Data Source Page
During your analysis in Tableau, you have the flexibility to modify the data source. This can be done on the data source page, which Tableau directs you to after you establish the initial connection to your data. Additionally, you can access the data source page by selecting the Data Source tab from any location within the workbook.
The data source page generally consists of four main areas: left pane, canvas, data grid, and metadata grid.
Left pane
The left pane of the data source page displays details about your data. The data that Tableau Desktop is connected to. You can also use the left pane to add more connections to the data source to create cross-database joins.
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For file-based data, the left pane displays the file name and the worksheets in the file.
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For relational-based data, the left pane displays the server, the database, or schema, and the tables in the database.
Note: The left pane doesn’t display for cube (multidimensional) data.
Canvas
When connecting to relational and file-based data sources in Tableau, you can drag tables onto the canvas area to begin setting up your data source. The canvas is divided into two layers: a logical layer and a physical layer. By default, the logical layer is displayed, showcasing the relationships between logical tables. To switch to the physical layer, double-click on a logical table in the logical view and start creating joins and unions between tables in the physical layer.
When working with cube data sources, the top section of the data source page will show the available catalogs, queries, and cubes that you can select from to configure your Tableau data source. This allows you to easily connect to and analyze data from cube sources within Tableau.
Note: Based on the type of data you are linked to, you have the ability to update your data whenever changes occur by utilizing various options. For instance, if you are connected to a data extract, you can refresh a specific extract by selecting the Refresh button located next to the Connection area on the left side of the pane. For more information about refresh options see Refresh Data Sources(Link opens in a new window). For more information about refreshing data extracts, see Refresh Extracts(Link opens in a new window).
Refreshing your data source
Depending on the type of data you’re connected to you can refresh your data when that data has changed using a number of options.
Data grid
To analyze the fields and the first rows of data within the Tableau data source, utilize the data grid. The data grid allows for various modifications to be made to the Tableau data source, such as sorting or hiding fields, renaming fields, creating calculations, adjusting column or row sorting, and adding aliases. When working in the logical layer, you can view the data specific to the selected table.
The physical layer displays merged data resulting from joins and unions. For Web Data Connector, file- and relational-based data sources in Extract mode, the grid provides access to extract data, including extract only calculations.
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When you're in the logical layer, you see the data for the selected table.
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In the physical layer, you see the merged data based on the joins and unions.
Select fields
To select multiple fields in the grid, select a column, and then drag the mouse to select more columns.
To select all fields, click the area in the upper-left corner of the grid like in the following example.
Note: The grid isn’t displayed for cube (multidimensional) data.
Metadata grid
The metadata grid will show the fields in your data source as rows, allowing you to analyze the structure of your Tableau data source and carry out regular management tasks like renaming fields or hiding multiple fields. When connected to cube or some extract only data, the metadata grid displays by default.