Description: LibreOffice Calc does not allow in-place editing of existing array formulas that use modern dynamic array functions such as SORT and UNIQUE. Any attempt to modify such an array formula (even after selecting the full array range) results in an error message, forcing the user to delete the entire array formula and recreate it from scratch. This behavior significantly impacts usability, especially for complex formulas, and makes minor edits unnecessarily destructive and error-prone. Steps to Reproduce: 1.Open LibreOffice Calc 2.Enter the following values in column A: A1: Apple A2: Orange A3: Banana A4: Apple A5: Pear A6: Banana 3.Select an empty column (for example B1 downward) 4.Enter the following array formula: =SORT(UNIQUE(A1:A6)) 5.Confirm the formula as an array formula (Ctrl+Shift+Enter if required by the LibreOffice version) 6.Select the entire resulting array range 7.Press F2 to edit the formula 8.Modify the formula, for example change it to: =SORT(UNIQUE(A1:A6);1;-1) 9.Press Enter to apply the change Actual Results: LibreOffice shows an error message such as “Cannot change only part of an array” and does not allow the formula to be edited. The array must be deleted and recreated. Expected Results: After selecting the full array range, the user should be able to edit the array formula and apply the change without deleting the array. Reproducible: Always User Profile Reset: Yes Additional Info: In 2025/2026 this behavior feels really outdated, especially compared to competing spreadsheet tools like Google Sheets, where editing array formulas is much more straightforward and user-friendly. Modern workflows rely heavily on dynamic ranges and array formulas, and not being able to easily adjust them (expand, contract, or tweak arguments) is a serious usability problem, not just a minor inconvenience.Please consider prioritizing this issue so that users can:Edit existing array formulas directly, without having to delete and recreate them.Resize array outputs (expand/contract ranges) without losing the formula.Avoid disruptive error messages when only trying to adjust parameters or ranges.Improving array formula editing would significantly enhance Calc’s usability and make it far more competitive with other spreadsheet applications.
Please attach a sample file, reduced as much as possible, without private information. Please paste here the information in Menu>Help>About LibreOffice. (There is an icon in the center to copy the information).
Created attachment 204843 [details] example of not editable array formula
Version: 25.8.4.2 (X86_64) / LibreOffice Community Build ID: 580(Build:2) CPU threads: 16; OS: Linux 6.14; UI render: default; VCL: gtk3 Locale: el-GR (en_US.UTF-8); UI: en-US Ubuntu package version: 4:25.8.4~rc2-0ubuntu0.24.04.1~lo1 Calc: threaded
No issue for me. Version: 25.8.4.2 (X86_64) Build ID: 290daaa01b999472f0c7a3890eb6a550fd74c6df CPU threads: 4; OS: Windows 10 X86_64 (build 19045); UI render: Skia/Raster; VCL: win Locale: es-ES (es_ES); UI: en-US Calc: CL threaded Go to C1 [Ctrl]+/ to select the whole array. [F2] or Click on formula bar. Modify the formula, e.g. change the range. [Ctrl+Shift+Enter] to introduce the array again.
(In reply to m_a_riosv from comment #4) > No issue for me. > Version: 25.8.4.2 (X86_64) > Build ID: 290daaa01b999472f0c7a3890eb6a550fd74c6df > CPU threads: 4; OS: Windows 10 X86_64 (build 19045); UI render: Skia/Raster; > VCL: win > Locale: es-ES (es_ES); UI: en-US > Calc: CL threaded > > Go to C1 > [Ctrl]+/ to select the whole array. > [F2] or Click on formula bar. > Modify the formula, e.g. change the range. > [Ctrl+Shift+Enter] to introduce the array again. OK.... I see... the [Ctrl+Shift+Enter] was the missing piece for me. However, this process is far from intuitive. Modern software like Google Sheets or Excel allows you to simply edit the top-left cell and press Enter to see the array update automatically via "spilling." Given that it is now 2025, maintaining this Legacy Array requirement feels like a significant usability barrier for the average user. We should prioritize moving toward Dynamic Array behavior to ensure Calc remains competitive and intuitive.
There are related bug enhancements, if none fits what you want, add a new one as enhancement. https://bugs.documentfoundation.org/show_bug.cgi?id=89207