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| logo caption =
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| developer = [[Google]]
| developer = [[Google]]
| released = {{release date and age|2016|03|15}}
| released = {{start date and age|2016|03|15}}
| genre = [[Web analytics]], [[Data visualization]]
| genre = [[Web analytics]], [[Data visualization]]
| website = {{official URL}}
| website = {{official URL}}
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== Rebrand from Google Data Studio ==
== Rebrand from Google Data Studio ==


Google announced the rebrand of Google Data Studio to Looker Studio in October 2022.<ref name="rebrand" />
Google announced the rebrand of Google Data Studio to Looker Studio in October 2022.<ref name="rebrand" />


Google had previously announced its acquisition of [[Looker (company) | Looker]], then an independent analytics startup, in June 2019.<ref name="Lookeracq">{{cite web |last1=Miller |first1=Ron |title=Google to acquire analytics startup Looker for $2.6 billion |url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/06/06/google-to-acquire-analytics-startup-looker-for-2-6-billion/ |website=TechCrunch |date=6 June 2019 |access-date=25 July 2023}}</ref> The acquisition was completed in February 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/02/14/google-completes-2-6-billion-acquisition-of-looker/|title=Google completes $2.6 billion acquisition of Santa Cruz company Looker|last=Ingals|first=Elaine|date=February 14, 2020|website=The Mercury News|access-date=July 24, 2023}}</ref>
Google had previously announced its acquisition of [[Looker (company)|Looker]], then an independent analytics startup, in June 2019.<ref name="Lookeracq">{{cite web |last1=Miller |first1=Ron |title=Google to acquire analytics startup Looker for $2.6 billion |url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/06/06/google-to-acquire-analytics-startup-looker-for-2-6-billion/ |website=TechCrunch |date=6 June 2019 |access-date=25 July 2023}}</ref> The acquisition was completed in February 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/02/14/google-completes-2-6-billion-acquisition-of-looker/|title=Google completes $2.6 billion acquisition of Santa Cruz company Looker|last=Ingals|first=Elaine|date=February 14, 2020|website=The Mercury News|access-date=July 24, 2023}}</ref>


Initially, Google Data Studio and Looker operated as separate products within Google. Google Data Studio's offering was simple, low-cost, and provided an easy way to connect data sources and create dashboards,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Meeks |first=Travis |date=2023-05-16 |title=Why Data Enrichment Should Be Every Marketers New Best Friend |url=https://analytics-iq.com/why-data-enrichment-should-be-every-marketers-new-best-friend/ |access-date=2023-10-02 |website=AnalyticsIQ |language=en-US}}</ref> while Looker offered a more enterprise-focused solution with robust support for transformations and permissions.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Vivaldelli |first1=Dan |title=How Does Google Data Studio Compare to Looker? |url=https://infotrust.com/articles/google-data-studio-looker-comparison/ |website=InfoTrust |date=17 June 2021 |access-date=25 July 2023}}</ref>
Initially, Google Data Studio and Looker operated as separate products within Google. Google Data Studio's offering was simple, low-cost, and provided an easy way to connect data sources and create dashboards,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Meeks |first=Travis |date=2023-05-16 |title=Why Data Enrichment Should Be Every Marketers New Best Friend |url=https://analytics-iq.com/why-data-enrichment-should-be-every-marketers-new-best-friend/ |access-date=2023-10-02 |website=AnalyticsIQ |language=en-US}}</ref> while Looker offered a more enterprise-focused solution with robust support for transformations and permissions.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Vivaldelli |first1=Dan |title=How Does Google Data Studio Compare to Looker? |url=https://infotrust.com/articles/google-data-studio-looker-comparison/ |website=InfoTrust |date=17 June 2021 |access-date=25 July 2023}}</ref>


In October of 2022, Google announced at its Cloud Next conference that Google Data Studio would rebrand as Looker Studio. This name change was also accompanied by more integrated functionality. Google added the ability to support Looker models to Looker Studio. Google also launched a new tier offering, Looker Studio Pro, with enhanced features for enterprise team collaboration and management.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lardinois |first1=Frederic |title=Google unifies its BI services under the Looker brand |date=11 October 2022 |url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/10/11/google-unifies-its-bi-services-under-the-looker-brand/ |access-date=25 July 2023}}</ref>
In October 2022, Google announced at its Cloud Next conference that Google Data Studio would rebrand as Looker Studio. This name change was also accompanied by more integrated functionality. Google added the ability to support Looker models to Looker Studio. Google also launched a new tier offering, Looker Studio Pro, with enhanced features for enterprise team collaboration and management.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lardinois |first1=Frederic |title=Google unifies its BI services under the Looker brand |date=11 October 2022 |url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/10/11/google-unifies-its-bi-services-under-the-looker-brand/ |access-date=25 July 2023}}</ref>


