Creating, Adding, and Deleting Dimensions

You can create dimensions, and add existing dimensions to new or existing models. You can now also delete dimensions.

Context

When you create a model by importing data, dimensions are created from the imported data. But when you create a new blank model, you add dimensions manually. For example, you'll need to add an Account dimension, because every model needs one account dimension.

You can also add Organization (only one), Date, or Generic dimensions, to both new and existing models.

Procedure

  1. To create and add a new dimension to a blank model or an existing model:
    1. Choose Start of the navigation path Next navigation step Add new DimensionEnd of the navigation path.
    2. Type a name for the new dimension.
    3. Choose a dimension type; for example, Account.
    4. Choose whether the new dimension will be public or private.
      For information about public and private dimensions, see Public and Private Dimensions.
    5. Select Add to add the new dimension to the model.
    6. Select the new dimension in the dimension list to see its contents and settings.

      Note that an initial # member is added to each dimension (but not the account dimension). You can't delete this member manually. For more information, see the glossary entry for “Unassigned member”.

      In the Dimension Settings panel, you can set some of the basic properties of the dimension. For detailed information, see Dimension Settings.

    7. Select to go back to the dimensions list.

      During the design stage, you can delete dimensions from the model. To delete a dimension, select its row in the dimension list, and select . Once you've saved the model and exited the design stage, you won't be able to delete dimensions.

      Note: You can also delete public dimensions that aren't being used in any models. To do this, select Start of the navigation path (Main Menu) Next navigation step  Browse Next navigation step  DimensionsEnd of the navigation path, and then on the Public Dimensions tab, select one or more dimensions and choose Delete.

  2. To add an existing dimension:
    1. Choose Start of the navigation path Next navigation step Add existing DimensionsEnd of the navigation path.
    2. Choose a dimension type; for example, Account.
    3. Select one or more dimensions.

      For the Account and Organization dimension types, you'll be able to select only one dimension.

    4. To go back and select other dimension types, select .
    5. When you've selected all the dimensions you want to add to your model, select OK.
    6. Select a dimension in the dimension list to see its contents and settings.

      In the Dimension Settings panel, you can set some of the basic properties of the dimension. For detailed information, see Dimension Settings.

    7. Select to go back to the dimensions list.

      During the design stage, you can delete dimensions from the model. To delete a dimension, select its row in the dimension list, and select . Once you've saved the model and exited the design stage, you won't be able to delete dimensions.

      Note: You can also delete public dimensions that aren't being used in any models. To do this, select Start of the navigation path (Main Menu) Next navigation step  Browse Next navigation step  DimensionsEnd of the navigation path, and then on the Public Dimensions tab, select one or more dimensions and choose Delete.

  3. To delete a dimension:
    1. Select a dimension, either in the group view or the list view, and select Delete:

      You can delete a dimension from a model, even after the model has been saved, but only if all fact data and Related Objects are deleted. You can find the Related Objects in the Details panel, on the Model Details tab. You can delete fact data using the (Delete Facts) icon in the toolbar when the model is open on the Model screen.

Related Information