Tour the Data Source Model Editor
Overview
Shows you the features of the Data Source Model Editor.
The Data Source Model Editor allows you to change relational and multidimensional data models to make your data more accessible. The model editor displays if you choose to customize your model in the last step in the Data Source Wizard, or if you edit the data source later by clicking Manage Data Sources, selecting a data source, and clicking the Edit icon.
When you first open the model editor, the center pane of the dialog box displays the active model. This model is organized into categories and fields that represent the tables and columns in your data.
Item | Name | Function |
---|---|---|
![]() | Available pane | Displays a list of the available tables and columns of the data source. |
![]() | Analysis / Reporting model pane | Displays the active data source model. |
![]() | Properties pane | Displays the properties associated with a selected category or field. |
Analysis Toolbar Tasks

Icon Name | Function | Definition |
---|---|---|
Add Measure | Add a measure to the model. | A measure is a property on which calculations can be made, such as a sum, count, or average. |
Add Dimension | Add a dimension to the model. | A dimension is used to provide filtering, grouping, or labeling capabilities. A dimension is related to fact data, and is typically something like a product model, color, size, geographic location, salespeople's names, or a unit of time. |
Add Hierarchy | Add hierarchies to a dimension. | Hierarchies organize data by strict ranks. |
Add Level | Add levels to a hierarchy. | A level is a set of objects within a hierarchy that have the same rank or importance. |
Add Member Property | Add custom member properties to a level. | Member properties are the attributes of a level. |
Move Up / Down | Move levels up and down in a hierarchy. | Moving levels up and down allow you to change their ranks within the hierarchy. |
Remove field | Removes a field from the model. | n/a |
Clear Model | Clears the entire model. | n/a |
Reporting Toolbar Tasks

Icon Name | Function | Definition |
---|---|---|
Add Category | Add a category to the model. | A category is a structure that contains objects that are linked. |
Add Field | Add a field to a category. | A field is the place where data is stored within a category. |
Move Up / Down | Move levels up and down in a hierarchy. | Moving levels up and down allow you to change their ranks within the hierarchy. |
Remove field | Remove a field. | n/a |
Add Member Property | Add custom member properties to a level. | Member properties are the attributes of a level. |
Clear Model | Clears the entire model. | n/a |
Data Source Model Editor Usage Tips
Creating a data source from a CSV file treats all columns as if they are in a single table, with no limitations on where measures come from or which fields can be grouped in a hierarchy.
Creating a data source from a database table for Reporting and Analysis requires you to specify a fact table. Only numeric columns from the fact table can be used as measures. Also, all levels in a single hierarchy must come from the same dimension table.