Use Sigma Assistant to build dashboards and apps (Beta)

When editing a workbook, use Sigma Assistant in plan and build modes to help you design and build workbooks using natural language prompts. Assistant in plan or build mode can explore any data source you have permission to access, enabling you to ask questions, provide instructions, give feedback, and iterate as needed to build a complete dashboard or AI app.

In a workbook, use Assistant in plan and build modes to accomplish the following:

• Build dashboards with charts, tables, KPIs, and filters to visualize and explore your data.
• Set up structured data entry with forms, input tables, and actions.
• Accelerate the development of AI-powered apps from idea to working product.

This document describes the workbook capabilities of Assistant in plan and build modes, explains different ways to access it, and provides example use cases and prompts.

Requirements

The ability to edit a workbook using Sigma Assistant in plan or build mode requires the following:

• Your organization must have a supported AI provider configured. See Configure an AI provider.

• Your account type must have the Use Assistant and Create, edit, and publish workbooks permissions enabled. See License and account type overview.

• You must be the workbook owner or have Can edit access to the workbook. See Folder and document permissions.

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Sigma Assistant inherits your permissions. It can only use data that you're permitted to access, and it can only complete tasks that you're permitted to perform. For example, if you're assigned to an account type with the Create input tables permission disabled, Assistant cannot build workflows that include input tables.

Modes and capabilities of Sigma Assistant when editing a workbook

When you access a workbook draft, Sigma Assistant can operate in one of two specialized modes: plan or build. You can switch between these modes to transition from scoping your work to executing it.

Plan mode

Plan mode gathers context, makes decisions, and outlines a structured approach without building anything. Use Sigma Assistant in plan mode when you want to review and refine the build strategy before applying changes to the workbook.

Assistant in plan mode can complete tasks like the following:

• Clarify your goals, requirements, and intended outcomes.
• Recommend pages, elements, structure, and layout for your use case.
• Identify the data sources, columns, and logic needed to achieve your goal.
• Review existing workbook content and recommend improvements or next steps.

Build mode

Build mode creates and modifies workbook content. Use Sigma Assistant in build mode when you're ready to make changes that construct a dashboard or develop an app.

Assistant in build mode can complete tasks like the following:

• Create tables, charts, controls, and other workbook elements.
• Edit element properties and formatting.
• Organize workbook layout and navigation.
• Add interactive components including filters, tabbed containers, and modals.
• Configure actions for workflow automation.

Access Sigma Assistant in a workbook draft

Use any of the following entry points to access Sigma Assistant while working in a workbook draft. Each of these options opens the Assistant panel, where you can choose the mode and enter a prompt.

• Workbook header
• Keyboard shortcut
• Element toolbar

Workbook header

In the workbook header, select Assistant panel.

Keyboard shortcut

Press ⌘ + K or Ctrl + K.

This keyboard shortcut opens the Assistant panel. If you're editing a text element, the shortcut opens a modal for adding linked text instead.

Element toolbar

When available in an element's toolbar, select Ask or edit with prompt, then enter a prompt in the input field. The Assistant panel opens and responds to your prompt in the context of the selected element.

Switch between plan and build modes

In a workbook draft, Sigma Assistant opens in build mode by default. To manually change the mode, select the mode picker in the prompt bar and choose an option.

Assistant can also suggest switching modes when appropriate. For example, in build mode, it might prompt you to switch to plan mode if your request is ambiguous, involves modifying existing content, or explicitly asks for a plan or recommendation. In plan mode, after proposing a plan, Assistant prompts you to switch to build mode to execute the proposal.

Assistant retains the context of the conversation when you toggle between plan and build modes.

Attach context to the conversation

Attach context to help Sigma Assistant focus on the right information and produce the most relevant results.

While using Assistant in plan or build mode, you can attach the following types of context to a prompt:

• Attach a data source to tell Assistant which data to build from or analyze.
• Attach a workbook object to tell Assistant which page or element to answer questions about, build on, or modify.

Attach a data source

Attach a specific table, data model, semantic view, or element as a data source for Sigma Assistant to build from or analyze.

1. In the prompt bar, select Add > Attach data source, or type @ in the prompt input and select Attach data source from the autocomplete menu.
2. Browse the source picker or search for the name of the relevant data source, then select it.

Assistant uses the attached data source when generating its response. You can attach multiple data sources, and they remain available as context for follow-up questions and requests.

Attach a workbook object

Attach a specific page or element for Sigma Assistant to answer questions about, build on, or modify. You can only attach objects from the current workbook.

1. In the prompt input, type @ and begin typing the name of a page or element.
2. Select the relevant object from the autocomplete menu to include it as context for your prompt.

Assistant references the attached page or element when generating its response. In the conversation, page and element references appear as clickable links that navigate to the objects in the workbook.

Example use cases and prompts

When editing a workbook draft, you can prompt Sigma Assistant in plan or build mode with a range of questions and instructions. The following use cases include sample prompts you could submit. When Assistant responds and executes the relevant tasks, you can continue the conversation by providing feedback, asking for clarification, or giving further instructions.