Create custom reports

You can create custom reports to explore, join, and analyze data using either Query Builder or the SQL Editor. The method you use depends on the complexity of your analysis and your permission level.

You may query curated data models or, if you are a Main Site Reports Admin, query raw data tables directly using native SQL. Data tables include additional columns not available in curated models and provide row‑level data for deeper analysis. You can still reference curated models to identify key fields and unique identifiers needed for joins.

Use the Query Builder to visually build queries without writing SQL.

  1. In the upper‑right navigation, select New .

  2. When prompted, select Question.
    The Query Builder opens.

  3. Select Join Data to add a join step.

  4. (Optional) If you need to have multiple join stages (e.g. join A → B → C)

    1. Join A to B.

    2. Under the completed join block, select Join Data again.

    3. Join the result to C.

Join requirements

  • You can join tables or saved questions.

  • Ensure that a UID (Unique Identifier) exists in both sources (refer to the data dictionary to identify the valid join fields).

Supported join types

  • Left Outer Join
    All records from A, matching from B when available.

  • Right Outer Join
    All records from B, matching from A when available.

  • Inner Join
    Records where the join condition is met in both tables.

  • Full Outer Join
    All records from both sources, whether matching or not.

Use SQL when your reporting requirements can't be expressed using the Query Builder.

  1. Select New .

  2. If you have SQL permissions, select the SQL Query (console icon).
    The SQL editor opens for writing and running SQL statements.

  3. Select New .

  4. If you have SQL permissions, select the SQL Query (console icon).
    The SQL editor opens.

  5. Write and run your SQL statement.

Referencing Tables vs. Data Models

Copy

Tables

SELECT * FROM va_events LIMIT 100;
Copy

Models (each model has its own ID, visible on the right side)

SELECT * FROM {{#1755-events}} LIMIT 100;

Refer to the data dictionary to navigate data models.

You can upload a CSV file to create a custom data table. Custom data tables can supplement existing reporting data and can be used in calculations, joins, and custom analyses.

Prerequisites:

  • You must have the Reports Admin role at the main site level.

  • The CSV file must not exceed 50 MB.

  • Ensure the data is saved in CSV format.

Procedure:

  1. In the upper-left navigation, select to expend the sidebar.

  2. Select Our analytics (recommended) or Your personal collection.

  3. Select Upload data in the right corner.

  4. Find the file you wish to upload, then select Open.

    You are prompted to select the upload destination.

  5. Select one of the following options:

    • Create a new model - creates a new data model for the uploaded file.

    • Append to a model - adds data to an existing uploaded model.

    • Replace data in a model - replaces the data in an existing uploaded model.

  6. Upload the data.
    When the upload is complete, the data model appears in the selected collection.

  7. Select New to create a report.

  8. Select Pick your starting data, then select the uploaded/modified data model.

  9. Build your report using the uploaded data or join it with other available data sources.

Uploaded data can be used to supplement existing reporting data and support custom calculations, joins, and analysis.

See also