== Plan offerings ==
== Plan offerings ==
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== Basic operation ==
== Basic operation ==
In Looker Studio, users have the option to create a report from scratch or to use a report template from the [https://lookerstudio.google.com/gallery Looker Studio Report Gallery]. <ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Bonelli |first=Sherry |date=2022-10-15 |title=What is Google's Looker Studio and how you can use it |url=https://searchengineland.com/google-looker-studio-258871 |access-date=2023-10-19 |website=Search Engine Land |language=en}}</ref> Similar to templates available on other Google applications, these templates are created to make it easier for users to build their reports while still allowing for customization of design elements and other alterations. <ref name=":0" /> Once a user has created a report, they will be prompted to then add a data connector to their report. <ref name=":0" /> These connectors connect with their data, allowing for Looker Studio to automatically retrieve this data instead of requiring the user to upload exports of data to create reports. <ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Getting started with Google Looker Studio |url=https://digitalculturenetwork.org.uk/knowledge/getting-started-with-google-looker-studio/ |access-date=2023-10-19 |website=Digital Culture Network |language=en-GB}}</ref> Looker Studio offers over 600 [https://lookerstudio.google.com/data partner connectors] for users to choose from. <ref name=":1" /> Connectors for Google platforms such as [[Google Analytics]] or [[Google Ads]] are free to use, while others require a subscription from an outside platform. <ref name=":1" /> Users are also able to create their own connectors to any "internet accessible data source". Individuals can learn how to do this within Google Codelabs with this [https://codelabs.developers.google.com/codelabs/community-connectors#0 step-by-step tutorial]. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Connect and visualize all your data in Looker Studio |url=https://codelabs.developers.google.com/codelabs/community-connectors |access-date=2023-10-19 |website=Google Codelabs |language=en}}</ref>
In Looker Studio, users have the option to create a report from scratch or to use a report template from the [https://lookerstudio.google.com/gallery Looker Studio Report Gallery].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Bonelli |first=Sherry |date=2022-10-15 |title=What is Google's Looker Studio and how you can use it |url=https://searchengineland.com/google-looker-studio-258871 |access-date=2023-10-19 |website=Search Engine Land |language=en}}</ref> Similar to templates available on other Google applications, these templates are created to make it easier for users to build their reports while still allowing for customization of design elements and other alterations.<ref name=":0" /> Once a user has created a report, they will be prompted to then add a data connector to their report.<ref name=":0" /> These connectors connect with their data, allowing for Looker Studio to automatically retrieve this data instead of requiring the user to upload exports of data to create reports.<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |title=Getting started with Google Looker Studio |url=https://digitalculturenetwork.org.uk/knowledge/getting-started-with-google-looker-studio/ |access-date=2023-10-19 |website=Digital Culture Network |language=en-GB}}</ref> Looker Studio offers over 600 [https://lookerstudio.google.com/data partner connectors] for users to choose from.<ref name=":12"/> Connectors for Google platforms such as [[Google Analytics]] or [[Google Ads]] are free to use, while others require a subscription from an outside platform.<ref name=":12"/> Users are also able to create their own connectors to any "internet accessible data source". Individuals can learn how to do this within Google Codelabs with this [https://codelabs.developers.google.com/codelabs/community-connectors#0 step-by-step tutorial].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Connect and visualize all your data in Looker Studio |url=https://codelabs.developers.google.com/codelabs/community-connectors |access-date=2023-10-19 |website=Google Codelabs |language=en}}</ref>


