Get started with a workbook

This tutorial covers the basics of how to:

  • Create and save a new workbook
  • Rename a page that stores the base table 
  • Add the base table, connected to the sample PLUGS data source

After you complete this tutorial, you will have the workbook and data needed to follow up with other tutorials.

Requirements

  • Your user account must be a Creator or Admin.
  • Access to the PLUGS_ELECTRONICS_HANDS_ON_LAB_DATA sample data, which is available by default on Sigma.

Get started with a workbook

  1. Create and save a new workbook.
    • From your Sigma homepage, select Create new > Workbook.
      Sigma opens a new workbook for you, showing the workbook settings in the left panel. A modal prompts you to select a data source, which happens later in this tutorial, so ignore that for now.
      Tip: If you see the Upgrade to new layout button, go ahead and click it. Sigma is in the process of updating its layout functionality, so for new workbooks it is good to use the new layout. new-workbook-default-view.pngWhen you open a new workbook by default it is in Explore mode, which is meant for quick investigations that won't be saved. You'll want to save your work from this tutorial, so go ahead and save the workbook. 
    •  At the right of the menu bar, select Save as. Sigma opens the Save as modal.
      • Name the workbook "My Tutorial Workbook", or whatever you prefer, and click Save.  
  2. Rename the first page to "Data".
    Workbooks have pages that you access from tabs at the bottom left. Each page has a menu, the little triangle to the right of the title.
    • From the page menu, select Rename, or double-click on the label.
      rename-page.png
    • Enter the new name in the label area and press Return.
      rename-data-page.png
  3. Add a table element using the PLUGS sample data. 
    • On the workbook page's left panel under DATA ELEMENTS, click TABLE. Sigma opens the Select source for table panel. 
    • in the NEW tab, click TABLES AND DATASETS.
      tables-and-datasets-menu.png
    • In the Select source panel, search for "plugs".
    • Select Sigma Sample Database” > “EXAMPLES” > “PLUGS_ELECTRONICS” > “PLUGS_ELECTRONICS_HANDS_ON_LAB_DATA". 
      select-sample-data.png
    •  Keep all columns and click Select. 
      Sigma opens the data as a table on your worksheet.new-plugs-table.png
  4. Rename the table to "Base Table".
    • Double-click in the table title.
    • Enter the new title and press Return.

At this point you have a basic workbook from which to start many types of analysis. 

It is a Sigma best practice to start your workbook analysis using a base table, and create child elements from the base table. This provides maximum flexibility and control when adding filters, creating columns that are reused, or using parameters that will impact multiple elements. 

It's also a Sigma best practice to keep your data sources on a separate page than pages you intend to display as dashboards or export as reports. You can see this in practice in the example Plugs Electronics Sales Performance workbook, typically available from your Sigma Home page. 

Related resources

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