{"id":80252,"date":"2026-09-20T08:39:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-20T08:39:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.arimetrics.com\/?post_type=encyclopedia&p=80252"},"modified":"2026-09-20T08:41:10","modified_gmt":"2026-09-20T08:41:10","slug":"google-data-studio","status":"publish","type":"encyclopedia","link":"https:\/\/www.arimetrics.com\/en\/digital-glossary\/google-data-studio","title":{"rendered":"Google Data Studio"},"content":{"rendered":"

Definition:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"GoogleGoogle Data Studio<\/strong> is a widely used name for Data Studio, Google’s tool for connecting data sources and turning them into interactive reports and dashboards. It is used to bring metrics together, create charts and share results without developing a visualization application from scratch.<\/p>\n

The product was called Looker Studio between 2022 and April 2026, when Google restored the official Data Studio<\/strong> name. Google Data Studio, Looker Studio and Google Looker Studio refer to different stages of the same product, so they do not require separate glossary entries.<\/p>\n\n

How Google Data Studio works<\/h2>\n

Data Studio separates the connection to data from its presentation in a report. The usual process has four steps:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Connect a source:<\/strong> the user selects a connector and authorizes access to the dataset.<\/li>\n
  2. Configure the fields:<\/strong> the data source defines dimensions, metrics and data types, as well as calculated fields or parameters when needed.<\/li>\n
  3. Design the report:<\/strong> the editor lets users add charts, tables, controls, filters, date ranges, text and images through a visual interface.<\/li>\n
  4. Share the result:<\/strong> the report can be opened to other people with viewing or editing permissions, delivered on a schedule, downloaded as a PDF or embedded in another page.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Most sources maintain a connection to the original system and query the data when the report needs it. Extracted sources store a snapshot to improve performance, while CSV uploads need to be updated manually.<\/p>\n

    Data sources and connectors<\/h2>\n

    A connector<\/strong> links Data Studio to a product or system. A data source<\/strong> uses that connection and presents a field structure that can be modelled and reused in reports.<\/p>\n

    Google provides connectors for products such as Google Ads, Google Analytics<\/a>, Search Console, YouTube and Google Sheets, as well as databases such as BigQuery, MySQL and PostgreSQL. Community connectors provide access to additional services, although their terms, costs and maintenance depend on each provider.<\/p>\n

    Data Studio can blend related data from several sources. This is useful for comparing campaigns, sales or traffic, but it does not automatically resolve differences in definition, granularity or attribution. Metrics should represent compatible periods and concepts before they are combined.<\/p>\n

    Reports, collaboration and access control<\/h2>\n

    Reports support configurable charts, tables, maps, scorecards and controls that let viewers filter dates, categories and other dimensions. The tool can therefore be used for anything from an ad hoc report to a monitoring dashboard<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    Report permissions and access to the underlying data are separate decisions. Owner’s credentials can let viewers see information without having direct access to the original dataset; viewer’s credentials require each person to hold their own permission. Some sources also support service accounts. Sharing a report must not expose data that its recipients are not authorized to see.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Reports can be shared by invitation or link, embedded in compatible websites and distributed through scheduled deliveries. A Google Account is required to edit a report or data source.<\/p>\n

    Data Studio, Google Analytics and business intelligence<\/h2>\n

    Data Studio belongs to the field of data visualization<\/a>, but it does not replace the platforms that generate, store or govern information:<\/p>\n