---
title: "Create a Report With Insight Builder"
slug: "create-a-report-with-insight-builder"
description: "With Insight Builder, you can choose your own adventure and create reports by allowing you to mix metrics on the subject of your report."
updated: 2025-06-09T22:15:49Z
published: 2025-06-09T22:15:49Z
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.gladly.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Create a Report With Insight Builder

| **REQUIRED USER ROLE** Analyst | **FEATURE** [Insight Builder](https://connect.gladly.com/docs/help-documentation/article/what-is-insight-builder) | **PERMISSION OVERVIEW** [View permissions by role](https://help.gladly.com/docs/managing-users-and-roles#roles-and-responsibilities) |
| --- | --- | --- |

| **ADD-ON FEATURE** Contact [Gladly Support](https://help.gladly.com/product-docs/pages/en/contact-gladly-support-team) or your CSM (if you have a CSM) if you’d like to activate this feature. |
| --- |

Gladly provides out-of-the-box reports you can generate via the UI. Each report uses hardcoded Time Anchors and a set of metrics to produce data. With Insight Builder, you can choose your own adventure and create reports by allowing you to mix metrics on the subject of your report.

Gladly leverages [Looker Business Intelligence](https://looker.com/) (BI) solution to power the Insight Builder experience to provide an extensive list of features designed to bring the level of data clarity that you need. We'll reference Looker documentation where it's helpful so you can better understand how Insight Builder works.

Some of you may be seasoned Looker users and will feel right at home with the embedded builder experience in Gladly. If you're new to Looker, follow the steps below for step-by-step instructions on how to build a report. As a bonus, you can also use many resources to learn about Looker.

- Visit [https://www.cloudskillsboost.google/journeys/28](https://www.cloudskillsboost.google/journeys/28) to register for a free Looker training account. There, you'll find a library of lessons, help docs, and videos to help you learn how to build reports in Looker.
- We reference relevant Looker documentation, which is helpful as you follow the instructions below to build a report.
- Check out the [Insight Builder interface](https://help.gladly.com/docs/interact-with-insight-builder) overview to get to know the Insight Builder interface.

## Insight Builder steps

Below is a high-level introduction to your steps to successfully build a report.

Gladly provides out-of-the-box reports you can generate via the UI. Each report uses hardcoded Time Anchors and a set of metrics to produce data. With Insight Builder, you can choose your own adventure and create reports by allowing you to mix metrics on the subject of your report.

Gladly leverages [Looker Business Intelligence](https://looker.com/) (BI) solution to power the Insight Builder experience to provide an extensive list of features designed to bring the level of data clarity that you need. We'll reference Looker documentation where it's helpful so you can better understand how Insight Builder works.

Some of you may be seasoned Looker users and will feel right at home with the embedded builder experience in Gladly. If you're new to Looker, follow the steps below for step-by-step instructions on how to build a report. As a bonus, you can also use many resources to learn about Looker.

- Visit [https://www.cloudskillsboost.google/journeys/28](https://www.cloudskillsboost.google/journeys/28) to register for a free Looker training account. There, you'll find a library of lessons, help docs, and videos to help you learn how to build reports in Looker.
- We reference relevant Looker documentation, which is helpful as you follow the instructions below to build a report.
- Check out the [Insight Builder interface](https://help.gladly.com/docs/interact-with-insight-builder) overview to get to know the Insight Builder interface.

## Insight Builder steps

Below is a high-level introduction to your steps to successfully build a report.

![Steps to use Insight Builder for report creation and data analysis.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/7047b671-c4f2-4df0-bb0a-b9b511fd2452/Images/Documentation/insight_builder.png)

## Before you start

Before you build a report, we recommend reviewing the following information to learn how metrics and data are defined in Gladly. Knowing these can help you better understand how to combine metrics to build your report.

- [**Metrics in Detail**](https://help.gladly.com/docs/metrics-in-detail)**–** Defines and explains Gladly report metrics.
- [**Time Anchors**](https://help.gladly.com/docs/time-anchors)**–** Defines how Time Anchors work.
- [**Report Datasets for Insight Builder**](/docs/reports-datasets)**–** Describes metrics available for each dataset used in Insight Builder.

## Before you start

Before you build a report, we recommend reviewing the following information to learn how metrics and data are defined in Gladly. Knowing these can help you better understand how to combine metrics to build your report.

