Google Data Studio (Looker Studio)
Google Data Studio previously named Looker Studio is a flexible, cloud‑based reporting tool that turns your data into clear, interactive dashboards.
At Select Distinct, we help organisations get the most out of it by building reports that are simple to use, easy to maintain, and tailored to your business.
With its drag‑and‑drop interface and wide range of data connectors (including Google Analytics, Google Ads, Google Sheets and many others), Data Studio is ideal for creating professional, shareable dashboards that support day‑to‑day decision‑making.
What is Google Data Studio
One of the key benefits of Data Studio is its flexibility.
Data Studio provides a wide range of data visualization options. These include bar charts, line charts, tables, and maps, as well as the ability to customize colours, fonts, and styles.
Reports can be shared with others by providing a link or embedding them in a website or blog.
Data Studio also provides collaboration features. Allowing many users to work on the same report and providing real-time commenting and sharing capabilities. It is easy to use and flexible. It is a valuable tool for businesses and organizations looking to create and share data-driven insights.
Summary
Data Studio is an online data visualization tool. It helps users convert data into informative reports and interactive dashboards.
It is a powerful tool that allows users to connect to many data sources,. These include Google Analytics, Google Ads, Google Search Console and more. You can customize and format your reports, and control and filter your data. There are also advanced formulas such as calculated metrics and calculated fields.
The platform also offers dynamic controls, drill-down hierarchies, optional metrics, and custom bookmarks. Providing users with an advanced and interactive reporting solution.
Access the free tool from Google via the link below.
Please note that as of April 2026, Google has reverted the product name from Looker Studio back to Google Data Studio, reversing the rebranding decision made in October 2022.
Google Data Studio Consulting
If you are looking for consultancy services for Data Studio to get the best out of this great tool then get in touch
From dashboard building to remote mentoring we are well placed to support you
Helping You Get The Best From Google Data Studio
Contact us to discuss your needs and we’ll help you turn your data into clear, meaningful insights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Data Studio still free to use?
Yes. The standard version of Google Data Studio remains a free tool for individuals and businesses. Google also offers Data Studio Pro, a paid tier designed for larger organisations that require enhanced administrative controls, team workspaces, and enterprise-level support.
Why did the name change back from Looker Studio?
Google reintroduced the Data Studio name in early 2026 to clarify their product lineup. Data Studio is positioned as the primary tool for agile, self-service reporting and ad-hoc visualisation, while Looker remains the separate, governed enterprise platform for complex data modelling (LookML)
Can I blend data from different sources in Data Studio?
Yes. Data Studio allows you to perform Data Blending, which lets you combine up to five different data sources (like Google Ads and Facebook Ads) into a single chart or table. This is done by using a "join key," such as a date or a specific Campaign ID, to link the datasets together.
How does Data Studio handle security and sharing?
Data Studio uses the same robust security framework as Google Workspace. You can share reports with specific individuals or groups, set "view-only" or "edit" permissions, and even restrict the ability for viewers to download or export the data. All data is encrypted both in transit and at rest.
Can I use AI to help build my dashboards?
Yes, with the 2026 update, Google integrated Gemini in Data Studio. You can now use conversational prompts to ask questions about your data, automatically generate charts, and even write complex calculated field formulas simply by describing what you want to achieve.