1.3. Looker Studio User Interface Explained
Learning Objectives
- Understand the Looker Studio interface and its main components.
- Learn how to create a new report and connect it to a Google Analytics data source.
- Become familiar with the editing interface and its features
Diving into Looker Studio
Let's begin by exploring Looker Studio's user interface. We'll cover the basics, and then we'll create a simple e-commerce dashboard together.
The Interface Overview
Looker Studio's homepage has three main sections: Reports, Data Sources, and Explorer. We won't discuss Explorer today. Instead, we'll focus on Reports and Data Sources, the two essential building blocks of Looker Studio.
- Reports: This tab displays a list of all the reports you've created or that have been shared with you. It's similar to other Google Workspace tools, like Google Docs and Google Sheets.
- Data Sources: This tab shows all the data sources you've created. In Looker Studio, you connect to data, create a data source, add it to a report, and visualize the information.
Creating a New Report
To start a new report, click on the blank report icon. Looker Studio will present you with a list of connectors to add data to your report.
Choosing a Data Connector
There are many data connectors available, such as Google Sheets, BigQuery, Google Ads, and partner connectors for other platforms.
Search for the tool you want to connect to and check if a partner connector is available.
For this example, we'll use Google Analytics as our data connector. Click on it, select your account, and choose the property and view you want to connect to. Then, click "Add to Report."
Exploring the Editing Interface
Now, we're in the editing interface. This is where you create your reports. You can:
- Name your report
- Access menu options (undo, redo, add pages, etc.)
- Add charts, graphs, and visualizations
- Use community visualizations created by others
- Add controls for interaction
- Insert graphic elements (images, text, lines, shapes)
- Save and modify the layout
Sharing and Viewing Your Report
You can share your report with others and switch between Edit Mode and View Mode. View Mode simulates what users see when they access your report.
Understanding the Canvas and Sidebar
The report canvas is where you build your report. Anything outside the canvas won't be visible to viewers. The sidebar is contextual and allows you to access properties and data fields depending on what you've selected.
Customizing Theme and Layout
You can change the report's theme and layout. Choose from pre-made themes or customize your own, and decide whether you want the header to be visible or hidden.
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