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Bloomberg Anywhere Help
Contact us Requirements Windows help Mac help Frequently asked questions Troubleshooting Accessing files on your local computer Full Windows Installation Using Bloomberg Excel add-In
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Requirements

Citrix Workspace App

Bloomberg Anywhere requires a Citrix Workspace App client, which can be installed here
Important Note: The Safari (version 12 and above), Google Chrome, and Microsoft Edge browsers do not support plug-ins
When using Bloomberg Anywhere from one of these browsers:
  • We can't detect if the Citrix Workspace App is already installed. You should install it from here
  • When logging in, you will need to click on the downloaded ICA file to launch Bloomberg Anywhere
If your computer does not support installing Citrix Workspace App client, Bloomberg Anywhere is also available using HTML5. When using HTML5, your computer does not need to have Citrix Workspace App client installed.
HTML5 client does not need anything installed to your computer other than an HTML5 compatible browser. Latest versions of almost all major browsers are HTML 5 compliant. In order to connect to Bloomberg Anywhere using HTML5, use the following steps:
  • Access https://bba.bloomberg.net on your browser that supports HTML5
  • Type in your login/password/B-unit token code
  • Instead of clicking on the "Launch" button, click on the down arrow that appears to the right of "Launch" button.
  • select the "Launch within the browser" option.
Using Citrix Workspace App client still remains as the first choice for connecting to Bloomberg Anywhere. HTML client has certain restrictions related to the access to the local files.

System Requirements

Windows

Windows 7 or later, Server 2008 or later
A working Internet connection
Citrix Workspace App 19.12

Mac

Mac OS X 10.9 or later
A working Internet connection
Citrix Workspace App 19.10

Linux

Linux kernel version 2.6.29 or later
glibcxx 3.4.15 or later
glibc 2.11.3 or later
gtk 2.20.1 or later
libcap1 or libcap2
udev support
For the self-service user interface (UI):
libwebkit or libwebkitgtk 1.0
libxml2 2.7.8
libxerces-c 3.1
  • ALSA (libasound2), Speex, and Vorbis codec libraries.
  • At least 20 MB of free disk space for the installed version of Workspace App and at least 40 MB if you expand the installation package on the disk.
  • At least 1 GB RAM for system-on-a-chip (SoC) devices that use HDX MediaStream Flash Redirection.
  • 6 MB of free disk space for the installed version of Workspace App and up to 13 MB if you expand the installation package on the disk
  • 256 color video display or higher.
  • TCP/IP networking
  • Citrix Workspace App 20.6 or later

A Supported Browser

Windows: Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer 9 and later, Chrome or Firefox
Mac: Safari, Chrome or Firefox
Linux: Firefox

Windows help

Issues Launching with Internet Explorer

If you are having trouble launching Bloomberg Anywhere from Internet Explorer, try one of the following:

Set Bloomberg Anywhere as a trusted site

Tools - Internet Options - Security Tab - Trusted Sites - Sites
Add https://bba.bloomberg.net

Enable scripting of ActiveX controls

Tools - Internet Options - Security Tab - Internet Zone - Custom Level
Set "Script ActiveX controls marked safe for scripting" to "Enable" or "Prompt"

Mac help
Click here to watch a tutorial on using Bloomberg Anywhere on a Mac

Configuring Safari

Click on Safari drop down menu on the top left of the screen and scroll down to Preferences
Under the General tab, check if “Open safe files after downloading” is checked

Click on the Security tab and make sure the following is checked:

Enable plug-ins
Enable JavaScript
Make sure that "Block pop-up windows" is unchecked
Under the Privacy Tab, make sure that Safari browser is configured to accept cookies. Uncheck the “Never” option and check the "Only from sites you navigate to"
From here the browser should be configured to allow Bloomberg Anywhere to work

Keyboard Mapping

Note: Keyboard Mapping may vary depending on the type of Mac Keyboard you have. The following are suggested settings that should work with most Mac Keyboards

Keyboard Setup

To setup, right click on the Bloomberg Screen and choose “Terminal Defaults”. You can also bring this menu up by hitting the Alt + D keys. Select “Desktop2” as the Keyboard Type for Mac. This is best option and is suitable for both desktop and notebook Macs.

