> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.zenlytic.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.zenlytic.com/legacy/exploring.md).

# Exploring (legacy)

Use Explore to slice, filter, and analyze governed metrics and dimensions without starting from a new question.

{% hint style="danger" %}
**This page describes a legacy interface that no longer exists.** The standalone Explore UI has been replaced by [Zoë](/using-zenlytic/zoe.md) — ask directly in chat to slice, filter, or drill into a metric, and Zoë builds the query for you. The rest of this page is kept for historical reference only.
{% endhint %}

## Exploring (legacy)

The Slice and Explore Metrics question lets you answer the "What" questions about your data. You can get to this question by asking Zoë and expanding the result, clicking on the New Explore button, or [following up from a dashboard](/legacy/using_zenlytic.md#dashboards). Once in the Explore interface, you can do several operations on your data.

### Slicing

You can add or remove metrics and slices from your question whenever you'd like. You use the Metrics and Slices menu on the left hand side to add these additional metrics or slices.

<figure><img src="https://1577702444-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FT9EV2yuH6oO9jfgfgYUW%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-f778a7c12ca056b1ae4ff13009625c73d2b7f8d4%2FScreenshot%202025-07-27%20at%2010.20.28%E2%80%AFAM.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Filtering

You can also use the left hand menu to filter on a metric or a slice by clicking the three dot menu and clicking "Add as filter" or you can add a filter by clicking the filter icon right below the question title.

To set your filter how you want it you can change the comparison by clicking the middle drop down.

To set the value to use for the filter you can use the drop down for the value on the right side of the value.

<figure><img src="https://1577702444-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FT9EV2yuH6oO9jfgfgYUW%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-5db207031621716938581366d73bd69e058a6ea3%2FScreenshot%202025-07-27%20at%2010.22.39%E2%80%AFAM.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Time periods

The time period allows you to filter your data by its primary time slice. You can change the value to a custom range by choosing how you'd like to use the time period.

Then, once you choose how you'd like to define your time period, you choose the values to complete the time period selection, like this.

<figure><img src="https://1577702444-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FT9EV2yuH6oO9jfgfgYUW%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-76c76cb7e145bd2b6de243fe18a44a112caa4b64%2FScreenshot%202025-07-27%20at%2010.23.50%E2%80%AFAM.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Table Calculations

If you have questions about the types of formula's and functions you can use in table calculations use the reference [here](/data-modeling/table_calculation_syntax.md)


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://docs.zenlytic.com/legacy/exploring.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.