== Customization & interactivity ==
== Customization & interactivity ==
Along with offering many template options for users, Looker Studio also has customization controls for users. For example, users can edit the layout, color options, font, and canvas size of a dashboard so that it showcases their data more effectively, and corresponds with the company's branding. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Leveraging Snapchat Ads: Types and Usage Guide {{!}} Seer Interactive Insights |url=https://www.seerinteractive.com/insights/google-data-studio-whats-working-whats-missing |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=www.seerinteractive.com |language=en}}</ref> Users can also app up to 10 widgets per page and up to 20 pages to a Looker Studio report depending on their needs. <ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Stouffer |first=Austin |date=2021-06-07 |title=What Is Google Data Studio? (And Why Data Studio Is a Marketer's Dream) |url=https://www.webfx.com/blog/marketing/what-is-google-data-studio/ |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=WebFX |language=en-US}}</ref>
Along with offering many template options for users, Looker Studio also has customization controls for users. For example, users can edit the layout, color options, font, and canvas size of a dashboard so that it showcases their data more effectively, and corresponds with the company's branding.<ref name="seerinteractive.com">{{Cite web |title=Leveraging Snapchat Ads: Types and Usage Guide {{!}} Seer Interactive Insights |url=https://www.seerinteractive.com/insights/google-data-studio-whats-working-whats-missing |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=www.seerinteractive.com |language=en}}</ref> Users can also app up to 10 widgets per page and up to 20 pages to a Looker Studio report depending on their needs.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Stouffer |first=Austin |date=2021-06-07 |title=What Is Google Data Studio? (And Why Data Studio Is a Marketer's Dream) |url=https://www.webfx.com/blog/marketing/what-is-google-data-studio/ |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=WebFX |language=en-US}}</ref>


Additionally, Looker Studio reports are interactive not only for those who create them but also with whoever you share the report with.<ref name=":3" />This means that everyone will have access to change dynamic control features such as date ranges or sorting options without the report setup needing to be updated. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Leveraging Snapchat Ads: Types and Usage Guide {{!}} Seer Interactive Insights |url=https://www.seerinteractive.com/insights/google-data-studio-whats-working-whats-missing |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=www.seerinteractive.com |language=en}}</ref>
Additionally, Looker Studio reports are interactive not only for those who create them but also with whoever you share the report with.<ref name=":3" /> This means that everyone will have access to change dynamic control features such as date ranges or sorting options without the report setup needing to be updated.<ref name="seerinteractive.com"/>


== Charts & tables ==
== Charts & tables ==
When deciding how to visualize data, users can choose from 36 different chart types and variations. <ref name=":4">{{Cite book |last=Pulipati |first=Sireesha |title=Data Storytelling with Google Looker Studio |last2=Kelly |first2=Nicholas |date=October 27, 2022 |publisher=Packt Publishing, Limited |isbn=9781800561953 |edition=1 |language=English}}</ref>These charts are organized under the following categories: Table, Pivot table, Scorecard, Gauge, Time series, Line, Area, Scatter, Bar, Pie, Google Maps, Geo chart, Bullet, and Treemap. <ref name=":4" /> After choosing the visualization method, individuals will then define dimensions and metrics for the chart or table to generate. <ref name=":4" /> Google explains dimensions as "a set of unaggregated values by which you can group your data". <ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Dimension and metric improvements - Looker Studio Help |url=https://support.google.com/looker-studio/answer/9518554?hl=en#:~:text=Dimension%20--%20A%20set%20of,can't%20group%20by%20it. |access-date=2023-10-19 |website=support.google.com}}</ref>Dimensions within a data source will appear in the color green. <ref name=":2" /> Metrics, however, are "a specific aggregation that can apply to a set of values". <ref name=":2" /> Metrics can be identified by their blue colored fields. <ref name=":2" />
When deciding how to visualize data, users can choose from 36 different chart types and variations.<ref name=":4">{{Cite book |last=Pulipati |first=Sireesha |title=Data Storytelling with Google Looker Studio |last2=Kelly |first2=Nicholas |date=October 27, 2022 |publisher=Packt Publishing, Limited |isbn=9781800561953 |edition=1 |language=English}}</ref> These charts are organized under the following categories: Table, Pivot table, Scorecard, Gauge, Time series, Line, Area, Scatter, Bar, Pie, Google Maps, Geo chart, Bullet, and Treemap.<ref name=":4" /> After choosing the visualization method, individuals will then define dimensions and metrics for the chart or table to generate.<ref name=":4" /> Google explains dimensions as "a set of unaggregated values by which you can group your data".<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Dimension and metric improvements - Looker Studio Help |url=https://support.google.com/looker-studio/answer/9518554?hl=en#:~:text=Dimension%20--%20A%20set%20of,can't%20group%20by%20it. |access-date=2023-10-19 |website=support.google.com}}</ref> Dimensions within a data source will appear in the color green.<ref name=":2" /> Metrics, however, are "a specific aggregation that can apply to a set of values".<ref name=":2" /> Metrics can be identified by their blue colored fields.<ref name=":2" />
[[File:Data_Studio_-_Mobile_Friendly_Scoreboard.png|alt=A dashboard made in Looker Studio with various chart types such as bar graphs and pie charts|thumb|Looker Studio dashboard with various chart types]]
[[File:Data_Studio_-_Mobile_Friendly_Scoreboard.png|alt=A dashboard made in Looker Studio with various chart types such as bar graphs and pie charts|thumb|Looker Studio dashboard with various chart types]]


