Overview
clariBI natively supports PostgreSQL and MySQL as database data sources. If your data lives in another database system such as BigQuery, Snowflake, SQL Server, or SQLite, this guide explains how to get that data into clariBI using alternative approaches.
Supported Database Types
clariBI has built-in connectors for the following databases:
| Database | Status |
|---|---|
| PostgreSQL | Fully supported -- direct connection |
| MySQL | Fully supported -- direct connection |
For setup instructions, see Connecting PostgreSQL and MySQL.
Getting Data from Other Databases
If your data is in BigQuery, Snowflake, SQL Server, MongoDB, or another unsupported database, you have two main options:
Option 1: Export to CSV or Excel and Upload
This is the simplest approach and works well for data that does not change frequently.
- Export your data from the source database as a CSV or Excel file.
- In clariBI, go to Data Sources and click Add Source. Under Direct Upload, select CSV File or Excel File.
- Upload the exported file.
- clariBI auto-detects columns and data types.
- Click Connect.
When to use this approach: - The data changes infrequently (weekly, monthly) - You need a one-time analysis - The dataset is small to medium (under your plan's file size limit)
Tips: - Schedule regular exports from your source database using a cron job or ETL tool - Re-upload updated files through the data source's Re-upload option to keep dashboards current - See Uploading CSV, Excel, and PDF Files for file format details
Option 2: Use the REST API Data Source Type
If the database you want to connect exposes a REST API (or if you have a middleware service that queries the database and returns JSON), you can use clariBI's REST API data source type.
- Set up a simple API endpoint (or use an existing one) that queries your database and returns JSON results.
- In clariBI, go to Data Sources and click Add Source. Select API as the data source type.
- Configure the endpoint URL, authentication, and response mapping.
- Set up a sync schedule to pull fresh data automatically.
When to use this approach: - You need automated, recurring data updates - You have a middleware or API layer in front of your database - The data changes frequently (daily or hourly)
See REST API Data Sources: Configuration and Authentication for detailed setup instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clariBI support BigQuery / Snowflake / SQL Server in the future?
Additional database connectors are being evaluated for future releases. If you need a specific database type, contact support@claribi.com to register your interest.
Can I connect to MongoDB?
MongoDB is not currently supported as a direct data source. Export your data as CSV/JSON and upload it, or expose it through a REST API.
What about data freshness with the CSV approach?
Re-uploading a file replaces the previous data immediately. Dashboards and reports using that data source reflect the updated data on their next load. For automated freshness, consider setting up the REST API approach with a middleware service.