Create Freeform SQL Reports

Starting in Strategy (October 2026) you can browse and map existing freeform SQL objects, including attributes and metrics, directly to SQL query columns. You can also copy and paste freeform SQL statements that contain prompts, conditions, and security filters between freeform SQL editors while preserving the definitions of those objects.

Strategy (July 2026) updates the privileges required to create and use freeform SQL reports.

Starting in Strategy One (June 2026), you can create Freeform SQL reports in Strategy Library.

Starting in Strategy One (December 2025), you can add security filters to Freeform SQL reports.

MicroStrategy 2021 Update 7 introduced the ability to create Freeform SQL reports as a preview feature. Starting in the MicroStrategy 2021 Update 8, this feature is shipped out-of-the-box.

Freeform SQL reports require you to first define a valid SQL statement. You must also map objects to the data returned by your SQL statement. Once these tasks are complete, you can begin reporting and analyzing the data returned from your SQL statement with the Report Editor. SQL reports that you create and edit in Workstation can also be run in Library.

Prerequisites

  • If you are using Strategy (July 2026) or later, see Freeform SQL Privileges for a list of required privileges.

  • To create or edit Freeform SQL reports you must at least have the following privileges:

    • Use Freeform SQL Editor

    • Use Design Mode

    • Create Schema Objects

Create Freeform SQL Reports

  1. Open the Workstation window.

  2. Choose File > New Freeform SQL Report.

  3. Select the Data Source from the top left drop-down list.

  4. Open the Data Catalog tab and click Connect.

  5. Enter your SQL statement in the SQL Editor. You can browse through objects on the Data Catalog tab and drop them into the editor.

  6. Click Execute SQL. A preview of your query results displays under Table Preview below the SQL editor.

  7. Map the columns from your SQL statement to report objects in the Mapping tab located at the bottom.

    To generate column list click Update columns by Executing SQL to send the query to the data source for a more accurate definition or Parsing SQL to simply use the statement typed in the editor.

  8. Search in Schema Objectsto map the column to an existing project object.

  9. Starting in Strategy (October 2026), Search in Freeform Objects to map the column to an existing freeform object.

  10. Search for objects under Objects tab in the menu on the left, and then drag and drop them in the mapping pane

  11. Create your own objects and define the Data Format.

  12. Click Save and Open Report .

  13. The Report Editor opens so you can create the grid view based on your query results. You can perform actions available for regular reports such as modifying the format, viewing the SQL, changing advanced properties, and more. The main difference is that the Object Browser only displays the elements defined by your mapping.

Adding Security Filters

You can add security filters to your Freeform SQL reports.

  1. Open the Workstation window.

  2. Choose File > New Freeform SQL Report.

  3. Click Insert Security Filters in the top right.

  4. Map the relevant attributes and click Apply.