Function Keys

The F1-F7 keys will work by default. Remember to hold down the Fn key before hitting the F keys. For example: Fn+F2 = GOVT
To use the F8-F12 keys, you will need to change some system settings as follows:
In Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard), and 10.6 (Snow Leopard) please go to the Apple icon drop down menu on the top left corner of your Mac and select the option for “System Preferences”. Next, select “Expose & Spaces”. Ensure there is no key selected within the Expose section. (Click on the drop down arrows and select a “ – “). Do the same for F8 within Spaces.
In Mac OS X 10.7(Lion), please go to the Apple icon drop down menu on the top left corner of your Mac and select “System Preferences”. Click on the “Keyboard” icon, select the “Keyboard Shortcuts” tab, highlight “Mission Control” and uncheck ALL boxes to disable the built-in Mac functions for F8-F12.
The "fn" key is always on the bottom left corner. Here are some other useful shortcuts.
fn+end (right arrow) = Menu
fn+page (up arrow) = Page Back
fn+page (down arrow) = Page Forward
Apple keyboard shortcuts may vary depending on the hardware. If you are unable to find a shortcut for a Bloomberg key, you can create a toolbar button (colored keys at the top of your Bloomberg Panel). Press the Apple key (command)+ ALT + G, to see all toolbar buttons. Once the Bloomberg toolbar keys appear, highlight the desired key and click on “Add to End of Toolbar” and the selected button will appear on the top of your Bloomberg Panel.

Frequently asked questions

Are there any limitations for a Bloomberg Anywhere user when using the website login as opposed to a full Windows installation?

There are some limitations with using Bloomberg Anywhere via the web such as limited trading system functionality. For a full list, please contact Bloomberg Technical Support.

I’m being asked for a password when installing Citrix on my Mac. What password is this?

This is typically your Mac login password, or the password you originally setup for downloads on your Mac. If you have any difficulty with the password, please contact Apple on 1800-MYAPPLE.

Can I install the Bloomberg Software on my Mac?

Unfortunately, there is no version for Mac. If you are running Windows on your Mac, then you will be able to install the software.

If I step away from the computer for some time, my Bloomberg disconnects, why does this happen?

Bloomberg will automatically disconnect after 60 minutes of inactivity. If you are experiencing disconnect issues before 60 minutes of inactivity, please check the “energy saver” settings in system preferences.
To check energy saver options:
Click on the Apple icon on the top left corner of your Mac
On the drop down menu, choose the option for system preferences
Click on energy saver to check power settings

Troubleshooting
Click here to clear the BBA site cookies
Click here to watch enrollment tutorial
Click here to watch B-Unit tutorial
Click here to detect Citrix client version

Accessing files on your local computer

How do I access files on my Windows PC?

  1. Locate and then right-click on the Citrix Receiver icon in your System Tray.
    1. Note: You may need to click the arrow near the date and time in the System Tray to locate the Citrix Receiver icon..
  2. Allow access to your computer's file system by using the Citrix Connection Center
    1. From the Citrix Connection Center Dialog Box, click on the server to which you are connected.
      • The name of the server usually begins with OBBBA or NJBBA. In this example the server name is NJBBA2-101-026
    2. After selecting the server name then select the Preferences icon.
    3. Select the appropiate file level access to your computer's file system.
      • Note that "Read and Write" grants permission to save files to your computer’s file system.

How do I access files on my Mac?

NOTE: Changes to your local drive access permissions will not take effect when they are made while you are logged into BBA. Changes will only take effect on logons AFTER you have made a change to your local drive access permissions

  1. Ensure that you are logged out of Bloomberg Anywhere. Once logged out, locate the Citrix Receiver icon on the menu bar. Right click on the Citrix Receiver icon and select Preferences.
  2. Select the File Access icon and configure the appropriate access to your drives. Select “Read and Write” to enable the ability to save files to your hard drive.
  3. Once logged in to Bloomberg Anywhere you can now access the drives on your Mac. This can be confirmed by running PFM and selecting the Upload File option. On the left side below Folders, expand the Shared Drives option. The Mac client drives will appear as \\Client\Drive letter. You can now navigate into the Mac client drives to locate a file to upload.

