# Creating Custom Live Table Queries

> Manipulate live data directly from within Sisense, by running custom SQL queries against the live data source, without modifying the data in the original data source.

*Source: https://docs.sisense.com/main/SisenseLinux/creating-custom-live-table-queries.htm*

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Last updated: June 10, 2026

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You can manipulate live data directly from within Sisense, by running custom SQL queries against the live data
source, without modifying the data in the original data source. For example, you can:

- Create calculated fields
- Limit table scope (using the WHERE function)
- Create Union tables

Once you defined custom fields or tables against the Live data source, these fields or tables have all the
functionality of regular tables that reside within the Live data source.

**Note:**

- Custom live table queries are calculated against the live data source. No data is stored within the Sisense
  application.
- Custom live table queries have no limitation on their complexity. Performance is determined by the capabilities of
  your data source.
- This feature is enabled by default. In order not to overload the data source at particular times,
  the ability to create custom queries can be disabled, as necessary, from the **Admin** page, under
  **Feature Management** (which you can open via the search or under App Configuration).
- Common Table Expressions (CTE):
  - For the Original Translator - a Common Table Expression (CTE) statement is not supported for a custom import query.
  - For the Analytical Engine (AE) - by default, a Common Table Expression (CTE) statement is supported for a custom import query. To disable CTE support (or to enable it if it was disabled) set the following system flag: `translation.useCteForImportQuery`.

**To add fields or set tables with custom live table queries:**

1. In the **Connect Wizard**, click **+** next to **Add Table Query** at the
   bottom of the list of tables and views. An empty custom table is added to the list, and the Settings area opens.

   ![8 6Custom live queriesthumb](https://docs.sisense.com/main/Resources/Images/8-6Custom-live-queriesthumb0300.png)

   Or, when previewing an existing table, click **Edit Query** to modify the custom query.

   ![8 6custom live queries settingsthumb](https://docs.sisense.com/main/Resources/Images/8-6custom-live-queries-settingsthumb0300.png)

   In the Settings area, enter or modify your custom SQL query.
2. (Optionally) Give a descriptive name to your query.
3. Click **Parse** to verify your query syntax before saving the query.
4. Click **Done** to apply the live table query to the live data source.