- [**Metrics in Detail**](https://help.gladly.com/docs/metrics-in-detail)**–** Defines and explains Gladly report metrics.
- [**Time Anchors**](https://help.gladly.com/docs/time-anchors)**–** Defines how Time Anchors work.
- [**Report Datasets for Insight Builder**](/docs/reports-datasets)**–** Describes metrics available for each dataset used in Insight Builder.

> [!WARNING]
> Difference between UI (OOTB) and Insight Builder report
> 
> Out-of-the-box reports are static, each using a specific, non-configurable Time Anchor to produce data. Building a report through Insight Builder (i.e., mix-and-matching metrics, changing Time Anchors, etc.) produces a different data output. See Report Datasets for Insight Builder for more information.

Once you understand how data is structured in Gladly, it's time to start creating your report to answer your question. Still, you may ask yourself, "What dataset should I start with?" This truly depends on what you are trying to learn, and [Report Datasets for Insight Builder](/docs/reports-datasets) should help you understand how to build a report from each dataset.

## Create a Report

[Introduction to Insight Builder Video](https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/6p7w2nfjy7?web_component=true&seo=false&videoFoam=false)

> [!CAUTION]
> Allow 'cookies' on your web browser
> 
> The Builder experience may not load or show errors if "cookies" aren't allowed. Make sure your browser allows "cookies."

Never open Insight Builder on multiple tabs to avoid the loss of workThe "Your session has been interrupted" error appears if you have Insight Builder open in multiple tabs or sessions. Do not use Insight Builder on multiple tabs to avoid this error and prevent loss of work.   
![your session interrupted error.png](https://cdn.us.document360.io/7047b671-c4f2-4df0-bb0a-b9b511fd2452/Images/Documentation/your%20session%20interrupted%20error.png)  

1. Click ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/7047b671-c4f2-4df0-bb0a-b9b511fd2452/Images/Documentation/hamburger-menu-icon(2).svg) on the top left corner of the screen.
2. Click **Reports**.
3. On the top left of the **Reports** page, click the**Create a Report** drop-down list and select the [dataset](/docs/reports-datasets) you want to build your report with.

![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/7047b671-c4f2-4df0-bb0a-b9b511fd2452/Images/Documentation/Start-a-custom-report.gif)

Proceed to build a report using a particular dataset or by selecting a Quick Start report.

### Quick Start

- **Quick Start –** Pre-configured reports designed to answer a specific question.

![Overview of contact metrics with options for analysis and field selection.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/7047b671-c4f2-4df0-bb0a-b9b511fd2452/Images/Documentation/Quick-Start-reports.png)

For example, the *Channel Mix*Quick Start in the Contact Metrics dataset is pre-configured to show you a breakdown of incoming Contacts over each Channel for the last week. You can also manipulate these reports (e.g., add/remove filters, change date filter, update metrics, etc.) to change the output. Click a Quick Start report to open the pre-configured report. Each dataset has its own set of Quick Start reports.
- **Start from a blank Builder –** If you start from scratch instead of using Quick Start, we suggest watching the short overview video to get a feel of the Insight Builder experience and how to get started building your own report from scratch.

### Insight Builder experience

1. Upon selecting a dataset, the [Insight Builder interface](https://help.gladly.com/docs/interact-with-insight-builder#insight-builder-interface-overview) opens on the right side of the screen. The dataset you chose is also visible in the top-left area of the Builder. ![Interface displaying 'Contact Events' section with options for data visualization and filters.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/7047b671-c4f2-4df0-bb0a-b9b511fd2452/Images/Documentation/dataset-explore.png)
  - The*Explore page* is a starting point for a query that builds a report exploring a particular dataset with specific metrics.
  - The Explore page opens with the dataset you selected, ready for you to start adding metric *dimensions and measures* for more details.

At this point, you're officially able to begin building the report.

### Begin building a report

> [!NOTE]
> **Looker resources**
> 
> Review Exploring data in Looker for detailed instructions on using the Looker report Builder. Note that some features mentioned in Looker documentation may not apply or are not available to Gladly's embedded Insights Builder experience.

> [!WARNING]
> Save your reports often
> 
> As you build reports, we recommend saving your progress frequently to a personal dashboard until you can share the report with your team through the Group dashboard. This ensures no work is lost if a network or platform error occurs. Do not refresh Insight Builder without saving your work first, as this could cause data to be lost.
> 
> 
> 
> ![insight builder session warning](https://cdn.us.document360.io/7047b671-c4f2-4df0-bb0a-b9b511fd2452/Images/Documentation/insight%20builder%20session%20warning.jpg)
> 
> Looker imposes a security token refresh which forces the page to refresh to create a new security token. A warning appears five minutes before a current session expiress with a reminder you to save your work to avoid losing progress.

