Google Analytics 4 (GA4) new and updated interface offers numerous opportunities for users to analyze and measure their website and app data effectively. Understanding the navigation choices will allow you to easily access and use the different features and reports provided by GA4. This article will walk you through the essential features you need to know and tour the GA4 interface to find exactly what you need. We will help you get familiar with the GA4 interface, navigate the platform effortlessly, and help you make the most of your analytics data!
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Main GA4 Navigation Sections
Home
Overview dashboard of all GA4 reports
Less frequently used but good for quick glances
Reports ⭐
The heart of GA4
Contains all standard analytics reports
Most frequently used section
Where you'll find traffic, user, and conversion data
Explore
Create custom reports including:
Free-form reports
Funnel exploration
Path exploration
Segment overlap analysis
Advertising
Focus on conversion attribution
Access 'Conversion paths' to track:
Path length
Time lag
Attribution modeling
Essential GA4 Report Features
1. Dimension Controls
Use the dropdown menu in the first column
Easily switch between different data views
Example: Change from 'session default channel group' to other dimensions in Traffic Acquisition
2. Search Functionality
Quick search bar for finding specific data
Search any term (e.g., 'organic') to filter relevant results
Helps navigate large datasets efficiently
3. Date Range Options
Select custom date ranges
Compare two different time periods
View performance indicators between periods
4. Sharing & Export
Share via link
Download as PDF
Export to CSV
5. Report Customization
Steps to add metrics:
Click "Metrics"
Search for desired metric
Select and add
Reorder using drag-and-drop
Save changes with "Apply"
6. Filtering Data
Use "Add filter" for specific dimensions
Example: Filter traffic by country
7. Comparison Analysis
Steps to compare dimensions:
Click "Add comparison"
Set first comparison criteria
Add second comparison
View results on graph and report
Example: Mobile vs Desktop Performance
Compare traffic sources
View channel performance
Analyze user behavior differences
Additional GA4 Tips
Create Free-form reports for quick access
Use date comparisons to track growth
Combine filters for detailed analysis
Frequently Asked Questions on Google Analytics 4 User Interface
What are the main sections in GA4 and which one should I use most often?
GA4 has four main sections: Home, Reports, Explore, and Advertising. The Reports section is the most important and frequently used as it contains all standard analytics data, traffic information, and user behavior metrics. While Home provides an overview, Reports is where you'll spend most of your time for detailed analysis.
How can I compare data between different time periods in GA4?
You can compare different time periods by:
Going to the top-right corner of any report
Clicking on the date range control
Selecting your primary date range
Checking the "Compare" box
Choosing your comparison period
The report will then show performance indicators for both periods
How do I customize reports to show specific metrics I'm interested in?
To customize reports:
Click the pen symbol in the top-right corner
Select "Metrics"
Use the "Add metric" dropdown to find and add desired metrics
Drag and drop to reorder metrics
Click "Apply" to save changes
Where can I find custom reports in GA4 and what types are available?
Custom reports are found in the "Explore" section, where you can create:
Free-form reports
Funnel exploration
Path exploration
Segment overlap analysis
How can I filter my GA4 data to see specific information?
To filter data:
Click "Add filter" on any report
Choose your dimension (e.g., Country, Device, Channel)
Select your condition (contains, exactly matches, etc.)
Enter your filter value
Apply the filter to see specific data
You can also add multiple filters for more detailed analysis
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