Edit an Existing Asset

By Gregg Hopfeldt · 2025-05-20

Edit asset details directly in the register using inline editing. Changes save immediately and recalculate dependent values automatically.

The workflow

Simple Fixed Assets uses inline editing in the fixed asset register. There is no separate edit page or modal—click any editable cell to change its value directly.

To add a new asset instead of editing an existing one, use Add assets with Smart Entry. Smart Entry is a guided question flow for creating assets, not editing them.

Edit a cell

  1. Locate the asset in your register. If your register is large, use filters to narrow the view by category, date, or value range.
  2. Click the cell you want to edit. The cell enters edit mode.
  3. Type the new value.
  4. Press Enter to save the change. The system saves the value and updates any dependent calculations immediately.

To cancel an edit before saving, press Escape. The cell reverts to its original value.

Fields you can edit

Most fields in the register are editable, including:

  • Asset description
  • Category
  • Purchase date
  • Purchase cost
  • Accumulated depreciation at start of year
  • Replacement value
  • Insured value

Fields you cannot edit

Some fields are calculated or system-managed and cannot be edited directly:

  • Book value at start of year — calculated from cost and accumulated depreciation
  • Depreciation — calculated from rates and methods configured at the category level
  • Accumulated depreciation at end — calculated field
  • Book value at end — calculated field
  • Status — system-managed based on disposal or active state

To adjust depreciation calculations, update the category-level depreciation rates and methods rather than editing individual cells.

Common issues

  • Looking for an edit button. There is no separate edit button. Click any editable cell to change its value inline.
  • Trying to edit via Settings. Settings opens depreciation configuration for the entire register, not a per-asset editor.
  • Trying to edit via Smart Entry. Smart Entry creates new assets—it does not modify existing ones.
  • Cannot edit a calculated field. Change the underlying values—cost, accumulated depreciation at start, or category depreciation settings—to affect the result.

Removing an asset

If you need to delete an asset entirely, use the trash button at the end of the row. For assets that have been sold or otherwise disposed of, use the Asset Disposal workflow to record the disposal correctly rather than deleting the row.

The outcome

The updated value saves immediately, and all dependent calculations reflect the change. Your register remains consistent and audit-ready, with no partial saves or orphaned values.

After editing, review the asset's updated values. If you changed the category, verify the depreciation settings apply correctly. For bulk updates across many assets, consider importing from CSV as an alternative to individual edits.

For more on managing your register, see our help guide.