From the blank Builder page with your chosen dataset, proceed by adding dimensions or measures found under the **All Fields** tab.

- **Dimension –** Appears as blue columns in the Builder. It's a group or bucket of data containing all the metrics available for your selected dataset.
- **Measure –** Appears as orange columns in the Builder. It's the method chosen to measure the bucket of data (dimension) selected — for example, *Count*, *Average*, *Time*. ![Data table showing order counts by date with a warning about row limits.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/7047b671-c4f2-4df0-bb0a-b9b511fd2452/Images/Documentation/dimensions-and-measures.png)

1. Click the [All Fields](https://docs.looker.com/exploring-data/exploring-data#all_fields_tab) tab. This tab is the starting place for building a report and displays all the fields you can select for a query. Event or Metric data available here tab depends on your selected dataset.
2. Select the *dimensio*ns (metrics for the selected dataset) you'd like to use and see them added to the Data area on the right side of the Builder. ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/7047b671-c4f2-4df0-bb0a-b9b511fd2452/Images/Documentation/select-dimensions.gif)
3. Select the *measure* you'd like to use and see them added to the Data area. ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/7047b671-c4f2-4df0-bb0a-b9b511fd2452/Images/Documentation/select-measures.gif)
  - The icons next to each *dimension* or *measure* provide more information about the field and indicate available options. The icons are visible when you hover over them. See [](https://docs.looker.com/exploring-data/exploring-data#field-specific_information_and_actions)[Field-specific information and actions](https://docs.looker.com/exploring-data/exploring-data#field-specific_information_and_actions) for more information on how to use this. ![Interface showing Contact ID with highlighted options A, B, and C for selection.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/7047b671-c4f2-4df0-bb0a-b9b511fd2452/Images/Documentation/hover-over-icons-for-dimensions.png)
    - **[A] Pivot icon –** Click this icon to pivot or unpivot [![](https://connect.gladly.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/green-external-link-icon.svg)](https://docs.looker.com/exploring-data/exploring-data#pivoting_dimensions) a field in a Builder. This icon will appear gray when a field is not pivoted and blue when a field is pivoted.
    - **[B] Filter icon –** Click this icon to use a *dimension* or *measure* as a [filter](https://docs.looker.com/exploring-data/filtering-and-limiting#basic_filters) or to remove them as a filter. The selected items immediately appear in the Filter section.
    - **[C] Information icon –** Click this icon to see a metric description.
4. Once you have added the desired dimensions and measures, click the [In Use](https://docs.looker.com/exploring-data/exploring-data#in_use_tab) tab to see all active fields in the Builder.
5. Next, click the **Filters** section to select filter parameters for the report. Use filters to restrict the data you're viewing to items of interest.
  - Clicking the filter icon next to a metric adds the metric to the Filter section. See [Filtering data overview](https://docs.looker.com/exploring-data/filtering-and-limiting#filtering_data_overview) to learn more about the Filter function.
  - Some datasets have default date filters in place. ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/7047b671-c4f2-4df0-bb0a-b9b511fd2452/Images/Documentation/filter-explore.gif)
  - Apply Filters as a way to aggregate data, especially if you choose to use different Time Anchor(s).
    - Click **+** to add another filter with new conditions.
    - Click **X** to remove a filter.
    - Click the **Custom Filter** box to create filters with custom conditions that might not be available with the other, simpler filter types. See [Add a custom filter](https://docs.looker.com/exploring-data/filtering-and-limiting#adding_a_custom_filter) to learn how to use this feature.
6. Click **Run** to generate the report. Results are displayed in the Data section in table format. ![Table displaying contact events with IDs, message types, and counts for automation and agents.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/7047b671-c4f2-4df0-bb0a-b9b511fd2452/Images/Documentation/Data-Results.png)

Once the report is generated in the Data section, you can pick which *visualization* type to use to better make sense of your data, create *pivots* to make large sets of information easier to consume and use *table* *calculations/formulas* as you would in a spreadsheet.

> [!NOTE]
> **Click 'Run' every time you make a change**
> 
> If you add a new column, remove a metric, change the filter, etc., you must click Run to generate updated data.

