We provide options for you to embed Looker content in your host application via iframes. Each option differs in how you manage and interact with your iframe and authorize/authenticate your user. If you are not sure which option to start with, check out the suggested learning path at the end of this page.

Your iframe embedding options

Every option supports theming and can embed dashboards, LookML dashboards, Explores, Looks, query visualizations, and extensions.

Private embedding

• You manage your iframe directly.
• You may use window.postMessage() to interact with your iframe.
• Your user must authenticate/authorize with Looker directly or with Looker via single sign-on (SSO) with an identity provider.

SSO embedding

• You manage your iframe directly.
• You may use window.postMessage() to interact with your iframe.
• You generate a unique iframe src url for every embed user session. This one-time-use URL creates a new Looker embed user or updates an existing one.
• You must authenticate/authorize the user outside of Looker, for example, through your host application’s identity provider via SSO.

SSO embedding with Embed SDK (Recommended)

• You use the Embed SDK’s convenient Javascript API to manage and interact with your iframe.
• You generate a unique URL for every embed user session. This one-time-use URL creates a new Looker embed user or updates an existing one. The Embed SDK helps automate part of the URL generation.
• You must authenticate/authorize the user outside of Looker, for example, through your host application’s identity provider via SSO.

Suggested learning path

We suggest you get started in this order:

1. Get started with private embedding for a basic understanding of Looker embedding.
2. Get started with SSO embedding with Embed SDK to familiarize yourself with our Embed SDK and how to interact with your iframe.