ThoughtSpot’s search functionality simplifies data exploration by turning natural language queries into instant insights. To support this, the platform is built specifically for business users. It enables anyone - regardless of technical skill - to query data, uncover trends, and create visualisations using just a few keywords.
As a result, as a business user, you probably often need to look at how data changes over time, compare values, see contributions, or check out the top and bottom rankings. Rather than creating separate objects for each of these tasks, you can just add a few simple keywords to your searches.
In our previous blog we spoke about How to use Spotter its ability to interpret natural language intent and provide insightful answers like a new analyst in your team.
This article breaks down the key features and steps to master ThoughtSpot’s search capabilities.
Getting Started with ThoughtSpot’s Search
ThoughtSpot’s search experience starts with the Insights Canvas - your central workspace for exploring and analysing data through natural language queries. This is where users can begin asking questions directly, without needing to build reports or dashboards in advance.
Before diving into a query, the Data Source Selector lets you choose the dataset you'd like to explore. This ensures you're working with the right context from the very beginning. Whether you're analysing sales data, customer feedback, or operational metrics, selecting the correct dataset is a crucial first step in generating meaningful insights.
Once you've selected your data source, you’ll see a field list, which is thoughtfully organised to help you navigate large datasets with ease. Fields are colour-coded for clarity:
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Green indicates measures (like revenue, quantity, or profit)
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Blue represents attributes (such as region, product category, or customer segment)
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Purple highlights date fields (like order date or signup date)
This visual structure helps users quickly locate the dimensions and metrics relevant to their analysis. Instead of scrolling through a long list of technical field names, you can immediately recognise and select what you need—whether you're a business user or a data analyst.
Searching and Filtering Data
When you're diving into your data, the search bar is your best friend. Here's how to make the most of it:
- Start Typing: Enter a keyword, and ThoughtSpot will automatically suggest matching fields based on your dataset.
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Popular Fields: Toggle on the “Popular” option to quickly view the most frequently used fields in your data.
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Metadata Preview: Click on any field to preview key details - such as its type, description, and where it’s used across your data environment.
Creating Visualisations
In ThoughtSpot, creating charts is a user-friendly process that brings data to life.
It starts with selecting the relevant fields for analysis and running a query to view the results. ThoughtSpot automatically suggests the most appropriate chart type based on the data. That helps users get started quickly, without requiring manual configuration.
However, flexibility is key. Users can easily switch to other chart types or adjust settings to better fit the context of their analysis. Additionally, filters can be applied directly within the search bar, making it easy to drill down and focus on the most relevant data.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the process:
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Select Fields: Identify the key measures and attributes you want to analyse.
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Run Queries: Generate visualisations instantly using ThoughtSpot’s smart chart suggestions.
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Customise Visualisations: Tailor the visual output by changing chart types, adjusting settings, or reordering fields.
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Apply Filters: Narrow your focus by adding filters directly into the search bar for real-time refinement.
This process enables users to explore data dynamically, uncover insights, and tailor visualisations to communicate their findings effectively.
Using Keywords for Advanced Search in ThoughtSpot
ThoughtSpot’s keyword-based search makes it easy to run complex queries - without needing to write advanced formulas. With just a few intuitive terms, you can uncover deeper insights and perform sophisticated analysis. Here are some of the most powerful keywords you can use:
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Top/Bottom: Quickly identify rankings. For example, typing “Top 10” will return the top 10 items based on your chosen measure.
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Sort: Use commands like “Sort by sales ascending” to reorder data based on any metric.
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Date Ranges: Filter data by time with phrases like “This Year”, “Last Year”, or “Last 30 days.”
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Comparisons: Run time-based comparisons by entering “This Year vs Last Year” to view changes across periods.
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Growth: Type “Growth of quantity purchased by date monthly” to calculate and display percentage growth trends.
nce you’ve completed your analysis, you can save the results as standalone Answers or pin them to Liveboards for quick access and reuse. To encourage collaboration, you can also add descriptions to your insights and manage sharing settings within your ThoughtSpot cluster.
Additionally, ThoughtSpot makes it easy to export findings in multiple formats—including PDF, PNG, or CSV—so you can bring your insights into presentations, reports, or external workflows.
Summary: Building a Foundation for Self-Serve Analytics
ThoughtSpot turns everyday business users into confident data explorers. By combining natural language search with smart visualisation tools and powerful keyword capabilities, the platform makes it easy to ask questions, uncover insights, and share findings—no technical expertise required.
From building simple queries to performing advanced comparisons and growth analysis, users can therefore generate meaningful, real-time insights in just a few clicks. Whether you're creating dashboards, analysing performance, or exploring trends, ultimately mastering ThoughtSpot’s search functionality lays the foundation for a truly self-service analytics culture.
Speak with the Xperts
At 7Dxperts, we specialise in uncovering the full potential of ThoughtSpot and the modern data stack. Our expertise spans across the most advanced data technologies, including:
- Accelerators for ThoughtSpot: Check out our Dbx2Spot and Snow2Spot solutions to fast-track your ThoughtSpot implementation and make Spotter more accurate .
- Geospatial Analytics: Unlock insights with geospatial data using our Map2Spot accelerator, designed for platforms like #Databricks, #Snowflake, #BigQueryand #Redshift.
- Data Readiness Expertise: We will support you through modernisation, augment with your organisation with a view to handover and partner as advisors over a longer period of time.
Whether you’re just getting started with ThoughtSpot or looking to optimise your analytics strategy, 7Dxperts is here to help you achieve your goals faster and more efficiently.
