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Public Access

Learn how to make a Looker visualization or table with live data connections available for public access while maintaining client privacy.

Please note: 

The Public Access embed feature works, but has some limitations:

  • Third‑party browser restrictions must be turned off for anyone visiting the site with the public embed link, or
  • The user must access the content using a Firefox browser, or
  • The user must be logged in as a Looker user.

Our Data Engineering team has been working closely with Google’s Looker Support team to identify a workable solution. Currently, there is no short-term fix available, and Looker Support has not provided a timeline for additional options. Our engineers have documented this as a known limitation, and we will share updates if there is any progress. However, we do not anticipate any changes in the near future.

Overview

The Clarity Data Analysis tool has the capability to embed visualizations and tables with live data connections on public websites, without compromising client privacy. Currently, Public Access is available on the following models: 

Each of these models has been designed in a way that is difficult to inadvertently expose personal identifying information. Although Looker provides the option to enable “Public Access” for other models, we do not recommend it, as only the models listed above have an extra layer of obfuscation in their architecture.

This article will describe how to make a visualization or table available for public access. It will not cover embedding visualizations into a web page.

Features of Public Access

Any visualization or table built on one of the above models can be converted to public access. The difference is in how identifiable information is handled.

Please note, custom fields are not supported for Public Access. This is because there is no way to ensure that identifiable information will not be inadvertently shared.

Identifiable Client Data

Bitfocus has secured the Public Access model so potentially sensitive information is automatically hidden. For example, the identifiable data that is blocked in the HMIS Performance Model is:

  • SSN
  • Client Name
  • Client Address (all but zip code)
  • Client DoB (age is allowed)

Drill Downs

Drill downs are disabled in the public access model to protect client privacy.

Creating a Public Access Visualization or Table

  1. Create the Look and save it
    • Keep in mind public access will not allow client identifiable information
  2.  From the space where it is saved
    • Click on the  for the Look, then Edit Settings


Fig. 5: Edit Settings

    • In Look Settings, turn on Public Access, then Save


Fig. 6: Embed Visualization Link

Several options will be displayed for using the visualization or table in a public setting. In most cases, the "Embed Visualization" option will be the best choice.

Copy the code from "Embed Visualization" (or other method as needed). Use the code to embed the visualization on the web page.

To verify the public access is working correctly, sign out of Looker or visit the page using a private browsing session.

After Public Access has been turned on, the links can be retrieved again by clicking on "Public" from the space where it is saved.

Fig. 7: Public Access Enabled

Viola!

Fig. 8: Sample Embedded Visualization

Updated: 12/19/2025