In the article titled “Looker Studio”, I briefly discussed the features offered by Looker Studio and how the application operates.
To recap briefly, with Looker Studio you can connect to your data sources/data, filter and segment the data you’ve obtained to visualize it, and share these visualizations with others. In addition to direct access to Google services such as Google Sheets, Google Ads, Google Analytics, YouTube, and others, Looker Studio can also import data through external sources (such as CSV files) and services. In this article, I will go over the tools we frequently use for accessing these data sources, as well as the steps involved in visualization and sharing.
You can find support for Looker Studio here.
Using Looker Studio
When you first visit the datastudio.google.com website, you will see a list of pre-defined and/or configured reports that have been made accessible to you via your email address. 
Again, we can examine data sources through this area and create a new report. There are certain considerations to keep in mind when creating a report. Data Controls can be presented as selectable data sources (added data sources, mixed data). In this case, the report’s content will retrieve data interactively, both at the page and report level, based on the defined data controls. This dynamic data control will list the data sources defined for the user viewing the report. Such scenarios are generally best handled through a single report, where data is displayed directly or externally transferred, or with limited access as specified in the second point. This approach is particularly effective for customers with similar report content. Customizing and refining standard reports and identifying errors may be more useful than creating a report for each customer. However, creating separate reports for customers with different formats and content is more appropriate. In cases where reports are customized, data sources can also be pre-defined.
Data Providers (customers, colleagues), as mentioned under the Data Controls heading, can edit or merely view the report content under specific circumstances. Providing editing rights will also be beneficial when providing additional information regarding data sources and filters. Otherwise, discrepancies may arise in the shared report content. Taking into account the above reasons, when creating a report, attention should be paid to who can access it and how extensively it can be customized. Thus, we can proceed to the next step and discuss data sources.
Data Studio Data Sources and Mixed Data
When creating a new report, the workspace is empty and all tools are in a passive state. At this stage, you can access menu items such as File, View, Page, and Help, and perform basic operations (share, open, copy, create, resize and align, page navigation, etc.). Let’s create an example report content by selecting a data source. In addition to the report you share, mixed data (combined data sources) is also stored in the Google Drive content.
For example, we’ll use a Google Analytics account where our access is granted as the data source. To do this, click the “Create New Data Source” link under the “Select Data Source” section in the right panel, and then select the “Connect to View” option to link it to your report. At this stage, you will be presented with a list of fields that will be transferred to your report. You can also create your own formulas using the “Add Field” option and use them within your report. I will cover the details regarding formulas in a separate article, so I’ll skip over them here.
Following this process, you can also modify the menu and workspace. With this change, you can convert your data (for example, fields obtained from a Google Analytics View) into visualizations and tables through predefined metrics, dimensions, and the formulas you create.
Our data source and empty report page are now ready. A wide range of tools and chart types available for use are listed before you. So, what should be our first step?
Data Studio: Menu
First, let’s take a look at some of the basic options available in the menu. By navigating to File > Report Settings, we can specify a default data source for the report. This way, the data source we select will be preferred for any additional charts and tables we add. Within the report creation process, we can access the Additional Data Sources section under the Google Analytics view we selected. We can choose from predefined date ranges (such as the last 7 days, yesterday, last month, last year, this week, this month, this quarter, etc.) in the Default Date Range section, or alternatively, select a different date range to view data based on fixed dates.
The Report Filter allows us to filter the data we obtain from the relevant data source. Using the Include and/or Exclude options, we can create conditions based on fields obtained from the data source and apply them to our report. For example, internal traffic, spam URLs, etc.
Using the Segment Selector, we can apply a suitable segment—either a System Segment or a Custom Segment—from the available options (specifically for a Google Analytics data source, using a Google Analytics Segment). If no selection is made, the report will use data from all users. With segment selection, the report can be tailored to specific user groups, such as sessions during which actions were performed, new users, mobile traffic, and so on. Custom segments include segments created within the Google Analytics view.
- You can enable Cache Control to create a report’s cache, and also track user interactions that access the report via the Google Analytics Tracking ID through a Google Analytics account.
- The Custom Placeholders Links option allows users viewing the report to save their own viewing preferences by appending them to the report URL.
Data Studio: Menu > View
You can customize grid settings (grid toggle, grid size, etc.) through the options under the “View” header.
Data Studio: Menu > Add
You can add data visualization elements such as time series, bar charts, tables, pivot tables, and shapes like rectangles and circles, as well as date ranges, filter controls, and data controls. I will provide further details about these elements in a more detailed article.
Data Studio: Menu > Page
You can add new pages to the report through the “Add” and “Page” sections. Additionally, under the “Page” section, you’ll find options such as Duplicate Page, Delete Page, Current Page Settings, and navigation between pages. Current Page Settings can be described as the version of Report Settings adjusted at the page level. With these options, you can set separate data sources, date ranges, filters, and segment selections for each page, and customize the styling from the Style section.
Element positioning relationships (z-index), alignment, and grouping are managed under this section. Additionally, applying data transformations to visualizations at either the page or report level can also be managed through the Apply at Report Level and Apply at Page Level options under this section.
Data Studio: Menu > Source
Data sources linked at both report and page levels can be managed under this section. When the Manage Linked Data Sources option is selected, a list of the data sources attached to the relevant report and/or page will appear. Existing data sources can be edited within the opened field, and new data sources can also be added. Merged Data combines data from multiple sources into a single data pool. With the Add Data View option, relevant data sources can be viewed, and related fields can be linked. I will also publish a detailed article on data sources, data source merging, fields, and formulas.
The Segments option allows viewing and editing segments created specifically for a report, while the Filters option enables viewing and editing filters created for any report, page, visualization, and/or table. Dimension Value Colors allows assigning colors to custom values.
The relevant report’s View Mode, Workspace Size, Grid Headers, and component placement at the report level are included here. The entire report creation and editing process takes place in Edit Mode. However, when the report URL is shared and/or shared via user email addresses, the relevant individuals view the report in View Mode (depending on permissions).
Workspace Theme
The overall appearance of the report (Current Theme, Simple, Minimal Dark), Primary and Secondary Colors, Color Scheme, color palette used in reports, and border shadow settings are managed under this section. This ensures a consistent visual experience across all pages. In addition to general theme definitions, page-specific settings can also be customized.
Data Studio: Tool Palette
With the tool bar containing elements such as Page Add, Back/Forward, Charts and Tables, URL Embedding (iframe), text and chart elements, numerous components can be added to reports. When you click on an added element, you can modify its type, content, and properties through the section that opens on the right-hand side. Below, I’m sharing an example report titled Looker Studio – Report Example for your reference1.
In the coming days, I will share more detailed posts and examples related to Looker Studio. You can subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated with added content and training videos.