---
title: "Use NLQ Queries"
slug: "use-nlq-queries"
updated: 2026-04-17T07:48:35Z
published: 2026-04-17T07:48:35Z
canonical: "documentation.lakesidesoftware.com/use-nlq-queries"
---

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

# Use NLQ Queries

You can reuse [Natural Language Queries](https://documentation.lakesidesoftware.com/en/Content/NaturalLanguageQueries/NLQ01Landing.htm), with or without visualizations, for [Query Data blocks](https://documentation.lakesidesoftware.com/en/Content/Dashboard/Blocks_Objects/Query_Data_Block.htm) In Dashboard Builder.

> [!TIP]
> **TIP:** Before proceeding, ensure you have at least one Natural Language Query saved for use in Dashboard Builder: see [Activity Log in Natural Language Queries](https://documentation.lakesidesoftware.com/en/Content/NaturalLanguageQueries/NLQ07ActivityLog.htm)

1. In Dashboard Builder, select a Query Data block. The **Properties** pane becomes active.
2. On the **Object** tab, click **NLQ Queries**. A window with previously saved NLQ queries appears.
3. Select **Central** or **Agent** queries.
4. From the list, select a query and check a preview of the SQL statement. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/87d11426-6b1f-4b19-b593-b71e55a81af3/Images/Documentation/select-nlq-query.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-08T16%3A54%3A39Z&se=2026-11-08T17%3A54%3A39Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=4HSyxO9lZ8v4IomEh7%2BYQhQX9Zf9XCSyjE62WJfH0Wc%3D)
5. Click **OK** to return to Dashboard Builder. The **Query** field is prefilled with the selected NLQ query. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/87d11426-6b1f-4b19-b593-b71e55a81af3/Images/Documentation/Query-defined-by-NLQ.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-08T16%3A54%3A39Z&se=2026-11-08T17%3A54%3A39Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=4HSyxO9lZ8v4IomEh7%2BYQhQX9Zf9XCSyjE62WJfH0Wc%3D)
6. If you want to modify the query for the Query Data block:
  1. Clear the **Query defined by NLQ** checkbox.
  2. Update the query manually.
  3. To validate the SQL statement, click **Test**. A message appears indicating whether the query is valid.

> [!NOTE]
> **NOTE**: Your original NLQ query is not changed. You can recover it by clicking NLQ Queries and selecting it again.
7. For an agent query, specify the child system in the **Connection String** section. For details, see [Connect to a SysTrack Child System](https://documentation.lakesidesoftware.com/en/Content/Dashboard/Create_Dashboards/Child_System_Connect.htm).
8. To save your changes, click **Apply**.