How do I build a custom child dataset?

Custom child datasets let Impact Hub Authors build report-specific datasets from an existing parent dataset. You can add calculated fields, apply filters, and join additional datasets — all without changing the original parent dataset. This article walks through creating a child dataset, opening it for editing, and using it in a report.

Before you begin

Keep these things in mind before building a custom child dataset:

• You must be signed in as an Impact Hub Author or Author Pro user to create and edit custom child datasets.
• To open the full dataset editor, the child dataset must be attached to a report.
• Custom child datasets are meant to give you flexibility for specific reporting needs without affecting the original parent dataset.
• After editing a child dataset, review your report visuals and filters to confirm everything renders as expected.

How to build and edit a custom child dataset

Step 1: Open Data sets in Builder

1. Go to Builder.
2. Open the Data sets tab.
3. Select Create data set in the top right.

Step 2: Configure the child dataset

1. In the Create data set modal, enter a name for your dataset.
2. Select the data source and the parent dataset this child dataset will be based on.
3. Select Save.

Step 3: Open the dataset details or start a report

After the dataset is created, you can:

• Open the dataset details page to review the dataset before using it, or
• Select Create report from the dataset list to immediately use this dataset in Builder.

Step 4: Open the Edit dataset workflow from a report

The full dataset editor is only available from within a report. To open it:

1. Open a report that uses the child dataset.
2. In the report, go to Data > Datasets.
3. In Datasets in this analysis, open the menu next to the dataset and select Edit.

Step 5: Confirm you're in the Edit dataset experience

The Edit dataset workspace opens, where you can manage field logic and dataset structure. Confirm you see the dataset name in the workspace header before making changes.

Step 6: Add calculations or filters

Use the editor to add calculated fields and filters to shape the dataset for your reporting needs. Changes apply only to this child dataset — the parent dataset is not affected.

Step 7: Join additional datasets when needed

If your report requires data from more than one dataset:

1. Open the join workflow in the dataset editor.
2. Select the additional dataset and define your join conditions.
3. Validate the result before saving your changes.

Troubleshooting

Before you start, confirm the following:

• Are you signed in as an Author or Author Pro user? Only Authors and Author Pros can create and edit custom child datasets.
• Does the parent dataset include all the fields you need? Review the parent dataset before creating the child dataset to avoid rework.
• Is the child dataset attached to a report? The Edit dataset workflow is only available from within a report — you can't access the full editor from the dataset details page alone.

After editing, verify the following:

• Do visuals and filters render correctly after your dataset edits? If something looks off, review your calculated fields and filter logic.
• If you added joins, are row counts and expected records correct? Incorrect join conditions can produce duplicate or missing rows — confirm your join type and key fields.
• Have you saved and reopened the report to confirm your changes persist? Some changes may not be visible until the report is refreshed.

What else do you need help with?

• What is the Impact Hub Builder workspace?

• How do I add and manage datasets in an Impact Hub report?

• How do I create custom calculations in Impact Hub reports?

• How do I enable SPICE acceleration on datasets?

• How do I use URL actions to link to Apricot in Impact Hub reports?

How do I create a custom child dataset in Impact Hub? | What is a child dataset in Impact Hub? | How do I add calculated fields to a dataset in Impact Hub? | How do I edit a child dataset in an Impact Hub report? | Can I join multiple datasets in Impact Hub? | Will editing a child dataset change the parent dataset in Impact Hub? | Why can't I access the dataset editor outside of a report in Impact Hub?

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