=== Table Charts ===
=== Table Charts ===
Tables in Looker Studio use rows and columns to organize metrics. <ref name=":12">{{Cite web |title=Getting started with Google Looker Studio |url=https://digitalculturenetwork.org.uk/knowledge/getting-started-with-google-looker-studio/ |access-date=2023-10-19 |website=Digital Culture Network |language=en-GB}}</ref> Tables are utilized to show "granular data, a large number of fields, or multiple metrics with very different units and scales aggregated for one or more dimension fields". <ref name=":4" /> There are three ways to utilize tables and pivot table charts in Looker. Users can display data with numbers, bars, or heatmaps. <ref name=":4" /> Users can then sort the data within these tables by two fields to allow for data to be displayed in a specific order. <ref name=":4" />Along with sorting data, data can also be filtered using various condition statements in the SETUP tab. <ref name=":4" />
Tables in Looker Studio use rows and columns to organize metrics.<ref name=":12"/> Tables are utilized to show "granular data, a large number of fields, or multiple metrics with very different units and scales aggregated for one or more dimension fields".<ref name=":4" /> There are three ways to utilize tables and pivot table charts in Looker. Users can display data with numbers, bars, or heatmaps.<ref name=":4" /> Users can then sort the data within these tables by two fields to allow for data to be displayed in a specific order.<ref name=":4" /> Along with sorting data, data can also be filtered using various condition statements in the SETUP tab.<ref name=":4" />


=== Scorecard and Gauge Charts ===
=== Scorecard and Gauge Charts ===
When reporting on core objectives or high-level numbers, scorecard charts can display data in an attention-catching way. <ref name=":12" /> These scorecard charts showcase a single metric on the report, showing it as text. <ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=[Sample] Data Studio Charts |url=http://lookerstudio.google.com/reporting/e39df75f-ba64-4e70-aaf9-0c091efa0129/page/p_0pgw65yfyc?feature=opengraph |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=Looker Studio |language=en}}</ref> Scorecards can also communicate how a metric has changed over time using a comparison metric. <ref name=":4" /> The scorecard then shows this change as a percentage under the displayed metric. <ref name=":4" /> Another way users can call attention to a specific metric is by using a Gauge Chart. This type of chart monitors the performance of a single metric against a target, showing the progress similar to that of a car dashboard display. <ref name=":4" />
When reporting on core objectives or high-level numbers, scorecard charts can display data in an attention-catching way.<ref name=":12" /> These scorecard charts showcase a single metric on the report, showing it as text.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=[Sample] Data Studio Charts |url=http://lookerstudio.google.com/reporting/e39df75f-ba64-4e70-aaf9-0c091efa0129/page/p_0pgw65yfyc?feature=opengraph |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=Looker Studio |language=en}}</ref> Scorecards can also communicate how a metric has changed over time using a comparison metric.<ref name=":4" /> The scorecard then shows this change as a percentage under the displayed metric.<ref name=":4" /> Another way users can call attention to a specific metric is by using a Gauge Chart. This type of chart monitors the performance of a single metric against a target, showing the progress similar to that of a car dashboard display.<ref name=":4" />


=== Line, Time Series, Area, and Scatter Charts ===
=== Line, Time Series, Area, and Scatter Charts ===
[[Line chart|Line charts]] help show trends in data and compare metrics along an ordinal axis. <ref name=":4" /> Users can add multiple metrics to the chart to show their values over time displayed as lines, bars, or a combination of the two. <ref name=":5" />
[[Line chart]]s help show trends in data and compare metrics along an ordinal axis.<ref name=":4" /> Users can add multiple metrics to the chart to show their values over time displayed as lines, bars, or a combination of the two.<ref name=":5" />


