Hubviz data sources: connection types and where to use them

Every analysis in Hubviz starts with a connection: it says where the data is and how to reach it. Each connection feeds one or more cubes. This page shows the connection types, the differences between the installed app and the browser, and where connections are kept.

Connection types

Type	What it reads	Who fetches the data	Guide
Database	SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, OracleDB, Firebird, SAP HANA and ODBC, with a SQL query	Hubviz, at the scheduled time	Databases
API	Systems with a REST API that answers in JSON	Hubviz, at the scheduled time	REST API
Local File	Excel spreadsheets (.xlsx) and CSV files	Hubviz, from the file	Excel and CSV
Google Sheets	Google Drive spreadsheets, one sheet per cube	Hubviz, at the scheduled time	Google Sheets
Webhook	JSON data that another system sends	Your system, whenever it wants	Webhook

The type is the first choice when you create a cube:

Which type to pick

• The data is in your company’s own system, with a SQL database: database. It is the most complete path: you join tables and filter in the query.
• The system is in the cloud (CRM, online ERP, ad platform) and has an API: REST API.
• The system has no API but fires notifications (webhooks): webhook.
• The data is in a spreadsheet: Google Sheets if it is shared in Drive, Excel and CSV if it is a file.

Installed app vs browser

Hubviz Studio runs installed on your computer or in the browser. The difference is who reaches the data source.

Type	Installed Hubviz Studio	Hubviz Studio in the browser
Database	The connection leaves from your computer. It reaches databases on the company network.	The connection leaves from the Hubviz servers. The database must accept connections from the internet.
ODBC	Lists the DSNs configured on your computer.	Asks for the name of a DSN configured on the server that runs the Hubviz API. It does not read the DSNs on your computer.
Excel and CSV	Reads the file straight from your computer.	Uploads a copy of the file. If the spreadsheet changes, upload it again.
REST API, Google Sheets and Webhook	Work the same in both.	Work the same in both.
Automatic refresh	Can run on this computer or in the cloud.	Cloud only.

Where the connection is kept

When you create or edit a connection, pick the Storage at the top of the window.

Option	Where it lives	Who sees it	Cloud refresh
Local (default)	On this computer only. In the browser, in this browser only.	Only you, on this device.	No
Cloud	In the Hubviz cloud.	You and whoever you pick in Profile access.	Yes

Where to create and edit connections

• When creating a cube: in Cubes, click +, then Create Manually, pick the type and click Create New Connection. To change an existing connection, select it and click Edit Connection.
• From the top menu: open Data Sources. The screen lists every connection available to you.

On the Data Sources screen	What it does
Add new connection	Creates a connection without creating a cube.
Scope	All shows every connection. Highlight this project highlights the ones used by the project picked in Focus project. This project only shows only those.
Include ODBC Configurations	Makes the ODBC option appear in the database type. See ODBC.
Export JSON and Import JSON	Copy connections between computers, in a JSON file.
Icon next to the name	A computer for a local connection, a cloud for a cloud connection.
Actions	Edit, Delete and Test Authentication.

A connection can serve several cubes. If the database password changes, edit the connection once and every cube that uses it switches to the new password.

Example: Aurora’s connections

Connection	Type	Storage	Cubes
Aurora ERP (SQL Server)	Database	Local: the server only exists on the internal network	Sales, Inventory
Aurora CRM	API	Cloud: refreshes overnight, with no computer on	Opportunities
Sales targets 2026	Google Sheets	Cloud	Targets
Online store orders	Webhook	Cloud	Orders

Once connected, move on to Cube fields and Measures.