Frequently asked questions

Signing in and account

I forgot my password. What should I do?

On the sign-in page choose password reset and enter your e-mail address. You will receive a single-use reset link. If the e-mail does not arrive, check your spam folder or write to henrik.aavik@sixtyfour.ee.

I changed my phone and cannot enter the authentication code

On the sign-in page choose Code by e-mail or Recovery code (details), then link the app again on the My account page. If none of the methods works for you, contact support or write to henrik.aavik@sixtyfour.ee. After verifying your identity we reset two-factor authentication, and at your next sign-in you link the new device.

The app shows a code but MacroLens does not accept it

Codes depend on the time. Check that the time on your phone is set automatically (network time). Enter the code before it changes.

My account is locked

After 5 unsuccessful sign-in attempts the account is locked for 15 minutes. The lock ends by itself. Do not want to wait? Reset your password — setting a new password removes the lock at once.

Can I use MacroLens on several computers?

Yes. Your work is stored on the server, so you can reach it from any computer by signing in with your account. Login credentials are personal and must not be passed on.

Which browsers are supported?

Current versions of Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. MacroLens can also be installed as an app.

Data

In which language are series titles shown?

In the interface language. In the Lithuanian interface every series has a Lithuanian title: the State Data Agency and the Bank of Lithuania publish Lithuanian titles themselves, and the titles of the international organisations (Eurostat, OECD, IMF, ECB, World Bank, FAOSTAT, AMECO), which publish their data in English, are translated into Lithuanian by MacroLens. The source's original English title is shown under the Lithuanian one; the data are not changed. If a title component newly published by a source has not been translated yet, the English title is shown until the translation is added. Search works in both languages.

The source has published new data but it is not in MacroLens yet

Data is checked several times a day; updated data appears in MacroLens within 24 hours of publication by the source at the latest. The series page shows when the series was last checked and updated. If more than 24 hours have passed, let us know.

What is the difference between “source publication date” and “changed in MacroLens”?

Published (updated) by the source is when the source itself updated the data. Last updated in MacroLens is when this series last changed in the MacroLens database. See Series page.

Why have earlier values changed?

Statistical agencies revise previously published data (e.g. when more complete data becomes available). MacroLens always shows the latest version from the source, and the changes are visible in the series' revision history.

Can I change the data?

Yes, in your analysis you can change past values and add future values (e.g. a forecast). The database data does not change. See Editing values.

Which source should I choose if several publish an indicator?

For Lithuanian data the State Data Agency or the Bank of Lithuania are usually best (the national sources of the official statistics). For international comparisons use Eurostat (EU countries, harmonised methodology), the OECD, the IMF or the World Bank (wider country coverage). Methodology and concepts may differ slightly — see the series description.

How do I cite the source in my document?

Cite the original source, e.g. “Source: Eurostat (online data code namq_10_gdp)”. See Data sources.

Analyses and calculations

One of the series is not shown in the chart

Check that the series is not hidden, that the displayed period covers its data and that no error message is shown next to the series (e.g. different frequencies in a formula).

How do I compare monthly and quarterly data?

Set the analysis' common frequency or apply a frequency conversion to the series. For flows (e.g. exports) choose the sum, for levels and ratios (e.g. the unemployment rate) the average.

Which λ should I use for the Hodrick–Prescott filter?

If you do not set λ, it depends on the frequency: 100 for annual, 1600 for quarterly and 129,600 for monthly data. See Smoothing.

What is the difference between X-13ARIMA-SEATS and STL?

X-13ARIMA-SEATS is the standard seasonal-adjustment method used by statistical agencies, based on ARIMA models. STL is a simpler and more general decomposition method. If the source publishes an official seasonally adjusted series, it is usually better to use it.

Will my analyses update when new data arrives?

Yes. Saved analyses, charts, tables, reports and presentations open with the latest data. Exported files are snapshots.

Saving, export and printing

In which formats can I download data?

Data and tables as XLSX and CSV; charts as PNG and SVG; reports as DOCX, XLSX and PDF; presentations as PPTX, XLSX and PDF. Any page can be printed (Ctrl+P).

How do I share an analysis with a colleague?

Mark the analysis as shared. Colleagues see it in their library, can view it and make a copy. See Library.

Can anyone else see my work?

Only you see your work, unless you share it with colleagues. Sixty Four OÜ does not use your work for any other purpose. See the Privacy notice.

Excel

Excel does not show the MacroLens button

After centralised deployment the add-in may take a few hours (up to 24 hours) to appear. Restart Excel and check Home → Add-ins. See Excel.

What do I enter in the Power Query credentials dialog?

Choose Basic: user name — your e-mail address, password — the personal access token from the My account page.

Support

How do I report a problem?

Through the support form, by e-mail to henrik.aavik@sixtyfour.ee or by phone (the number is on the support page). Disruptions that prevent you from using MacroLens are fixed within 1 working day. See Support and service levels.

Are there maintenance breaks?

MacroLens is available around the clock. Planned maintenance is announced in advance with a banner at the top of the page and by e-mail, and is usually scheduled outside working hours.