#### Filters

Filters allow you to limit the data you see. For example, you can use filters to limit the number of Contacts created in a particular Inbox for the last month. You can also design and control how non-analyst users filter reports in a dashboard. See [Set Report filter](https://help.gladly.com/docs/configure-dashboard-filters-for-non-analyst-users) for Non-Analyst Users for more information.

#### Visualization

Visualizations make consuming a large amount of data easy by utilizing visual elements like charts and tables. See the [Quick Guide](https://docs.looker.com/exploring-data/visualizing-query-results) for a short overview of how Visualizations work.

1. Select the visualization type you'd like to use to display your data from the row of visualization icons. ![Data visualization of contact events by channel and event type with counts displayed.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/7047b671-c4f2-4df0-bb0a-b9b511fd2452/Images/Documentation/visualization-options.png)
2. Each [visualization type](https://docs.looker.com/exploring-data/visualizing-query-results/visualization-types) includes different settings you can use to customize the appearance of the visualization. Click **Edit** to view these settings. ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/7047b671-c4f2-4df0-bb0a-b9b511fd2452/Images/Documentation/edit-visualization.gif)
  - See [Visualization types](https://docs.looker.com/exploring-data/visualizing-query-results/visualization-types) for detailed information on how to customize each visualization type.
  - Some visualization types may be incompatible, and you will see an error if you try using incompatible ones.

#### Forecast in visualizations

Add [data projections](https://cloud.google.com/looker/docs/forecasting-in-visualizations) to help predict and monitor specific data points.

#### Pivots

Multiple dimensions are usually easier to see when you pivot one of them horizontally. Each value in the dimension becomes a column, making the information easier to consume visually and reducing the need to scroll down to find data. Looker supports up to 200 pivoted values.

See [Pivoting dimensions](https://docs.looker.com/exploring-data/exploring-data#pivoting_dimensions) to learn how to use the pivot feature.

#### Totals

Click **Totals** to see the total value of a *measure.* For example, to see the total number of *Conversation Metrics Conversation Created*, click **Totals** to expose a *Total* row.

![Table displaying conversation metrics with highlighted conversation IDs and totals.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/7047b671-c4f2-4df0-bb0a-b9b511fd2452/Images/Documentation/totals-data-insights.png)

- Having a *Row Limit* reduces your number of rows, but the total would remain the same, although you may see a warning that you may be viewing incomplete data.

#### Row Limit

Set a row limit to limit the number of rows visible. Looker warns you might be hiding data if you set the row limit too low. Sort order is important here since Looker first applies the sort and then the limit. For example, if you only want to see the top 10 Topics daily, ensure you're sorting by day.

![Table displaying conversation metrics with highlighted row limit and conversation IDs.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/7047b671-c4f2-4df0-bb0a-b9b511fd2452/Images/Documentation/row-limit-data-insights.png)

- **Note –**You must have a row limit applied if you plan on downloading a report.

#### Calculations

Table calculations make it easy to create ad-hoc metrics. They are similar to formulas that are found in spreadsheet tools like Excel.

![Table displaying contact metrics with highlighted calculations section for data analysis.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/7047b671-c4f2-4df0-bb0a-b9b511fd2452/Images/Documentation/calculation-options-insight-builder.png)

When used, table calculations appear as green columns in the Data table rather than as blue columns (dimensions) or orange columns (measures).

![Table displaying aircraft accident statistics by category and country, highlighting accident reports.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/7047b671-c4f2-4df0-bb0a-b9b511fd2452/Images/Documentation/table-calculations.png)

Use table calculations to perform mathematical, logical (true/false), lexical (text-based), and date-based calculations on the dimensions, measures, and other table calculations in your query. The formulas that you use to execute these calculations are called Looker expressions. See [Using table calculations](https://docs.looker.com/exploring-data/using-table-calculations) for a deeper look at how this works.

- See [Looker functions and operations](https://docs.looker.com/exploring-data/creating-looker-expressions/looker-functions-and-operators) to learn more about functions and operators.

Once you're happy with what you have, download the report, save it on your personal dashboard, or save it as part of a shared dashboard.

