---
title: "Datasets are a Semantic Layer for Self-Service Data Access in Board"
slug: "datasets"
description: "Learn what Datasets are in Board, how Developers define them via the Dataset Catalog or Layouts, and how they support Foresight workflows and the M365 Excel Add-in."
tags: ["Developer", "Dataset", "Design Mode", "Layout Editor", "Layout"]
updated: 2026-02-17T09:40:59Z
published: 2026-02-17T09:40:59Z
canonical: "help.board.com/datasets"
---

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

# Datasets

> [!CAUTION]
> 💡 Datasets is not available in versions 14.3 and earlier, and will be made available as an add-on with Board Foresight in 14.4.

A Dataset is a semantic layer of data used to enhance self-service capabilities and improve the user experience across the Board ecosystem. Designed for business-centric and purpose-specific data access, Datasets enable developers to define a semantic layer that allows users to interact with data without needing to construct and understand the underlying Data Model.

This articles covers:

- [About Datasets](/v14/docs/datasets#about-datasets)
- [The Dataset Catalog](/v14/docs/datasets#the-dataset-catalog)
- [How to Create a Dataset](/v14/docs/datasets#how-to-create-a-dataset)
- [Using Datasets in Board](/v14/docs/datasets#using-datasets-in-board)

### About Datasets

The Dataset Object enables the developer to create a semantic layer of data on top of the Layout Editor. The purpose of a Dataset is to enable the sharing of specific data with [other Board Functionalities](/v14/docs/datasets#using-datasets-in-board).

Datasets allow developers to:

- Create structured, purpose-built queries
- Empower business users with self-service data exploration
- Reuse existing screen layouts as datasets

Currently, Datasets are bound to the Board engine and rely on internal queries.

> [!NOTE]
> Before creating a Dataset, ensure a Data Model with Cubes, Entities, and Data Readers exists.

### The Dataset Catalog

In the Data Model area, a tile is available to manage Datasets.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/8d6f1ae8-0cac-4d0d-a208-6245b83df94a/Images/Documentation/Group 37.png)

Once inside the Datasets tile, a Data Catalog for the Data Model will be visible. From this panel you can:

1. Create a new Dataset
2. Select and edit or delete an existing Dataset
3. Search or filter the list of available Datasets

![Dataset catalog interface showing 'Sales by Product' and search options.](https://cdn.document360.io/8d6f1ae8-0cac-4d0d-a208-6245b83df94a/Images/Documentation/Group 72.png)

#### **Dataset Properties**

Each Dataset includes the following metadata:

- **Name**. Shown in Foresight.
- **Description**. Developer-defined explanation of the dataset.
- **Data Model**. Identifies the associated Data Model.
- **Created by**. Developer’s username in Board.
- **Last Update / Creation Date**. Timestamps.
- **Dataset for AI**. Enabled for datasets used by Board AI Agents.

### How to Create a Dataset

You can create Dataset in Board using the Dataset Catalog.

> [!NOTE]
> Only users with a Developer license can create datasets.

To create a Dataset, follow these steps:

1. Access the [Dataset Catalog](/v14/docs/datasets#the-dataset-catalog).
2. Click on the plus icon situated on top of the Dataset Catalog. ![Navigation menu showing Data Models and Dataset Catalog options for data management.](https://cdn.document360.io/8d6f1ae8-0cac-4d0d-a208-6245b83df94a/Images/Documentation/Group 73.png)
3. Define all the [Dataset properties](/v14/docs/datasets#dataset-properties) on the "New Dataset" pane.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/8d6f1ae8-0cac-4d0d-a208-6245b83df94a/Images/Documentation/image(325).png)
4. Click "CREATE".

> [!NOTE]
> Once created the Dataset can be edited or deleted from the Catalog window.

### **Using Datasets in Board**

Datasets are not visible in Capsules or Screen Objects. All interactions that make use of the Dataset Object happen through other functionalities in Board.

#### Board Foresight

The purpose of a Dataset in Board Foresight is to enable the sharing of specific data with Foresight to enable the user to create a forecast which will then be returned to Board, automatically stored in a Cube and made available for the Developer to add to Screens.

- Enables secure, structured data sharing with Foresight.
- Forecasts are generated in Foresight, returned to Board, and stored in Cubes.
- Data Models are abstracted from the API interface.