Create Reports from Dropbox Data in Looker Studio

Looker Studio (formerly Google Data Studio) allows you to create branded reports with data visualizations to share with your clients. When paired with CData Connect Server, you get instant access to Dropbox data for visualizations, dashboards, and more. This article shows how to create a virtual database for Dropbox and build reports from Dropbox data in Looker Studio.

CData Connect Server provides a pure MySQL interface for Dropbox, allowing you to easily build reports from live Dropbox data in Looker Studio — without replicating the data. As you build visualizations, Looker Studio generates queries to gather data. Using optimized data processing out of the box, CData Connect Server pushes all supported query operations (filters, JOINs, etc) directly to Dropbox, leveraging server-side processing to quickly return Dropbox data.

Connect to Dropbox from Connect Server

CData Connect Server uses a straightforward, point-and-click interface to connect to data sources and generate APIs.

1. Log into Connect Server and click Connections.
2. Select "Dropbox" from Available Data Sources.
3. Dropbox uses OAuth to authenticate. Click Connect to authenticate with Dropbox.
4. Click Privileges -> Add and add the new user (or an existing user) with the appropriate permissions.

With the virtual database created, you are ready to connect to Dropbox data from Looker Studio.

Visualize Live Dropbox Data in Looker Studio

The steps below outline connecting to CData Connect Server from Looker Studio to create a new Dropbox data source and build a simple visualization from the data.

1. Log into Looker Studio, click data sources, create a new data source, and choose CData Connect Server Connector.
2. Authorize the Connector to connect to an external service (your Connect Server instance).
3. Use your instance name (myinstance in CONNECT_SERVER_URL), username, and password to connect to your Connect Server instance.
   • Username: myinstance/username
   • Password: your Connect Server password
4. Select a Database (e.g. Dropbox1) and click Next.
5. Select a Table (e.g. Files) and click Next.
6. Click Connect.
7. If needed, modify columns, click Create Report, and add the data source to the report.
8. Select a visualization style and add it to the report.
9. Select Dimensions and Measures to customize your visualization.

Optional: Connect with the MySQL Connector

If you need to work with data from a custom SQL query, you can use the MySQL Connector. Connect using the server information for your Connect Server instance (server address, port, username, and password).

SQL Access to Dropbox Data from Applications

Now you have a direct connection to live Dropbox data from your Looker Studio workbook. You can create more data sources and new visualizations, build reports, and more — all without replicating Dropbox data.

Try CData Connect Server and get SQL data access to 200+ SaaS, Big Data, and NoSQL sources directly from your applications.