Common Errors & Troubleshooting

Documentation Index

Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://calcs.com/docs/llms.txt

Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

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Widget-Related Errors

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”Widget not appearing in template”

1. Check Save Status: Ensure you’ve saved your template after adding the widget
2. Verify Section/Page: Confirm the widget is placed in the correct section and page
3. Check Permissions: Ensure you have edit permissions for the template
4. Refresh Browser: Try refreshing the page or clearing browser cache

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”Invalid formula syntax”

• Missing parentheses: 2 + 3 * 4 should be (2 + 3) * 4 if you want addition first
• Invalid variable names: Use only letters, numbers, and underscores
• Missing operators: 2 3 should be 2 * 3
• Unmatched quotes: Ensure all text strings are properly quoted

1. Check Formula Syntax: Verify all parentheses, operators, and quotes
2. Validate Variable Names: Ensure all variables exist and are spelled correctly
3. Test Incrementally: Build complex formulas step by step
4. Use Formula Helper: Use the built-in formula editor for guidance

❌ Incorrect: beam_length * beam_width + 2
✅ Correct: (beam_length * beam_width) + 2

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“Variable not found”

1. Check Variable Names: Ensure exact spelling and case
2. Verify Widget Order: Variables must be defined before they’re used
3. Check Scope: Ensure variables are accessible in the current section/page
4. Review Dependencies: Some widgets depend on others being configured first

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Input Validation Errors

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”Input value out of range”

1. Check Validation Rules: Review min/max values in input widgets
2. Update Defaults: Ensure default values are within valid ranges
3. Add Help Text: Provide guidance on acceptable input ranges
4. Test Edge Cases: Verify validation works for boundary values

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”Required field missing”

1. Set Default Values: Provide reasonable defaults for required inputs
2. Add Validation: Use conditional validation to highlight missing fields
3. Improve Instructions: Clearly indicate which fields are required
4. Use Placeholders: Show example values in input fields

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Calculation Errors

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”Division by zero”

1. Add Validation: Check for zero values before division
2. Use Conditional Logic: IF(denominator != 0, numerator/denominator, 0)
3. Set Minimum Values: Ensure inputs have reasonable minimum values
4. Add Error Handling: Provide meaningful error messages

❌ Risky: total_load / beam_length
✅ Safe: IF(beam_length > 0, total_load / beam_length, 0)

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“Infinite loop detected”

1. Check Circular References: Ensure no widgets reference each other in loops
2. Simplify Complex Formulas: Break complex calculations into steps
3. Remove Redundant Calculations: Eliminate unnecessary equation widgets
4. Test Incrementally: Add complexity gradually and test frequently

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”Calculation timeout”

1. Optimize Formulas: Simplify complex mathematical expressions
2. Use Intermediate Variables: Break calculations into smaller steps
3. Limit Iterations: Avoid recursive or iterative calculations
4. Consider Python Solvers: Use custom solvers for complex calculations

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Lookup Widget Errors

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”Data not found in lookup”

1. Check Data Source: Verify the lookup table contains the expected data
2. Review Matching Logic: Ensure lookup criteria are correct
3. Add Default Values: Provide fallback values when lookup fails
4. Update Data: Ensure lookup tables are current and complete

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”Lookup table not loading”

1. Check Permissions: Ensure you have access to the lookup data
2. Verify Connection: Check if the data source is accessible
3. Clear Cache: Refresh the template or clear browser cache
4. Contact Admin: Request access to the lookup table

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Template Structure Errors

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”Section/page not found”

1. Check Section Names: Ensure exact spelling and case
2. Verify Page Structure: Confirm pages are in the correct sections
3. Update Links: Fix any broken internal links
4. Test Navigation: Verify all navigation paths work correctly

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”Template won’t save”

1. Check Permissions: Ensure you have edit permissions
2. Verify Connection: Check internet connection and server status
3. Clear Cache: Refresh browser or clear cache
4. Try Different Browser: Test in a different browser or incognito mode

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Performance Issues

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”Template loads slowly”

1. Reduce Widget Count: Limit the number of widgets per page
2. Optimize Calculations: Simplify complex formulas
3. Use Lazy Loading: Load content only when needed
4. Minimize Lookups: Reduce the number of lookup widgets

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”Browser becomes unresponsive”

1. Close Other Tabs: Free up browser memory
2. Restart Browser: Clear memory and cache
3. Check System Resources: Ensure adequate RAM and CPU
4. Simplify Template: Reduce complexity temporarily

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Export and Print Issues

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”PDF export fails”

1. Check Browser: Use Chrome or Firefox for best compatibility
2. Disable Extensions: Try disabling browser extensions
3. Clear Cache: Clear browser cache and cookies
4. Check File Size: Large templates may timeout during export

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”Print layout issues”

1. Use Print Preview: Check layout before printing
2. Adjust Page Settings: Set appropriate margins and orientation
3. Test Different Browsers: Try different browsers for printing
4. Use PDF Export: Generate PDF for consistent printing

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Best Practices for Error Prevention

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Template Design

1. Start Simple: Begin with basic functionality and add complexity gradually
2. Test Frequently: Test calculations after each major change
3. Use Clear Names: Use descriptive variable and widget names
4. Document Assumptions: Include notes about calculation assumptions

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User Experience

1. Provide Defaults: Set reasonable default values for all inputs
2. Add Validation: Include input validation with helpful error messages
3. Give Feedback: Show progress indicators for long calculations
4. Include Help: Add tooltips and instructions for complex inputs

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Maintenance

1. Regular Testing: Test templates periodically to ensure they still work
2. Update Dependencies: Keep lookup tables and data sources current
3. Version Control: Use version control to track changes
4. Backup Templates: Keep backups of important templates

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Getting Help

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Self-Service Resources

• Widget Reference - Complete widget documentation
• Best Practices - Design guidelines
• Template Examples - Working examples

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Contact Support

1. Document the Problem: Note the exact steps to reproduce the issue
2. Include Screenshots: Capture error messages and relevant screens
3. Provide Context: Include template name, browser, and operating system
4. Contact Support: Email support@calcs.com with detailed information