing data for the selected period with key columns like Period, Current, Previous, and Variance, plus detailed time-based breakdowns when dimensions are selected.
### Menus
This mode has the standard toolbar items.
### Grid
This mode has two grid views: Summary and Dimension.
#### Summary view
In Summary view, the grid gives you an overview of your data across the selected period. There are seven columns, starting with the **Period** column that displays the relevant time unit (day/month/year) for the selected period. For example, if the period is Last 3 Months, those three months display. The other columns are: **Current (period)**, **Current Cumulative**, **Previous (period)**, **Previous Cumulative**, **% Variance** and **% Variance Cumulative**.
#### Dimension view
When you select a dimension, the grid displays columns for the active properties (such as **Code** and **Name**) for that dimension, a **Total** column, and a column for each time unit in the period. This new layout gives you a month-by-month or day-by-day view of your data, for example. If more than one measure is selected, more columns will display.
## Variance mode
**Variance mode** shows variance data and is useful for making comparisons over time.
You can determine what's driving the variance by selecting two different periods. You can also view the breakdown of a particular period in detail, so in effect, you can view data for three different periods in the one grid.
### Menus
Along with the standard toolbar items, **three Period menus** offer a versatile exploration of variances in your data:
* **Period:** Use the **Period** menu to select the main period you want to analyse.
This is the period that appears as the first value in the variance comparison. For example, you might select the current month, quarter or year.
* **Compared to**: Use the **Compared to** menu to select the comparison period.
This is the period that the selected period is compared against. For month-based selections, you can make the comparison period follow the selected period, so it updates automatically when you change the period.
* **Period (breakdown)**: Use the **Breakdown** menu to choose how to split the variance results.
The breakdown controls the level of detail shown in the results. For example, you might break the comparison down by month to see how each month contributed to the overall variance.
The breakdown period can match the period you selected in the **Period** or **Compared to** menu, or it can use another available period. Use this when you want to see where the variance occurred within the selected period, rather than only seeing the total variance.
### Grid
This mode does not have a Summary view of the grid, only a dimension view. By default, the first dimension is selected. The grid contains the following columns and column groups:
* **Code** and **Name**: These property columns display the code and name of the entities in the selected dimension. You can add other properties as required using the **Properties** menu. For example, if you select the Customer dimension, you might want to add the Country and Region properties to see more details about each customer.
* **Comparison group**: This column group displays data for the periods selected in the **Period** and **Compared to** menus (from the selected stream and measure). This data comes from your ERP. From this data, the variance is calculated:
* **Variance** (Period - Compared to): This is a calculation column showing the results of the variance calculation.
* **% Variance** ((Period - Compared to) / Previous)\*100: This is a calculation column showing the results of the variance percentage calculation.
* **Breakdown group**: This column group contains:
* A **Total** column showing the total of the data in the breakdown period columns. It also shows sparklines giving you a quick, visual summary of the data across the breakdown period.
* *Repeated* columns which have the same structure (same stream, measure, and period) for the period selected in the **Period (breakdown)** menu. For example, if you select the *Last three months*, you’ll see a column for each of the three preceding months.
## Total mode
**Total mode** is the simplest view, removing all other columns except properties and the **Total** column. It’s particularly useful when multiple measures are selected, offering a clear, uncluttered summary of your data.
### Menus
This mode has the standard toolbar items.
### Grid
This mode has two grid views: Summary and Dimension.
#### Summary view
In Summary view, the grid displays the relevant time unit (day/month/year) within the current period, plus a Total column. If more than one measure is selected, more columns will display.
#### Dimension view
When you select a dimension, the grid displays columns for the active properties (such as **Code** and **Name**) for that dimension, plus the **Total** column and columns for any additional measures.
## Stream mode
{% hint style="info" %}
Stream mode is only available when streams exist for the database and dimension you have selected.
{% endhint %}
**Stream mode** lets you compare multiple streams side-by-side across a selected time period. For example, you can compare actuals against budgets and instantly see both value and percentage differences.
Use Stream mode when you want to:
* Compare one stream against another, such as actuals against budget
* Review performance across a selected time period
* See value and percentage differences between streams
### Menus
Along with the standard toolbar items, the **Stream (baseline)** and **Stream (variance)** menus allow you to select the streams you want to compare:
* **Stream (baseline)**: Select the main stream of data you want to analyze, such as Actuals or Sales.
* **Stream (variance)**: Select a comparison stream, such as Budget, Stretch Budget, Orders, or Forecast.
When you select a variance stream, the grid updates to display the selected streams and the differences between them.
### Grid
This mode has two grid views: Summary and Dimension.
#### Summary view
In Summary view, the grid displays the selected time period and the streams you are comparing. It includes columns for the selected stream, stream cumulative, variance stream, variance stream cumulative, value variance, percentage variance, and cumulative percentage variance.
Use this view to compare streams over time, such as tracking actuals against budget across the selected period.
#### Dimension view
When you select a dimension, the grid displays the active properties for that dimension, such as Code and Name, plus columns for the selected baseline stream, variance stream, value variance, and percentage variance. If more than one measure is selected, more columns will display.
Use this view to compare performance by dimension, such as comparing each Sales Rep’s actuals against budget.
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