Custom variables

A custom variable is a user defined variable, derived using other data variables in your system or by using data which can be imported into your system. Once created, it behaves like any other variable in Orbit, whether as a dimension on a dashboard tile or a filter on an audience.

Custom variables bring together every variable in one place, whether built directly in Orbit or created in your underlying FastStats system. If you change or delete a variable in FastStats, that change reflects in Orbit automatically.

Access custom variables¶

To open custom variables:

1. Click the Account and settings icon in the top-right corner.
2. Click Resources.

3. Select Custom Variables.

   

Manage variables¶

The list shows every custom variable in your system, split across two tabs: Custom Variables (active) and Archived.

By default, the Custom Variables tab shows the Status, Type, Used Date, Edited Date, Refreshed Date, and Created By columns.

You can:

• Search for a variable

• Sort the list by name, date created, last edited, or last refreshed, in ascending or descending order

  

• Filter the list by type, or by used, created, edited, or refreshed date

  

• Choose which columns to show

  

• View the details of a variable using the options menu, then View Details

• Select multiple variables at once to refresh, archive, or delete them together

  

Refresh a variable¶

Refresh recreates a custom variable using its original definition, picking up any changes to the underlying data since it was created. You'll see a confirmation notification once it's done.

Edit a variable¶

Use the options menu on a variable, then Edit, to reopen the dialog you created it with, pre-populated with its current settings. You'll see a confirmation notification once your changes are applied.

Archive and restore variables¶

• Archive a custom variable to remove it from the active list without permanently deleting it. You're asked to confirm before it's archived.

• Restore an archived custom variable, from the Archived tab, to bring it back.

  

Delete a variable¶

• Delete a custom variable to remove it permanently. You're asked to confirm before it's deleted, and this cannot be undone.

Permissions¶

Access works in two parts: whether you can see the Custom Variables area at all, and what you can do with an individual variable once you're there.

Accessing the Custom Variables area¶

This depends on whether permissions are switched on for your system:

Once permissions are switched on, being an admin doesn't grant access on its own — the permission must also be applied to your profile.

Working with an individual variable¶

What you can do with a specific custom variable depends on the standard FastStats permissions for that variable, not a separate Custom Variables permission:

See Permissions for more detail on setting up roles and rights.