> For clean Markdown of any page, append .md to the page URL. > For a complete documentation index, see https://help.sigmacomputing.com/llms.txt. > For AI client integration (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.), connect to the MCP server at https://help.sigmacomputing.com/_mcp/server. # Workbook modes overview Sigma features three workbook modes (**View**, **Explore**, and **Edit**) that provide different levels of interactions, customizations, and analysis within a workbook. Each mode is designed to help you perform specific tasks depending on your objectives and permissions. ## Workbook mode objectives |   | View mode | Explore mode | Edit mode | | -------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Purpose | Allows you to view a published version of a workbook (the version labeled “Published” and all tagged versions). | Provides an isolated environment in which you can customize published workbook content and perform ad hoc analysis in your own custom view *without affecting saved or shared versions of a workbook*. | Provides a draft environment with full-scope analytic functionality that allows you to edit and save an individual or collaborative analysis. | | Use case | Recommended when you need to view prepared data and insights without performing additional analysis. | Recommended when you need quick answers to specific business questions, but you don’t want your changes to affect the published version. | Recommended when you need to build reports and publish them for future use or sharing. | | Required account type permission | **View workbooks** or **Basic explore** | **Full explore** | **Create, edit, and publish workbooks** | | Required workbook access | **Can view**, **Can explore**, **Can edit**, or **Owner** | **Can explore**, **Can edit**, or **Owner** | **Can edit** or **Owner** | ## Workbook accessibility comparison The following table compares what you can do in each mode based on the workbook access that is granted to you or inherited from workspace or folder access.
View mode
(Can view)

View mode
(Can explore / Can edit)

 Explore mode
(Can explore / Can edit) 		Edit mode
(Can edit)
Update control values
Modify existing filters
Sort column data
View column details
Expand/collapse grouped rows

View aggregated underlying data
Refresh data
Create saved views
View and add comments 1
Create new filters
View and drill into unaggregated underlying data
Use drill paths ("Drill anywhere")
Format, reorder, rename, hide, freeze, and delete columns
Enter input table values 2
Download individual elements to PNG
Download individual elements to CSV, Excel, JSON, Google Sheets, or PDF 3
Send or schedule exports 4
Copy data point values
Create, edit, and delete pages
Create, edit, and delete elements
(editing encompasses properties, format, actions, columns, etc.)
Duplicate and move existing elements
Copy/paste elements
View and change element data
sources
Add and modify columns
View custom SQL logic
Edit layouts and workbook settings
View lineage
View hidden pages
Publish workbook edits

1 Requires an account type with the Can comment on workbooks permission enabled.

2 Requires the input table element's data entry permission to be set to the workbook's published version.

3 The ability to download to CSV, Excel, JSON, and PDF requires an account type with the Download or Send Now permission enabled. The ability to download to Google Sheets also requires the Export to Google Sheet permission.

4 The ability to send exports (using the Send now feature) requires an account type with the Download or Send Now permission enabled. The ability to schedule exports requires the Schedule export permission.

## Related resources * [Use a workbook in Explore mode](/docs/use-a-workbook-in-explore-mode) * [Workbook collaboration with Live Edit](/docs/workbook-collaboration-with-live-edit)