13.5. Bridge Parameters

Understanding the scope of parameters is essential when working with Looker Studio. In this lesson, we'll discuss how to set default values, use controls, and bridge parameters across different data sources.

Setting Default Values

You can set default values for parameters when configuring, creating, or defining them. Default values can be set at different levels, such as the report, page, group, or chart level, depending on the hierarchy.

Using Controls

When using an input field or any other type of control to get a parameter value from the user, Looker Studio will update the data source accordingly. However, if you have multiple data sources with similar parameters, Looker Studio won't automatically update all instances.

For example, if you have a parameter called "forecast" in two separate data sources, changing the value in one won't automatically change the value in the other. This is because the parameters have different IDs.

Bridge Parameters

To use a single parameter across different data sources, you'll need to create a bridge parameter. Bridge parameters allow you to apply the same value to multiple calculations across different data sources.

To create a bridge parameter, simply ensure that the parameter ID is the same in both data sources. Looker Studio will then treat them as the same parameter, updating both instances when the user inputs a new value.

For example, imagine a marketing report that uses forecasting data from two separate Google Analytics accounts. Instead of asking the user to input the same forecast value twice, you can create a bridge parameter to update both accounts simultaneously.

This approach enhances the user experience, as clients won't have to enter the same value multiple times in different places.

So, to effectively use bridge parameters in Looker Studio, remember to:

Set default values at the appropriate hierarchy level.
Use controls to obtain user input.
Create bridge parameters by matching the parameter IDs across different data sources.

With these steps, you'll be able to efficiently update and manage parameters across multiple data sources in Looker Studio.