Configuring Export Settings

Learn how to customize your data exports to get exactly the information you need with DataFlowed.

Understanding Export Configuration

After creating a new export and setting its schedule, you'll need to configure what data is included in the export. This page covers the general configuration options available across different data sources.

Each data source (Google Analytics, Search Console, Ads, Shopify, etc.) has its own specific configuration options, but they follow similar patterns and principles.

Common Configuration Elements

Most data exporters include these common configuration elements:

Basic Settings

Export Name: A descriptive name for your export that helps you identify it
Date Range: The time period for which data should be exported (e.g., last 7 days, last 30 days)
Append Data: Whether new data should be added to existing data or replace it

Dimensions

Dimensions are attributes of your data that you can use to organize and segment your reports.

Examples: Date, Country, Device, Campaign, Product
Each dimension adds a new sheet (tab) to your selected spreadsheet
You can typically select multiple dimensions to break down your data in different ways

Metrics

Metrics are quantitative measurements of your data.

Examples: Sessions, Conversions, Revenue, Clicks, Impressions
Each metric adds a column to your exported data
Most exporters allow you to select multiple metrics to measure different aspects of performance

Filters

Filters allow you to include only specific data in your export.

Examples: Only include traffic from specific countries, only include certain products
Filters help focus your exports on the most relevant data
Available filters vary by data source

Configuration Process

The general process for configuring an export follows these steps:

Example of an export configuration interface

Select Basic Settings: Set the export name and date range
Choose Dimensions: Select how you want to break down your data
Select Metrics: Choose what measurements you want to include
Apply Filters (if available): Narrow down the data to specific segments
Configure Data Handling: Decide whether to append or replace existing data
Save Configuration: Finalize your export settings

Configuration Best Practices

Start Simple: Begin with fewer dimensions and metrics, then expand as needed
Consider Sheet Size: Google Sheets has limits on the number of cells. Too many dimensions and metrics can lead to very large exports
Group Related Data: Create separate exports for different types of data rather than trying to include everything in one export
Use Meaningful Names: Name your exports clearly to make them easy to identify
Test Your Configuration: After setting up an export, run it once manually to verify it produces the expected results