#### Custom fields

Add Custom Dimensions, Custom Measure, or Table Calculation as[custom fields](https://cloud.google.com/looker/docs/custom-fields) on top of fields available in Insight Builder, allowing you to create ad hoc *dimensions* and *measures*.![Menu options for custom fields, metrics, and calculations in a data analysis tool.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/7047b671-c4f2-4df0-bb0a-b9b511fd2452/Images/Documentation/insight-builder-custom-fields.png)

## Download report

Download reports in formats like CSV, TXT, HTML, and even JSON that you can use to send to other users outside of your organization (or if they don't have access to Gladly). You can even use downloaded reports to feed into other analytics tools you have. See [Downloading content](https://cloud.google.com/looker/docs/downloading) to learn more.

## Name and save report to a dashboard

A [dashboard](https://help.gladly.com/docs/interact-with-insight-builder#dashboard-experience) can house one or a collection of reports where similar or related reports can be stored for access. Think of dashboards as a way to organize and create themes around reports. Each report appears as a [tile](https://help.gladly.com/docs/interact-with-insight-builder#tile) in the dashboard.

![Daily trends showing inbound contacts, discussion time, payments collected, and service levels.](https://cdn.us.document360.io/7047b671-c4f2-4df0-bb0a-b9b511fd2452/Images/Documentation/report-collection-dashboard.png)

### Save report to a p**ersonal dashboard**

Only the Analyst that created the report can access a report they built and saved in their personal dashboard.

**Create a new personal dashboard**

1. Click ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/7047b671-c4f2-4df0-bb0a-b9b511fd2452/Images/Documentation/gear-icon-in-IB.svg) on the top right corner of the Builder, click **Save**, then click **As a new dashboard**.
2. From the **Save as a new dashboard** screen, in the **Settings**tab, enter a title for your new dashboard.
3. From the *Folder* section, select **Embed User.**
  - **Note –**Select the alphanumeric ID (this is your Org ID) to save and create the report as a new dashboard instead. The dashboard and report inherit the title but can be changed anytime.
4. Click the **Filters tab,** which shows the filters used in the report you are saving for the first time. These become the default dashboard filter for all reports added to the dashboard.
5. Click **Save**.

The report is now saved in a new personal dashboard.

**Save report to an existing personal dashboard**

1. Click on the top right corner of the Builder, click **Save**, then click **To an existing dashboard**.
2. From the **Add to a Dashboard** screen, click **Personal** on the left side of the window, select the existing dashboard's name from the list, and then click **Save to Dashboard**.
  - **Note –** If you decide to create a new dashboard instead, click **New Dashboard** first, enter the dashboard name, then click **Save to Dashboard**.

The report is now saved in an existing personal dashboard.

### Save report to a Group **dashboard**

Save reports in a Group dashboard so Administrators, Team Managers, and other Analysts can view them. Reports saved in a group dashboard are found in the **Shared** category on the left side of the Reports page.

**Save to a new group dashboard**

1. Click ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/7047b671-c4f2-4df0-bb0a-b9b511fd2452/Images/Documentation/gear-icon-in-IB.svg) on the top right corner of the Builder, click **Save**, then click **As a new dashboard**.
2. From the **Save as a new dashboard** screen, in the **Settings**tab, enter a title for your new dashboard.
3. From the *Folder* section, select the alphanumeric ID (this is your Org ID).
  - **Note –**Select **Embed User** to save and create the report as a new personal dashboard instead. The dashboard and report inherit the title but can be changed anytime.
4. Click the **Filters** tab, which shows the filters used in the report you are saving for the first time. Non-analyst users viewing the dashboard can [apply the filters](https://help.gladly.com/docs/insight-builder-features-for-non-analysts#apply-filters) you select here to update the report when viewing the dashboard.
  - **Note –** Future reports you add to this dashboard inherit the filter you apply.
5. Click **Save**.

The shared dashboard is created by inheriting the report's name, but the dashboard name and the reports it contains can be [renamed](https://help.gladly.com/docs/view-edit-and-delete-shared-or-personal-dashboards#rename-report-or-dashboard) at any time.

**Save report to an existing group dashboard**

1. Click ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/7047b671-c4f2-4df0-bb0a-b9b511fd2452/Images/Documentation/gear-icon-in-IB.svg) on the top right corner of the Builder, click **Save**, then click **To an existing dashboard**.
2. From the **Add to a Dashboard** screen, click **Group** on the left side of the window.
3. Select the existing Group dashboard where you'd like to save the report, then click **Save to Dashboard**.
  - **Note –** If you create a new group dashboard instead, click New Dashboard first, enter the dashboard name, and then click **Save to Dashboard**.

The report is now saved in an existing shared dashboard.