---
url: /technical/dataspreading.md
description: >-
  Dataspreading allows the manipulation of large amounts of data in a cube
  through quick-to-use commands.
---

# Dataspreading

Dataspreading allows the manipulation of large amounts of data in a cube through quick-to-use commands.

## How to Dataspread

Dataspreading occurs when inputting a dataspread command into a cube cell. Dataspeading commands are usually input into a cube via a workview interface.

Dataspreading commands can also be input into a cell via processes (cube.set), the MODLR  Excel Add-in (CubeSend, CubeSendFirst) and cards (input and trigger components).

### From a Process

Pass the command as the `objectData` string to [`cube.set`](/process-functions/cube-set), in place of a plain number:

```js
cube.set("/add 10", "General Ledger", "Actual", "2014", "600010", "100 - Finance", "No Project", "Amount");
```

::: warning Return value is the cell's previous value, not the result
For a dataspread command, `cube.set` returns the cell's value **before** the command ran, not the result of applying it - e.g. `cube.set("/add 10", ...)` on a cell holding `100` returns `"100.0"`, even though the cell now holds `110`. Read the cell back with [`cube.get`](/process-functions/cube-get) to see the actual result. This is different from a plain numeric `cube.set(110, ...)`, which returns the new value.
:::

## Dataspreading Commands

* `/clear`
* `/copy`
* `/set`
* `/add`
* `/subtract`
* `/multiply`
* `/divide`