> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://smartbooks.gitbook.io/smartbooks-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://smartbooks.gitbook.io/smartbooks-docs/faq/can-i-create-multiple-scenarios-e.g.-optimistic-and-pessimistic-for-the-same-year.md).

# Can I create multiple scenarios (e.g. optimistic and pessimistic) for the same year?

No. Smartbooks supports **one Budget and one Forecast per year**. It is not possible to create additional planning categories for the same year, and planning categories cannot be given a custom name such as "Forecast 2025 - Optimistic". The name is always **"Budget {year}"** or **"Forecast {year}"**.

This means that for a given year you can have at most:

* **Budget {year}** — the original plan for the year
* **Forecast {year}** — the latest estimate for the year

Both are created via **Settings → Planning Categories**. See [Adding Planning Categories](https://smartbooks.gitbook.io/smartbooks-docs/data-models/financial-planning/adding-planning-categories).

#### What you can do instead

* **Use the Forecast as your working scenario.** Keep the Budget as the fixed reference and update the Forecast as your latest estimate. In reports you can place Actuals, Budget and Forecast side by side to compare them.
* **Use "Create as a copy" to start from an existing plan.** When creating the Forecast, copy the Budget so all formulas carry over and you only adjust the assumptions that differ.
* **Change assumptions in the Forecast to model a different outcome.** Because formulas are recalculated automatically, adjusting a few driver values gives you an alternative view without creating a separate category.

#### Related

* [How can I change the names of the Planning categories?](https://smartbooks.gitbook.io/smartbooks-docs/faq/how-can-i-change-the-names-of-the-planning-categories)
* [Why does the planning category I just created not show up in the manual input screen?](https://smartbooks.gitbook.io/smartbooks-docs/faq/why-does-the-planning-category-i-just-created-not-show-up-in-the-manual-input-screen)