Another way to show how a metric changes over time is to utilize a time series chart. <ref name=":12" /> Time Series charts display a date or time dimension on the X-axis and a chosen metric on the Y-axis. <ref name=":4" /> Users can also add 3 types of trendlines to a time series chart in Looker Studio. <ref name=":4" /> These trendlines can be linear, exponential, or polynomial. <ref name=":4" /> In addition, a version of time series charts without lines, called sparklines, can be showcased on scorecard charts. <ref name=":4" />
Another way to show how a metric changes over time is to utilize a time series chart.<ref name=":12" /> Time Series charts display a date or time dimension on the X-axis and a chosen metric on the Y-axis.<ref name=":4" /> Users can also add 3 types of trendlines to a time series chart in Looker Studio.<ref name=":4" /> These trendlines can be linear, exponential, or polynomial.<ref name=":4" /> In addition, a version of time series charts without lines, called sparklines, can be showcased on scorecard charts.<ref name=":4" />


[[Area chart|Area Charts]] are similar to time series charts as users can only set a date or time on the chart's X-axis. <ref name=":4" /> The Area Chart, however, has a shaded area under the line to highlight the difference in values between lines. <ref name=":4" />In addition, Line charts, Time series charts, and Area charts also have the ability to show cumulative sum values on the X-axis using the Cumulative option under the STYLE tab in Looker Studio. <ref name=":4" />
[[Area chart|Area Charts]] are similar to time series charts as users can only set a date or time on the chart's X-axis.<ref name=":4" /> The Area Chart, however, has a shaded area under the line to highlight the difference in values between lines.<ref name=":4" /> In addition, Line charts, Time series charts, and Area charts also have the ability to show cumulative sum values on the X-axis using the Cumulative option under the STYLE tab in Looker Studio.<ref name=":4" />


Unlike Line or Time Series charts, [[Scatter plot|scatter charts]] showcase the relationship between two metrics as separate data points on a graph. <ref name=":4" /> Trendlines, however, can be added within Looker Studio to indicate the type of relationship these data points have including linear, exponential, or polynomial. <ref name=":4" />
Unlike Line or Time Series charts, [[Scatter plot|scatter charts]] showcase the relationship between two metrics as separate data points on a graph.<ref name=":4" /> Trendlines, however, can be added within Looker Studio to indicate the type of relationship these data points have including linear, exponential, or polynomial.<ref name=":4" />


=== Bar Charts ===
=== Bar Charts ===
[[Bar chart|Bar charts]] are used to display "a few metrics against one or two dimensions". <ref name=":4" /> To be more specific, "one axis of the chart shows the specific categories (dimensions) being compared, and the other axis represents a discrete value (metric)". <ref name=":5" /> Like other table and chart options in Looker Studio, users can configure their bar chart in any of the following ways: horizontal bars, vertical bars, clustered bars, stacked bars, and 100% stacked bars. <ref name=":4" />
[[Bar chart]]s are used to display "a few metrics against one or two dimensions".<ref name=":4" /> To be more specific, "one axis of the chart shows the specific categories (dimensions) being compared, and the other axis represents a discrete value (metric)".<ref name=":5" /> Like other table and chart options in Looker Studio, users can configure their bar chart in any of the following ways: horizontal bars, vertical bars, clustered bars, stacked bars, and 100% stacked bars.<ref name=":4" />


=== Pie Charts ===
=== Pie Charts ===
Another way to display data in Looker Studio is with a [[Pie chart|Pie or Donut Chart]]. <ref name=":5" /> These charts show data as parts of a whole, with Looker Studio allowing up to 20 slices in a single pie chart. <ref name=":4" /> These slices showcase the dimensions that were defined by the user, and they are sorted in decreasing order according to the defined metric. <ref name=":4" />
Another way to display data in Looker Studio is with a [[Pie chart|Pie or Donut Chart]].<ref name=":5" /> These charts show data as parts of a whole, with Looker Studio allowing up to 20 slices in a single pie chart.<ref name=":4" /> These slices showcase the dimensions that were defined by the user, and they are sorted in decreasing order according to the defined metric.<ref name=":4" />


=== Google Maps ===
=== Google Maps ===
The Google Maps chart within Looker Studio behaves similarly to that within the Google Maps application, allowing users to interact with the chart to zoom in/out and move around the map. <ref name=":4" /> The variations offered for Google Maps charts are bubble maps, filled maps, line maps, and heat maps. <ref name=":5" />
The Google Maps chart within Looker Studio behaves similarly to that within the Google Maps application, allowing users to interact with the chart to zoom in/out and move around the map.<ref name=":4" /> The variations offered for Google Maps charts are bubble maps, filled maps, line maps, and heat maps.<ref name=":5" />


