What is Looker Studio? How do you use it?

Unlock powerful data visualization with Looker Studio’s intuitive dashboard tools for real-time insights and smarter decisions. Learn more

Ceyhun Enki Aksan
Ceyhun Enki Aksan Entrepreneur, Maker

The process of interpreting the data collected is just as crucial as the data collection process itself (collection - processing - cleaning) and must be carried out with diligence.

An error during the processing and cleaning stages can lead to misinterpretation of data, the creation of incorrect strategies, and consequently, the formulation of wrong decisions. In such cases, establishing connections between different services can make the process significantly more efficient and practical.

tip

You can find support requests regarding Looker Studio here.

Looker Studio (formerly known as Google Data Studio) stands out as one of the leading tools due to its ability to visualize collected data, seamless integration with other Google services, and ease of adding external data sources. In simple terms, the key features offered by Data Studio include the ability to use external data sources, quickly visualize scattered data, and generate reports from the results.

Looker Studio transforms your data into easily readable and shareable, fully customizable dashboards and reports. Dashboards provide compelling, data-driven storytelling that supports better business decision-making.
Google Cloud1

Looker Studio

Looker Studio is a Google service that enables users to create dynamic reports by quickly and efficiently accessing various data sources. Data sources can be provided individually or together from other Google services (such as Google Ads, Google Analytics, etc.), files, and different databases. This allows for customized reports on areas such as ad performance, user interactions, sales, and similar topics. During the reporting process, users can create their own reports via Looker Studio, and also access a variety of pre-built templates, which enables them to obtain numerous reports simply by granting access permissions. The provided templates offer rapid access to many features. The Data Studio beta version can be accessed via the datastudio.google.com2 address.

Features Provided by Looker Studio

Upon logging into Looker Studio with your Google account, you’ll see sections for reports (new reports and templates) on the Dashboard. Through this area, users can quickly create reports and complete data source linking and authorization processes. What specific features does Looker Studio offer, including these fundamental operations?

Looker Studio
Looker Studio

Data Connections

Data connections can be established through over 10 Google connectors (including file uploads) and over 90 partner connectors. Among these connectors are databases such as Google BigQuery, Google Cloud SQL, and MySQL, as well as services like Google Search Console, Google Sheets, Google Analytics and Analytics 360, AdWords, DoubleClick, and YouTube channels—enabling access to numerous widely used services and applications.

Raw data added via data connections can be cleaned and transformed before reporting, using dimensions, metrics, and calculations—without any permanent changes to the original raw data. Indeed, no permanent modifications are created during this process. As a result, data is transformed into more useful and meaningful values and metrics, thanks to the functionalities available. A wide range of mathematical functions, string functions, date functions, and other functions can be utilized during this process.

Looker Studio
Looker Studio

Data Visualization

Data Studio offers a broad range of charts, graphs, and visualizations to transform data into meaningful and easily interpretable visual formats. Key visual types include time series, bar charts, pie charts, tables, heat maps, geographic maps, scorecards, distribution charts, scatter plots, and area charts. Each visualization also includes built-in comparison functions that make it easy to observe changes in data over time.

Report Customization

Many elements within reports—including dashboards dashboard—can be customized. Various formatting options such as colors, visual elements, background and fill colors, font types, and styles can be applied and shared. This enables users viewing the reports to interact with the data and evaluate it in real time using dynamic controls.

Looker Studio Integration with Google Search Console
Looker Studio Integration with Google Search Console

IMPORTANT RULES:

  1. Maintain the original formatting (markdown, HTML tags, links, etc.)
  2. Keep technical terms and proper nouns as appropriate
  3. Preserve code blocks and technical syntax exactly
  4. Maintain the same tone and style
  5. Only output the translated text, no explanations or comments

Report Templates

By linking data sources and applying design adjustments, you can efficiently complete your reports. Then, you can share your reports with the people who have access to them.

Looker Studio - Data Source
Looker Studio - Data Source

Adding a Data Source to Data Studio

Upon your first login to Data Studio, you’ll see the reports you currently have access to. To create a new report, you can click the Start a new report link under the Reports header on the left side, which will take you to a blank report page. Once the report page is open, you’ll see a section on the right-hand side where you can search for and add data sources. From this section, you can include data sources into your report. Alternatively, you can initiate the report process directly from a data source. For this, simply click the blue button located in the bottom-right corner of the page.

Looker Studio - Data Operations
Looker Studio - Data Operations

After granting the required permissions during the data connection process, you will be prompted to select various fields related to your data source. You can choose the fields you need from the list and create them for use in your report.

Sample Report Charts and Details

I’ll be publishing reports, articles, and content on various topics including data sources. Before that, you may find the Data Studio > Support page helpful3. Additionally, you can view, share, and download copies of featured reports from the Data Studio Report Gallery page.

Footnotes

  1. Looker. Data Analytics Products
  2. Looker Studio
  3. Data Studio Help