How do I 1. set up looker trial instance?

Create a free 30-day trial instance to access Looker's full features. 1. Sign in to [Google Cloud Console](https://console.cloud.google.com). 2. Navigate to the [Looker (Google Cloud core) product page](https://console.cloud.google.com/marketplace/product/google/looker-alloydb-gke-public?project=your-project). 3. Click **CREATE INSTANCE**. 4. Enter instance name, select **Standard** edition (trial), region, and public IP. 5. Enable APIs if prompted and set up OAuth. 6. Access your instance URL after creation and log in with Google account. This provides sample data and LookML project for practice.

How do I 2. complete intro to looker course?

Build foundational knowledge via official free training. 1. Go to [Google Cloud Skills Boost](https://www.cloudskillsboost.google/paths/28). 2. Enroll in **BI and Analytics with Looker** path (free with Google account). 3. Complete modules: Introduction to Looker, data exploration basics. 4. Run included labs for querying and visualization practice. Focus on Explores, fields, and basic queries.

How do I 3. build your first look?

Query and visualize sample data. 1. In Looker, go to **Explore > Z) Sample LookML > 2) Intermediate Ecommerce**. 2. Add dimensions: **Created At Date > Week** (pivot), **Shipped to Delivered Days**. 3. Add measure: **# of Order Items**. 4. Filters: **Created At Week** is in last 8 weeks, **Shipped to Delivered Days** is not null and >2. 5. Run query, select Table viz, apply conditional formatting (>200 red background). 6. Save as Look. See full details: [Build a Look Quickstart](https://docs.cloud.google.com/looker/docs/looker-core-create-look-quickstart).

How do I 4. learn lookml basics & model data?

**LookML** defines models/views. 1. Complete [Build LookML Objects](https://www.cloudskillsboost.google/course_templates/639) lab. 2. In Develop > Sample project, edit view file (e.g., order_items.view). 3. Add dimension: `dimension: ship_days { type: number sql: ${shipped_date} - ${delivered_date} ;; }` 4. Validate & save (Ctrl+S), test in Explore. 5. Generate model from connection: Admin > Database Connections > Generate LookML. Reference: [LookML Docs](https://docs.cloud.google.com/looker/docs/lookml).

How do I 5. create & share a dashboard?

Combine Looks into interactive dashboard. 1. New Dashboard from Explore (save tiles from Looks). 2. Add Look from Step 3, edit layout. 3. Add filter (e.g., date range). 4. Use sample data from Intermediate Ecommerce. 5. Share: Folders > Share, or embed. Follow [Build Dashboard Quickstart](https://docs.cloud.google.com/looker/docs/looker-core-dashboard-quickstart) (part of series). Practice advanced: [Prepare Data for Dashboards](https://www.cloudskillsboost.google/course_templates/628).

Master Looker BI Fundamentals in 5 Steps

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Instant Toolkit

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Step-by-Step Guide

1

Create a free 30-day trial instance to access Looker's full features.

Sign in to Google Cloud Console.
Navigate to the Looker (Google Cloud core) product page.
Click CREATE INSTANCE.
Enter instance name, select Standard edition (trial), region, and public IP.
Enable APIs if prompted and set up OAuth.
Access your instance URL after creation and log in with Google account.

This provides sample data and LookML project for practice.

Why this step matters:

-Provides hands-on access to real Looker environment without cost
-Enables practicing with sample ecommerce data immediately

30-60 minutes

Google Account, Web Browser, Google Cloud Console

$0

Definition of Done

•Looker instance created and accessible
•Logged into Looker IDE successfully

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Skipping billing setup (required for trial)

→Link a billing account; no charges during 30-day trial

❌ Choosing wrong edition or private IP

→Select Standard public IP for quickstart compatibility

2

Following along, or just reading? 👀

Spin up a personalized “learn Looker” plan you can save, check off, and return to anytime — unlimited on the free trial.

Start free trial →

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Suggested Videos

Getting Started with Looker: From Database to Dashboard

Master Everything in One Video! (Looker Course 2026)

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Learning Resources

📖 Online Courses

BI and Analytics with Looker

beginner

Google Cloud Skills Boost

Analyzing and Visualizing Data in Looker

beginner

Coursera (Google Cloud)

Build LookML Objects in Looker

intermediate

Google Cloud Skills Boost

📖 Recommended Books

Business Intelligence with Looker Cookbook

intermediate

by Brian McCarthy, Krista Lynd

🌐 Helpful Websites

Official Looker Documentation

documentation

Complete reference for Looker features, quickstarts, and LookML

Looker Quickstart Overview

tutorial

Series of hands-on quickstarts using sample data

Google Cloud Skills Boost Looker

courses

Free labs and courses for all levels

🛠️ Useful Tools

Looker (Google Cloud core)

BI & Analytics

Enterprise BI platform with 30-day free trial

Google Cloud Skills Boost

Learning

Free interactive labs and quests for Looker

Master Looker BI Fundamentals in 5 Steps