=== Geo Chart ===
=== Geo Chart ===
Similar to Google Maps charts, users can utilize the geo chart within Looker Studio to visualize "how a measurement varies across a geographic area". <ref name=":5" /> The zoom area property of geo charts also allows users to change the level of the geographical area depicted from world down to region. <ref name=":4" /> Geo charts can be used to display up to 5,000 data points, which are chosen by Looker Studio. <ref name=":4" />
Similar to Google Maps charts, users can utilize the geo chart within Looker Studio to visualize "how a measurement varies across a geographic area".<ref name=":5" /> The zoom area property of geo charts also allows users to change the level of the geographical area depicted from world down to region.<ref name=":4" /> Geo charts can be used to display up to 5,000 data points, which are chosen by Looker Studio.<ref name=":4" />


=== Bullet Charts ===
=== Bullet Charts ===
Similar to the comparison options for Scorecard charts and Gauge charts, Bullet Charts are widely used to represent key performance indicators.<ref name=":4" /> These charts display a single metric benchmarked against target values, but also show different thresholds so users can easily see how far ahead or behind a metric is from its goal. <ref name=":4" />
Similar to the comparison options for Scorecard charts and Gauge charts, Bullet Charts are widely used to represent key performance indicators.<ref name=":4" /> These charts display a single metric benchmarked against target values, but also show different thresholds so users can easily see how far ahead or behind a metric is from its goal.<ref name=":4" />


=== Treemap Charts ===
=== Treemap Charts ===
Treemap charts are also offered within Looker Studio to display data in hierarchies based on defined dimensions. <ref name=":5" /> In this type of chart, each branch represents a dimension value, with its size based on the defined metric for the entire chart. <ref name=":4" /> This chart allows users to breakdown dimensions within Subtopics and Levels. <ref name=":4" />
Treemap charts are also offered within Looker Studio to display data in hierarchies based on defined dimensions.<ref name=":5" /> In this type of chart, each branch represents a dimension value, with its size based on the defined metric for the entire chart.<ref name=":4" /> This chart allows users to breakdown dimensions within Subtopics and Levels.<ref name=":4" />


== See also ==
== See also ==
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| first = Lee
| first = Lee
| last = Hurst
| last = Hurst
| publisher = [[Wiley_(publisher)|Wiley]]
| publisher = [[Wiley (publisher)|Wiley]]
| year = 2019
| year = 2019
| isbn = 978-1-119-61608-5
| isbn = 978-1-119-61608-5
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[[Category:Web analytics]]
[[Category:Web analytics]]
[[Category:Web software]]
[[Category:Web software]]



{{Google-stub}}
{{Google-stub}}

Revision as of 15:04, 31 October 2023

Looker Studio
Developer(s)Google
Initial releaseMarch 15, 2016; 8 years ago (2016-03-15)
TypeWeb analytics, Data visualization
Websitelookerstudio.google.com Edit this at Wikidata

Looker Studio,[1] formerly Google Data Studio,[2][3][4][5] is an online tool for converting data into customizable informative reports and dashboards introduced by Google on March 15, 2016[6] as part of the enterprise Google Analytics 360 suite. In May 2016, Google announced[7] a free version of Data Studio for individuals and small teams.

Looker Studio is part of the Google Marketing Platform.

Rebrand from Google Data Studio

Google announced the rebrand of Google Data Studio to Looker Studio in October 2022.[1]

Google had previously announced its acquisition of Looker, then an independent analytics startup, in June 2019.[8] The acquisition was completed in February 2020.[9]

Initially, Google Data Studio and Looker operated as separate products within Google. Google Data Studio's offering was simple, low-cost, and provided an easy way to connect data sources and create dashboards,[10] while Looker offered a more enterprise-focused solution with robust support for transformations and permissions.[11]

In October 2022, Google announced at its Cloud Next conference that Google Data Studio would rebrand as Looker Studio. This name change was also accompanied by more integrated functionality. Google added the ability to support Looker models to Looker Studio. Google also launched a new tier offering, Looker Studio Pro, with enhanced features for enterprise team collaboration and management.[12]

Plan offerings

Google continues to offer both Looker Studio and Looker Studio Pro plans. Looker Studio is available for free, while Looker Studio Pro requires an upgrade to a paid plan.[13]

