UA saving old data.

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Downloading data from Universal Analytics (UA), the older version of Google Analytics, can be done through various methods, depending on the amount of data you need and the specifics of what you're trying to achieve. Here’s how you can download data from Universal Analytics:

  1. Standard Reports:

    • Go to any standard report in your Universal Analytics property.
    • At the top of the report, you will see an export button. You can export data in several formats such as CSV, TSV, Excel (XLSX), or Google Sheets.
    • Simply click the format you prefer, and the download will start automatically.

  2. Custom Reports:

    • If you need data that isn’t available through standard reports, you can create a custom report.
    • Navigate to Customization > Custom Reports from the sidebar menu.
    • Click on + New Custom Report and set up your report with the dimensions and metrics you need.
    • Once the report is created, you can export it in the same way as a standard report.

  3. Google Analytics API:

    • For more advanced needs, especially when dealing with large amounts of data or needing automated, regular downloads, using the Google Analytics API is ideal.
    • The API allows you to programmatically request data and export it in various formats. You can write scripts in languages such as Python or use tools like Google Apps Script.
    • The API is particularly useful for creating automated workflows for regular data retrieval.

  4. Google Sheets Integration:

    • You can use the Google Analytics add-on for Google Sheets to export your data directly into sheets. This is useful for ad-hoc analysis and for combining data from multiple sources.
    • Install the Google Analytics add-on from the Google Workspace Marketplace, set up your report configurations in the add-on, and run reports directly into Sheets.

  5. Data Import/Export Functionality:

    • While Universal Analytics does not support the direct import of historical data back into your GA property, you can export your data and use it outside GA for other forms of analysis or reporting.

When downloading data from Universal Analytics, it’s important to consider data sampling. In some cases, especially with large datasets or highly segmented reports, Google Analytics may sample data to provide quicker results. This means the data may not include all user interactions. You can adjust the sampling settings in your report setup to balance between speed and accuracy.

Additionally, be aware that as of July 1, 2023, standard Universal Analytics properties no longer collect new data. If you need ongoing data collection, transitioning to Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is necessary. Data from UA properties can still be accessed for a period (typically around six months post-deactivation), so it's important to export your historical data soon if you haven’t done so already.

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