Integrate Looker with Google Sheets
Overview
Welcome to the essential guide for harnessing the combined power of Looker and Google Sheets. In today's data-driven landscape, the integration of Looker's comprehensive business intelligence capabilities with the versatility and accessibility of Google Sheets is a game-changer. This seamless connection not only empowers organizations to leverage Looker's single source of truth for BI metrics directly within the familiar interface of Google Sheets but also enhances collaborative efforts across all industries. By embedding Looker's data analytics and custom applications into Google Sheets, teams can achieve unparalleled efficiency and insight.
On this page, we'll delve into the numerous advantages of integrating Looker with Google Sheets, providing you with everything you need to set up this powerful synergy. From step-by-step instructions on how to bring Looker's generative AI and robust reporting into the realm of Google Sheets' real-time collaboration and assistive features, to exploring diverse use cases that illustrate the practicality of this integration. Furthermore, we'll assist you in troubleshooting any issues that may arise with your Looker integration and answer frequently asked questions to ensure a smooth and productive experience.
Reasons to Integrate Looker with Google Sheets
- Interactively explore LookML models directly within the familiar Google Sheets interface.
- Utilize Looker data in Google Sheets to create pivot tables, charts, and apply formulas for enhanced data analysis.
- Gain flexibility in data analysis using tools and constructs familiar to Google Sheets users.
- Seamlessly refresh Looker data in Google Sheets for up-to-date information.
- Access the integration across all Looker-hosted instances, ensuring broad availability.
- Explore data from over 50 databases supported by Looker, directly in Google Sheets.
- Benefit from the ability to monitor Connected Sheets usage with Looker's Query API Client Properties in the System Activity History Explore.
Setting Up Integration Between Looker and Google Sheets
To establish an integration between Looker and Google Sheets, certain prerequisites and settings must be in place. This integration, which leverages Connected Sheets, is designed to enable seamless data importation from Looker into Google Sheets. It is essential that both the Looker and Google Sheets environments are correctly configured to ensure a successful connection. The following list outlines the necessary components and settings required for this integration.
- Your Looker admin must enable either the Looker BI Connectors or the Connected Sheets toggle within the BI Connectors panel in the Platform section of Looker's Admin menu.
- For Looker (Google Cloud Core) instances, the Looker BI Connectors or the Connected Sheets toggle are enabled by default.
- Connected Sheets for Looker is exclusively available for Looker-hosted instances.
- The feature is accessible on Google Cloud instances running Looker version 22.20 or later. For non-Google Cloud instances, Looker version 23.4 or later is required.
- Each user wishing to connect to Looker from Google Sheets must use the same email address for their Looker user account and their Google Workspace account.
- Note that Connected Sheets queries are limited to a maximum of 30,000 rows and are subject to a data size limit.
Integrating Looker with Google Sheets
Integrating Looker with Google Sheets opens up numerous possibilities for data analysis and visualization. This integration allows users to leverage the power of Looker's data exploration capabilities within the flexibility of Google Sheets. Below, you will find the various methods to perform this integration, each with its own set of steps.
Using Connected Sheets for Looker
To begin integrating Looker with Google Sheets, you need to follow a sequence of steps. Open your Google Sheets spreadsheet and navigate through the 'Data' menu to 'Data connectors', then select 'Connect to Looker'. You will be prompted to enter the URL of your Looker instance. After providing the Looker instance URL, choose the desired Looker model and Explore you wish to connect with, and then click 'Connect' to establish the integration.
Requirements for Integration
Before you can take advantage of the Connected Sheets for Looker functionality, ensure that you meet the necessary prerequisites. Firstly, the integration is only possible if you are using Looker-hosted instances, and it requires Looker version 22.20 or later, or Google Cloud Looker 23.4 or later. Additionally, the Looker admin must have enabled the appropriate settings, which include turning on access to services, granting explore permissions, and enabling either the Looker BI Connectors or the Connected Sheets toggle in the Platform section of the Looker Admin menu. It is also essential that each user uses the same email address for their Looker and Google Workspace accounts to facilitate a seamless connection.
Alternative: Using Sourcetable
For those seeking an alternative to direct integration, Sourcetable offers a solution. Sourcetable can sync your live data from almost any app or database, which can be an advantageous option for users looking for flexibility beyond the specific integration with Looker and Google Sheets. It's a tool worth considering for those needing to connect a broader range of data sources to their workflow.
Common Use Cases
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Use google sheets to explore data in lookerL
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Use google sheets to interactively explore data from lookml modelsL
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Use google sheets to view data from 50+ databases supported by lookerL
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Use connected sheets to present a view of the model with views, fields, and measures just as they were defined in lookerL
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Use connected sheets for looker to flexibly analyze data in familiar constructs like pivot tables, charts, and formulasL
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Connected Sheets for Looker and what does it allow users to do?
Connected Sheets for Looker lets users interactively explore data from LookML models in Google Sheets, allowing them to analyze Looker data using familiar Sheets features, combine Looker data with Sheets data, and create new analysis using Google Sheets functions.
How can I integrate Looker with Google Sheets?
You can integrate Looker with Google Sheets by opening a Google Sheet, clicking on 'Data', then 'Data connectors', and finally connecting to Looker.
What are the requirements for using Connected Sheets for Looker?
Using Connected Sheets for Looker requires the Looker admin to turn on access to services, grant the explore permission, and enable either Looker BI Connectors or the Connected Sheets toggle. Users must use the same email address for their Looker and Google Workspace accounts.
Can I share and collaborate on Looker data in Google Sheets?
Yes, Connected Sheets for Looker allows users to share and collaborate with others on Looker data in Sheets.
Does Connected Sheets for Looker support live queries?
Yes, Connected Sheets for Looker allows users to run live queries using data from Looker.
Conclusion
Integrating Looker with Google Sheets empowers users across all industries to leverage the advanced business intelligence capabilities of Looker, such as building custom applications and creating comprehensive dashboards, with the accessibility and collaborative nature of Google Sheets. Looker's ability to embed into applications and provide a single source of truth for BI metrics complements Google Sheets' real-time collaborative features and its seamless connection with other Google apps. However, instead of navigating the complexities of integration, you can use Sourcetable. Sourcetable offers an intuitive solution that simplifies your workflow. Sign up for Sourcetable today to get started and unlock the full potential of your data.
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