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# Ad hoc data explorations

> Use ad hoc data explorations in Sigma to perform flexible, on-the-fly data analysis.

Explorations are unpublished [workbooks](/docs/workbooks-overview) that support ad hoc data analysis.

This documentation explains how to create a new exploration and return to an existing one to continue your analysis, share it with other organization users, or save it as a workbook.

Sigma saves your explorations in the **Recent** page. You cannot delete saved explorations.

## User requirements

To create a new exploration, you must be assigned an [account type](/docs/account-type-and-license-overview) with the **Create, edit, and publish workbooks** permission enabled.

## Create a new exploration

Create an exploration the same way you create a new workbook. For more information, see [Create a workbook or exploration](/docs/create-a-workbook).

## Reopen a saved exploration

Reopen a saved exploration to continue your ad hoc data analysis.

1. Go to your **Home** page.

2. In the navigation menu, select **Recent**.

3. In the **Recent** page, select the **Explorations** tab to view a list of your past explorations.

4. Click the **Created on** date to open a specific exploration.

## Share an exploration

Share an exploration to allow other organization users to contribute to your ad hoc data analysis.

1. [Create a new exploration](#create-a-new-exploration) or [reopen a saved one](#reopen-a-saved-exploration).

2. In the exploration header, click the caret (<img src="https://sigma-docs-screenshots.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Icons/caret.svg" alt="" />) to open the exploration menu, then select **Share**.

3. In the **Share workbook** modal, click the **Allow access by link** toggle to the on position.

4. Copy the provided URL and share with any organization user.

## Save an exploration as a workbook

Save an exploration as a workbook to publish it to a specific folder.

1. [Create a new exploration](#create-a-new-exploration) or [reopen a saved one](#reopen-a-saved-exploration).

2. In the exploration header, click **Save As**. You can also click the caret (<img src="https://sigma-docs-screenshots.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Icons/caret.svg" alt="" />) to open the exploration menu, then select **Save**.

3. In the **Save as** modal, publish the workbook:

   1. In the **Name** field, enter a name for the workbook.

   2. In the **Destination** section, select the folder where you want to publish the workbook.

   3. Click **Save**.

## Related resources

* [Workbook lifecycle: explore, draft, and publish](/docs/workbook-lifecycle-explore-draft-and-publish)
* [Create a workbook](/docs/create-a-workbook)
* [Draft and publish a workbook](/docs/edit-draft-and-publish-a-workbook)