Preparing a dataset based on database data - Amazon QuickSight

Important: We've redesigned the Amazon QuickSight analysis workspace. You might encounter screenshots or procedural text that doesn't reflect the new look in the QuickSight console. We're in the process of updating screenshots and procedural text.

To find a feature or item, use the Quick search bar.

For more information on QuickSight's new look, see Introducing new analysis experience on Amazon QuickSight.

Preparing a dataset based on database data

Use the following procedure to prepare a dataset based on a query to a database. The data for this dataset can be from an AWS database data source like Amazon Athena, Amazon RDS, or Amazon Redshift, or from an external database instance. You can choose whether to import a copy of your data into SPICE, or to query the data directly.

To prepare a dataset based on a query to a database
  1. Open a database dataset for preparation by choosing one of the following options:

  2. (Optional) On the data preparation page, enter a name into the dataset name box on the application bar.

    This name defaults to the table name if you selected one before data preparation. Otherwise, it's Untitled data source.

  3. Decide how your data is selected by choosing one of the following:

    • To use a single table to provide data, choose a table or change the table selection.

      If you have a long table list in the Tables pane, you can search for a specific table by typing a search term for Search tables.

      Any table whose name contains the search term is shown. Search is case-insensitive and wildcards are not supported. Choose the cancel icon (X) to the right of the search box to return to viewing all tables.

    • To use two or more joined tables to provide data, choose two tables and join them using the join pane. You must import data into QuickSight if you choose to use joined tables. For more information about joining data using the Amazon QuickSight interface, see Joining data.

    • To use a custom SQL query to provide data in a new dataset, choose Switch to Custom SQL tool on the Tables pane. For more information, see Using SQL to customize data.

      To change the SQL query in an existing dataset, choose Edit SQL on the Fields pane to open the SQL pane and edit the query.

  4. Prepare the data by doing one or more of the following:

  5. If you aren't joining tables, choose whether to query the database directly or to import the data into SPICE by selecting either the Query or SPICE radio button. We recommend using SPICE for enhanced performance.

    If you want to use SPICE, check the SPICE indicator to see if you have enough space to import the dataset. Importing occurs when you choose either Save & visualize or Save.

    If you don't have enough space, you can remove fields from the dataset or apply a filter to decrease its size.

    Note

    The SPICE indicator doesn't update to reflect the potential savings of removing fields or filtering the data. It continues to reflect the size of the dataset as retrieved from the data source.

  6. Choose Save to save your work, or Cancel to cancel it.

    You might also see an option to Save & visualize. This option appears based on the screen you started from. If this option isn't there, you can create a new visualization by starting from the dataset screen.