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How to Connect a Data Source in Alta (Connectors)

Browse the Connectors library, connect a data source, choose which tables sync, and manage sync frequency, status, and deletion.

Written by Katie Supporté

Connect an external data source through the Connectors library so Alta can sync its tables into your workspace and use that data across campaigns, metrics, and dashboards.

Who this is for: Anyone setting up or maintaining a data source connection in Alta — for example connecting a CRM, database, or app and keeping its tables in sync.


Before you start

  • Have the sign-in details or credentials for the source ready. Some sources connect with a one-click login (OAuth); others ask you to paste credentials such as an API key or host details.

  • You only need to connect a source once per workspace. If it's already connected, you'll edit the existing connection instead of creating a new one.


Connect a data source

  1. Open Connectors from the sidebar. The page is titled Connectors with the subtitle "Connect the tools you use, so you can get the most out of your data."

  2. Find the source you want. Use the category tabs along the top — All, Connected, and the source categories — or type in the Search data sources box.

  3. Check the badge on each card to see its state: Connect (not yet connected), Connected (green, syncing normally), or Disabled (yellow, connected but paused).

  4. Click the source card. This opens the Create connector screen for that source.

  5. Authenticate:

    • One-click (OAuth) sources: you'll see "Connect your [source] account using OAuth." Click Connect, finish signing in to the provider in the window that opens, and wait for Authentication succeeded! to appear.

    • Credential-based sources: fill in the connection fields shown, then click Create. Alta runs a quick connect test. If it can't reach the source you'll see The connect test has failed along with the provider's error message — fix the details and try again.

  6. Wait for the first sync. Back in the library the card shows Connected with a spinner and the note Data is syncing until the first sync finishes.


Review which tables sync

  1. Open the connection from the library (click its card).

  2. In the [Source] tables section you'll see a table with two columns: Synced (a toggle) and Table name.

  3. The Show only synced tables switch is on by default. Turn it off to see every available table, not just the ones being synced.

  4. Click any table row to open its details.


Check sync status and run a manual sync

  1. On the connection page, the Sync status section shows Last sync (how long ago it ran, with a Succeeded or Failed label) and the Sync frequency (for example, "Every 6 hours").

  2. While a sync is running you'll see Sync in progress with a spinner instead of a timestamp.

  3. To pull fresh data immediately, click Sync now. You'll get a Sync triggered successfully confirmation.


Disable, enable, or delete a connection

  1. Open the connection and click the overflow menu (the button).

  2. Choose Disable to pause syncing (the tooltip reads "Disabled connections will not sync data"). A disabled source shows the yellow Disabled badge in the library.

  3. Choose Enable on a paused connection to resume syncing ("Enabled connections will sync data").

  4. Choose Delete to remove the connection. Confirm in the Delete Connection dialog by clicking Delete.


Tips and common pitfalls

  • Disabled connections stop syncing. If data looks stale, check the library for the yellow Disabled badge and re-enable the connection.

  • You can't stack manual syncs. The Sync now button is greyed out while a sync is already running — the tooltip reads "Sync is already running." Wait for it to finish.

  • Deleting is permanent. Deleting a connection removes all data and configurations associated with it. Disable instead if you only want to pause.

  • A failed connect test is almost always credentials or permissions. The inline error under The connect test has failed comes straight from the source — read it, correct the field, and retry.

  • Some sources aren't self-serve yet. If clicking a card opens an Alta contact page instead of a setup form, that source needs to be enabled for you — reach out to the Alta team.


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