> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://parabola.io/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Use sample data

> Drop a sample dataset into your flow to start building before connecting your real data sources. Includes datasets shaped like Shopify, NetSuite, ShipHero, and more.

The **Use sample data** step drops a ready-made dataset onto your canvas so you can start building before you've connected your real data sources. It's the fastest way to test transforms, prototype a flow, or see what data from a particular tool looks like.

## Use sample data

Use this step when you want to play with Parabola's transformation and visualization steps without setting up an integration first.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/parabola-7119dfb0/m7zZQSYx-unTbpCh/images/integration/image-184.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=m7zZQSYx-unTbpCh&q=85&s=6ec14de2a8adf0599d36d539c22248b4" alt="Use sample data step on the canvas with sample data displayed" width="1772" height="672" data-path="images/integration/image-184.png" />
</Frame>

The step includes generic datasets like US census and stock market data, plus datasets shaped like the output of common integrations — Shopify, [ShipHero](https://parabola.io/tool/how-to-use-ai-to-automatically-extract-your-shiphero-data), Salesforce, and NetSuite among others.

## Using the step

Drag a **Use sample data** step from the **Integrations** tab onto the canvas. Double-click to view or change which sample dataset you're working with.

## Sample data options

* **Generic datasets:** census, stock market, etc.
* **Tool-shaped datasets:** these mimic what you'd get from a real integration. For example, "Shopify: Orders" returns a table that matches the shape of the **Pull from Shopify** step's output, so transforms you build now will keep working when you swap in the real source.

## Next steps

Once your sample data is loaded, think about it like a spreadsheet: would you filter? Calculate? Reformat dates? Once you know what you want to do, search the **Transformations** tab for the right step.

## Related steps

* [Filter rows](/product/transform/filter-rows) — for testing filter logic on sample data
* [Edit columns](/product/transform/edit-columns) — to rename and reshape sample columns
* [Visualize](/product/integration/visualize) — to prototype a dashboard against sample data
* [Pull from Shopify](/product/integration/shopify) — when you're ready to swap sample Shopify data for the real thing
