Creating Dimensions Using Dimension Worksheets

A dimension worksheet is a modified Microsoft Excel spreadsheet in which you list elements and hierarchical relationships for one dimension. TM1® saves the worksheet data in two files: dimension worksheet (dimname.xdi) and compiled file (dimname.dim).

When you create a dimension using the Dimension Editor window or TurboIntegrator, TM1 writes only to the dimname.dim (compiled) file.
When you modify a dimension using the Dimension Editor, TM1 saves your changes to the .dim file. If an .xdi file exists for the dimension, TM1 prompts you to save changes to the dimension worksheet. If you decline to update the dimension worksheet, the dimension structure in the .dim file will differ from that in the .xdi file.
To ensure that TM1 has access to all of your dimension changes, create and maintain dimensions with dimension worksheets or the Dimension Editor. Do not mix methods. This can lead to data loss.