Full Windows Installation
Download and install the full Windows version of the Bloomberg Terminal on your PC.

Using Bloomberg Excel add-In

What is Bloomberg Excel Add-In with BLOOMBERG ANYWHERE?

Bloomberg Excel Add-In with BLOOMBERG ANYWHERE allows you to use a remote version of Microsoft Excel running on Bloomberg servers. This is a fully functional copy of Microsoft Excel that you can use to interact with Bloomberg API data.

Do I need Microsoft Excel to be installed locally?

No, you don’t need to install Microsoft Excel on your computer to use Bloomberg Excel Add-In. The spreadsheets are opened and saved using a remote version of Excel.

What can I do with this new functionality?

  1. Open a spreadsheet with API data that is attached to MSG
  2. Open a spreadsheet stored on your local Windows computer or Mac
  3. Open a spreadsheet under a Bloomberg function. For example XLTP
  4. Upload and Open a spreadsheet in FILE/PFM <GO>
  5. Save a spreadsheet to your local Windows computer or Mac

How do I open an Excel spreadsheet in Bloomberg Message (MSG)?

  1. Open the Message with the attached Excel spreadsheet file
  2. Click on the name of the attached file that you would like to open.

    In the example below, the name of the attached file is test.xls

The attached file might take some time to open based on its size.

You should see the spreadsheet open in Microsoft Excel. The title bar of the spreadsheet will be in a grayish-black color.

How do I open an Excel spreadsheet that is on my Windows computer?

  1. Ensure that BLOOMBERG ANYWHERE can access files on your computer
    • How to check and enable drive access on a Windows PC
  2. Upload the spreadsheet from your computer to BLOOMBERG ANYWHERE
    1. From a BLOOMBERG ANYWHERE window, run FILE <GO>
    2. Click on the Upload File button
    3. Expand the Shared Drives folder
    4. Expand the relevant folder for the drive on which the file that you would like to upload is located
      • For example, expand \\Client\C$ if you would like to browse to your C:\
    5. Browse to the location of the spreadsheet
    6. Select the spreadsheet that you would like to Open
    7. Click on the Upload file button
    8. Upon the file upload completion, you should get the message “Document *.* upload complete” as shown below
  3. Open the Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet from within BLOOMBERG ANYWHERE
    1. From a Bloomberg Anywhere window, run FILE <GO>
    2. Find your uploaded spreadsheet in the pane on the right and double-click to open it using a remote version of Microsoft Excel on BLOOMBERG ANYWHERE

How do I open an Excel spreadsheet that is on my Mac?

  1. Ensure that BLOOMBERG ANYWHERE can access files on your computer
    • How to check and enable drive access on a Mac
  2. Upload the spreadsheet from your computer to BLOOMBERG ANYWHERE
    1. From a BLOOMBERG ANYWHERE window, run FILE <GO>
    2. Click on the Upload File button
    3. Expand the Shared Drives folder
    4. Expand the relevant folder for the drive on which the file that you would like to upload is located
      • For example, expand \\Client\C$ if you would like to browse to your C:\
    5. Browse to the location of the spreadsheet
    6. Select the spreadsheet that you would like to Open
    7. Click on the Upload file button
    8. Upon the file upload completion, you should get the message “Document *.* upload complete” as shown below
  3. Open the Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet from within BLOOMBERG ANYWHERE
    1. From a Bloomberg Anywhere window, run FILE <GO>
    2. Find your uploaded spreadsheet in the pane on the right and double-click to open it using a remote version of Microsoft Excel on BLOOMBERG ANYWHERE

How do I open a spreadsheet under a Bloomberg function, for example XLTP <GO>?

You can open up a Spreadsheet from under a Bloomberg function. Just one example of doing so is by using XLTP <GO>

  1. Run XLTP <GO>
  2. Click on the Open button to the lower right hand corner of the screen to open up a spreadsheet

How do I upload and open a spreadsheet in FILE/PFM <GO>?

