---
title: "Physical Datasets"
slug: "physical-datasets"
updated: 2023-09-20T17:19:28Z
published: 2023-09-20T17:19:28Z
canonical: "docs.preset.io/physical-datasets"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.preset.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Physical Datasets

## Physical Datasets: Tables in your Database

A physical dataset points to a table in a [connected](/v1/docs/connecting-your-data) database.

Adding a physical dataset is a quick way to get up and running with chart creation in Preset. Simply browse to the *Datasets* screen and then select **+ Dataset**.

In the drop-down lists, select a database, schema, and a table, and then select **Add**.

That's it!

### Accessing Physical Datasets

Physical datasets are indicated by black grid icons on the *Datasets* screen and are also designated as "Physical" under the **Type** column. From here, you can manage, explore, delete, and view physical datasets just like a virtual dataset.

In the graphic below, the highlighted entry "Netflix Data" is the physical dataset.

![Physical_on_Datasets_Screen](https://cdn.document360.io/4749ddf8-aa05-4f3f-80e1-07a5d2d0f137/Images/Documentation/Physical_on_Datasets_Screen.png)

---

## Detailed Walkthrough: Add a Physical Dataset

In the Toolbar, select **Data** and then, in the drop-down menu, select **Datasets**.

![Select_Datasets1](https://cdn.document360.io/4749ddf8-aa05-4f3f-80e1-07a5d2d0f137/Images/Documentation/Select_Datasets%281%29.png)

Then select **+ Dataset**.

![Select_Plus_Dataset](https://cdn.document360.io/4749ddf8-aa05-4f3f-80e1-07a5d2d0f137/Images/Documentation/Select_Plus_Dataset.png)

The *Add dataset* window appears.

### Configure Physical Dataset

In the **Database** field, select a database. After selection, the **Schema** field will populate with all available options.

In the **Schema** field, select a schema. Likewise, after selection, the **Table** field will populate with all available options.

In the **Table** field, select a dataset.

To finalize, select **Add**.

In the graphic below, the dataset "birth_names" was added.

![Add_Dataset1](https://cdn.document360.io/4749ddf8-aa05-4f3f-80e1-07a5d2d0f137/Images/Documentation/Add_Dataset%281%29.png)

Your dataset table will now be available in the **Choose a dataset** field when [creating](/v1/docs/creating-a-chart) a chart.

In the graphic below, the newly-added dataset "birth_names" appears as an option in the **Choose a Dataset** drop-down.

![Select_Dataset_from_List1](https://cdn.document360.io/4749ddf8-aa05-4f3f-80e1-07a5d2d0f137/Images/Documentation/Select_Dataset_from_List1.png)

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## Where Do I Go From Here?

Now that you have added a physical dataset, you can proceed with [creating](/v1/docs/creating-a-chart) and [configuring](/v1/docs/advanced-configuration) a chart. Simply select your newly-created physical dataset when asked to choose a dataset.

Here are some useful articles relating to charts:

- [Creating a Chart](/v1/docs/creating-a-chart)
- [Using Preset Explore](https://docs.preset.io/docs/area-chart)
- [Chart Creation Wakthroughs](/v1/docs/chart-walkthroughs#chart-creation-walkthroughs)
- [Chart Examples](/v1/docs/chart-walkthroughs#chart-examples)