Basic operation

In Looker Studio, users have the option to create a report from scratch or to use a report template from the Looker Studio Report Gallery.[14] Similar to templates available on other Google applications, these templates are created to make it easier for users to build their reports while still allowing for customization of design elements and other alterations.[14] Once a user has created a report, they will be prompted to then add a data connector to their report.[14] These connectors connect with their data, allowing for Looker Studio to automatically retrieve this data instead of requiring the user to upload exports of data to create reports.[15] Looker Studio offers over 600 partner connectors for users to choose from.[15] Connectors for Google platforms such as Google Analytics or Google Ads are free to use, while others require a subscription from an outside platform.[15] Users are also able to create their own connectors to any "internet accessible data source". Individuals can learn how to do this within Google Codelabs with this step-by-step tutorial.[16]

Customization & interactivity

Along with offering many template options for users, Looker Studio also has customization controls for users. For example, users can edit the layout, color options, font, and canvas size of a dashboard so that it showcases their data more effectively, and corresponds with the company's branding.[17] Users can also app up to 10 widgets per page and up to 20 pages to a Looker Studio report depending on their needs.[18]

Additionally, Looker Studio reports are interactive not only for those who create them but also with whoever you share the report with.[18] This means that everyone will have access to change dynamic control features such as date ranges or sorting options without the report setup needing to be updated.[17]

Charts & tables

When deciding how to visualize data, users can choose from 36 different chart types and variations.[19] These charts are organized under the following categories: Table, Pivot table, Scorecard, Gauge, Time series, Line, Area, Scatter, Bar, Pie, Google Maps, Geo chart, Bullet, and Treemap.[19] After choosing the visualization method, individuals will then define dimensions and metrics for the chart or table to generate.[19] Google explains dimensions as "a set of unaggregated values by which you can group your data".[20] Dimensions within a data source will appear in the color green.[20] Metrics, however, are "a specific aggregation that can apply to a set of values".[20] Metrics can be identified by their blue colored fields.[20]

A dashboard made in Looker Studio with various chart types such as bar graphs and pie charts
Looker Studio dashboard with various chart types

Table Charts

Tables in Looker Studio use rows and columns to organize metrics.[15] Tables are utilized to show "granular data, a large number of fields, or multiple metrics with very different units and scales aggregated for one or more dimension fields".[19] There are three ways to utilize tables and pivot table charts in Looker. Users can display data with numbers, bars, or heatmaps.[19] Users can then sort the data within these tables by two fields to allow for data to be displayed in a specific order.[19] Along with sorting data, data can also be filtered using various condition statements in the SETUP tab.[19]

Scorecard and Gauge Charts

When reporting on core objectives or high-level numbers, scorecard charts can display data in an attention-catching way.[15] These scorecard charts showcase a single metric on the report, showing it as text.[21] Scorecards can also communicate how a metric has changed over time using a comparison metric.[19] The scorecard then shows this change as a percentage under the displayed metric.[19] Another way users can call attention to a specific metric is by using a Gauge Chart. This type of chart monitors the performance of a single metric against a target, showing the progress similar to that of a car dashboard display.[19]

Line, Time Series, Area, and Scatter Charts

Line charts help show trends in data and compare metrics along an ordinal axis.[19] Users can add multiple metrics to the chart to show their values over time displayed as lines, bars, or a combination of the two.[21]

Another way to show how a metric changes over time is to utilize a time series chart.[15] Time Series charts display a date or time dimension on the X-axis and a chosen metric on the Y-axis.[19] Users can also add 3 types of trendlines to a time series chart in Looker Studio.[19] These trendlines can be linear, exponential, or polynomial.[19] In addition, a version of time series charts without lines, called sparklines, can be showcased on scorecard charts.[19]

Area Charts are similar to time series charts as users can only set a date or time on the chart's X-axis.[19] The Area Chart, however, has a shaded area under the line to highlight the difference in values between lines.[19] In addition, Line charts, Time series charts, and Area charts also have the ability to show cumulative sum values on the X-axis using the Cumulative option under the STYLE tab in Looker Studio.[19]

Unlike Line or Time Series charts, scatter charts showcase the relationship between two metrics as separate data points on a graph.[19] Trendlines, however, can be added within Looker Studio to indicate the type of relationship these data points have including linear, exponential, or polynomial.[19]

Bar Charts

Bar charts are used to display "a few metrics against one or two dimensions".[19] To be more specific, "one axis of the chart shows the specific categories (dimensions) being compared, and the other axis represents a discrete value (metric)".[21] Like other table and chart options in Looker Studio, users can configure their bar chart in any of the following ways: horizontal bars, vertical bars, clustered bars, stacked bars, and 100% stacked bars.[19]

