Convert between Facts and Attributes

Whenever needed, you can change the type of an object within your dataset: convert a fact into an attribute, or an attribute into a fact.

Side-by-side comparison of a dataset transformation in the Logical Data Model editor. On the left, the Customers dataset shows Age marked with an attribute icon. On the right, Age is marked with a fact icon.

Warning

Converting a fact or an attribute that is used in a metric, visualization, or dashboard will drop the relationships between this fact/attribute and the metric/visualization/dashboard where it is used. This may result in you permanently losing the metrics/visualization/dashboards in your workspace. You may convert your fact or attribute to its original state, but the metrics/visualizations/dashboards that were affected by the original conversion will not be restored.

The steps below describe how to convert an attribute into a fact, but you can use them to convert a fact into an attribute in the same way.

Steps:

  1. In the Data tab, switch to Edit mode.

  2. Locate your dataset and click on the attribute you want to convert into a fact.

    A button with three dots appears.

  3. Click the button and select Convert to Fact.

    Dataset with the ellipsis button highlighted to the right of the Price attribute. Clicking it opens a dropdown menu. The Convert to Fact option is highlighted in the dropdown menu.

    A dialog appears with a warning about the consequences of your change.

  4. Click Convert.

    The attribute appears as a fact now.

    Dataset showing the attribute now converted into a fact. The attribute icon has been replaced with a fact icon to reflect the change.
  5. Ensure the newly converted fact is correctly mapped onto the appropriate source column in your database. On the dataset click More …, select View details, switch to the Data mapping tab and make changes if required.

    Failing to map the converted fact to be in line with your database may result in the breaking of metrics and visualizations where this fact is used.

  6. Click Save to apply your changes.