How To Use Google Data Studio

Quick summary

Google Looker Studio (formerly Google Data Studio) lets you create custom reports by connecting data sources like Google Analytics and visualizing metrics on a drag-and-drop canvas. This walkthrough covers everything from creating your first report to adding dimensions and metrics so your data appears instantly on the canvas.

Steps

1. Click on Create and select Report from the dropdown.
2. If it's your first time on Looker Studio, fill in the required basic info to proceed.
3. Select your Google Connector to define where your data will come from — choose Google Analytics.
4. Select the relevant Account and Property to use as the data source for your report.
5. Hit Add to confirm your data source selection.
6. Review the confirmation message about the data being added, then click Add to Report.
7. Give your report a name to keep it organized and easy to find.
8. Explore the canvas — this is where you will display and track all your data visualizations.
9. Use the right-side panel to adjust visualizations in the first column and control metrics and dimensions in the second column.
10. Add or change dimensions such as Events or Session Channel Default Group to refine what your report shows.
11. Add the metric you want to showcase and watch it appear live on the canvas.
12. Drag data from the right column and drop it onto the canvas to place it exactly where you want.
13. Your data is now displayed on the canvas — your first Looker Studio report is ready.