Pie Charts

Another way to display data in Looker Studio is with a Pie or Donut Chart.[21] These charts show data as parts of a whole, with Looker Studio allowing up to 20 slices in a single pie chart.[19] These slices showcase the dimensions that were defined by the user, and they are sorted in decreasing order according to the defined metric.[19]

Google Maps

The Google Maps chart within Looker Studio behaves similarly to that within the Google Maps application, allowing users to interact with the chart to zoom in/out and move around the map.[19] The variations offered for Google Maps charts are bubble maps, filled maps, line maps, and heat maps.[21]

Geo Chart

Similar to Google Maps charts, users can utilize the geo chart within Looker Studio to visualize "how a measurement varies across a geographic area".[21] The zoom area property of geo charts also allows users to change the level of the geographical area depicted from world down to region.[19] Geo charts can be used to display up to 5,000 data points, which are chosen by Looker Studio.[19]

Bullet Charts

Similar to the comparison options for Scorecard charts and Gauge charts, Bullet Charts are widely used to represent key performance indicators.[19] These charts display a single metric benchmarked against target values, but also show different thresholds so users can easily see how far ahead or behind a metric is from its goal.[19]

Treemap Charts

Treemap charts are also offered within Looker Studio to display data in hierarchies based on defined dimensions.[21] In this type of chart, each branch represents a dimension value, with its size based on the defined metric for the entire chart.[19] This chart allows users to breakdown dimensions within Subtopics and Levels.[19]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Lardinois, Frederic (2022-10-11). "Google unifies its BI services under the Looker brand". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2022-10-13.
  2. ^ "Welcome to Data Studio! - Data Studio Help".
  3. ^ Grant Kemp; Gerry White (2020). Google Data Studio for Beginners. Apress. ISBN 978-1-4842-5155-3.
  4. ^ Hurst, Lee (2019). Hands On With Google Data Studio. Wiley. ISBN 978-1-119-61608-5.
  5. ^ Lakshmanan, Valliappa (2017). Data Science on the Google Cloud Platform. O'Reilly Media. ISBN 978-1-4919-7453-7.
  6. ^ "Introducing the Google Analytics 360 suite". 2016-03-15.
  7. ^ "Announcing Data Studio: our free, new, Data Visualization Product". 2016-05-25.
  8. ^ Miller, Ron (6 June 2019). "Google to acquire analytics startup Looker for $2.6 billion". TechCrunch. Retrieved 25 July 2023.
  9. ^ Ingals, Elaine (February 14, 2020). "Google completes $2.6 billion acquisition of Santa Cruz company Looker". The Mercury News. Retrieved July 24, 2023.
  10. ^ Meeks, Travis (2023-05-16). "Why Data Enrichment Should Be Every Marketers New Best Friend". AnalyticsIQ. Retrieved 2023-10-02.
  11. ^ Vivaldelli, Dan (17 June 2021). "How Does Google Data Studio Compare to Looker?". InfoTrust. Retrieved 25 July 2023.
  12. ^ Lardinois, Frederic (11 October 2022). "Google unifies its BI services under the Looker brand". Retrieved 25 July 2023.
  13. ^ "Looker Studio: Pricing". Google Cloud. Retrieved 25 July 2023.
  14. ^ a b c Bonelli, Sherry (2022-10-15). "What is Google's Looker Studio and how you can use it". Search Engine Land. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
  15. ^ a b c d e f "Getting started with Google Looker Studio". Digital Culture Network. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
  16. ^ "Connect and visualize all your data in Looker Studio". Google Codelabs. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
  17. ^ a b "Leveraging Snapchat Ads: Types and Usage Guide | Seer Interactive Insights". www.seerinteractive.com. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
  18. ^ a b Stouffer, Austin (2021-06-07). "What Is Google Data Studio? (And Why Data Studio Is a Marketer's Dream)". WebFX. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
  19. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae Pulipati, Sireesha; Kelly, Nicholas (October 27, 2022). Data Storytelling with Google Looker Studio (1 ed.). Packt Publishing, Limited. ISBN 9781800561953.
  20. ^ a b c d "Dimension and metric improvements - Looker Studio Help". support.google.com. Retrieved 2023-10-19.
  21. ^ a b c d e f g "[Sample] Data Studio Charts". Looker Studio. Retrieved 2023-10-24.