How to Build a Custom API Connector for Looker Studio

When no community connector exists, build your own using Google Apps Script.

When to Build

Custom internal APIs, expensive third-party connectors, or needing specific fields. For simpler cases, automate data into Google Sheets instead.

Architecture

Four required functions: getConfig() (configuration form), getSchema() (field definitions), getData() (data fetching), getAuthType() (auth method).

Development Steps

Create project at script.google.com. Add dataStudio manifest. Define schema with field names, types and semantics. Implement getData() with UrlFetchApp.fetch(). Handle pagination and errors.

Testing

Debug in Apps Script editor. Deploy as Head deployment for personal use. For production issues, see connector timeout and API limit guides. We build custom connectors — contact us.