  1. Ensure that BLOOMBERG ANYWHERE can access files on your computer
    • How to check and enable drive access on a Windows PC
    • How to check and enable drive access on a Mac
  2. Upload the spreadsheet from your computer to BLOOMBERG ANYWHERE
    1. From a BLOOMBERG ANYWHERE window, run FILE <GO>
    2. Click on the Upload File button
    3. Expand the Shared Drives folder
    4. Expand the relevant folder for the drive on which the file that you would like to upload is located
      • For example, expand \\Client\C$ if you would like to browse to your C:\
    5. Browse to the location of the spreadsheet
    6. Select the spreadsheet that you would like to Open
    7. Click on the Upload file button
  3. Upon the file upload completion, you should get the message “Document *.* upload complete” as shown below
  4. Open the Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet from within BLOOMBERG ANYWHERE
    1. From a Bloomberg Anywhere window, run FILE <GO>
    2. Find your uploaded spreadsheet in the pane on the right and double-click to open it using a remote version of Microsoft Excel on BLOOMBERG ANYWHERE

How do I open a spreadsheet in FILE/PFM <GO> from within the remote Excel?

  1. From within the remote Excel, click on the Bloomberg tab
  2. Click on the File Manager button
  3. Select the Open option
  4. From within the Bloomberg File Manager, select the spreadsheet that you would like to open
  5. Click on the Open button

    The file will be downloaded then opened in the Remote Excel

To where can I save my updated spreadsheets?

You can save your spreadsheet to the following locations:

  1. Your local Windows computer
  2. Your local MAC
  3. In FILE/PFM <GO>
**** PFM is the recommended location to which you should save your spreadsheets

How do I save a spreadsheet to my local Windows computer?

  1. Ensure that BLOOMBERG ANYWHERE can access files on your computer
    • How to check and enable drive access on a Windows PC
  2. Save the spreadsheet by using “Save As” option in the Remote Excel

You can save a spreadsheet to your local computer via remote Excel by clicking on the File menu in the remote Excel and choosing the “Save As” option.

The “Save As” option in the remote Excel allows you to specify the location to where you would like to save your spreadsheet.

Typically your local drives to where you can store the spreadsheet would be indicated in the following manner: Local Disk on… For example: Local Disk (C: on JDoe).

How do I save a spreadsheet to my Mac?

  1. Ensure that BLOOMBERG ANYWHERE can access files on your computer
    • How to check and enable drive access on a Mac
  2. Save the spreadsheet by using “Save As” option in the Remote Excel
  3. Be sure that you are saving files on your local MAC drives and not on the Bloomberg server. You would expand the Computer node as shown in the screenshot below to select a location on your MAC to which you would like to save your files

You can save a spreadsheet to your local computer via remote Excel by clicking on the File menu in the remote Excel and choosing the “Save As” option.

The “Save As” option in the remote Excel allows you to specify the location to where you would like to save your spreadsheet.

Typically your local drives to where you can store the spreadsheet would be indicated in the following manner: Local Disk on… For example: Local Disk (H: on Name).

NOTE: Do Not store files on the Bloomberg Servers. These files are not retained. You must store files on your local MAC drives OR preferably in PFM.

How do I save a spreadsheet to FILE/PFM <GO>?

  1. From within the remote Excel, click on the Bloomberg tab
  2. Click on the File Manager button
  3. Select the Save option
  4. Click the OK button to begin saving your changes to the Bloomberg File Manager
  5. In the File Name field of the Bloomberg File Manager, name the file as it should appear under FILE/PFM <GO>
  6. Once the file is saved to FILE/PFM <GO>, you will get a dialog box with the message “File Upload has finished Successfully”. Click OK to close this dialog box

How can I tell whether I am using remote Excel on BLOOMBERG ANYWHERE?

One of the ways to tell whether you are likely using the remote version of Excel is by looking at the color of the title bar for the Excel Window. The color of the title bar in the remote Excel is grayish-black. It is possible that your local Excel might use this same color theme, but if it isn’t then looking at the color of the title bar can be a great way to tell whether you are using the remote version of Excel.

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