# Glossary

**A quick "what does that mean?" reference for terms you will see across the OrcaSheets docs. Terms are also auto-linked wherever they appear on other pages.**

## Project

A workspace that contains Sheets (data files) plus the analyses, Visualizations, and Dashboards you create from them.

## Sheet

A dataset inside a Project. Sheets typically come from imported files (CSV, TSV, Excel, Parquet, GZ) or from premium Connector imports.

## Optimisation

The import process where OrcaSheets converts your file into an optimised internal format, so filtering, Pivot Tables, Joins, and Charts all run fast.

## Filter

A set of conditions that hides rows that do not match your criteria. Filters change what you see, not the underlying data.

## Saved Filter

A named Filter configuration you can reapply later on any compatible Sheet.

## Pivot Table

A summarised view of a Sheet created by grouping and aggregating columns. Pivot Table results open as a new tab that you can further analyse or visualise.

## Aggregation

A calculation over multiple rows (for example: sum, count, average), usually produced by a Pivot Table.

## Visualization (Chart)

A Chart created from a Sheet or Pivot Table result (for example: line, bar, pie, scatter, Sankey, bump, candlestick).

## Dashboard

A tab that combines multiple Visualizations and analysis results into one view. Dashboards update automatically when underlying data changes.

## Join

A way to combine two Sheets based on matching columns (Inner, Left, Right, or Full). OrcaSheets supports previewing the Join result before committing.

## Macro

A formula you run to create a new calculated column across all rows. Macros create new columns; they do not modify existing ones.

## Connector (Premium Feature)

A premium feature that connects to external databases, cloud storage, or APIs to import data directly into OrcaSheets, so you do not have to export and re-import files.

## Recipe (Premium Feature)

A premium feature that runs agentic, pre-built workflows for specific platforms and data types, automating the repetitive parts of a data job end to end.

## AI Chat (Premium Feature)

An interface to ask questions in plain English and receive results as new tabs you can chart, pivot, or export.

## OrcAI

The `=orcai()` cell function that lets you describe a transformation in plain English and turn it into something reusable, often via a Macro.

## Global Search

A command palette for quickly opening features, Sheets, Dashboards, and recent items.

## Preset

A saved configuration (for a Chart, Pivot Table, or other component) that you can reapply across Sheets and Projects.

## Token

An authentication token managed in Settings (view, copy, or refresh) for use with other applications and integrations.

## Related pages

- [Knowledge Base](/docs/knowledge-base)
- [First Steps](/docs/first-steps)
- [FAQ](/docs/faq)