--- title: "Use Shared Connections" slug: "use-shared-connections" updated: 2026-02-23T08:56:58Z published: 2026-02-23T08:56:58Z --- > ## 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 Shared Connections > [!NOTE] > **NOTE**: This is not available in cloud. When you define parameters for an external database, you have the option to save this configuration as a shared connection. Once you save the connection, you can reuse it later for a Data Query block by selecting it from the **Shared Connections** tab in the Query's Properties pane. This is useful for non-default databases that you access on a fairly regular basis since it saves you from having to retype the connection information each time. You can create a shared connection using one of two methods: - From the **Connection String** section's **Shared** tab in the **Properties** pane of a selected Query Data block (See [Creating and Connecting to a Shared Connection](/documentation/docs/create-and-connect-to-a-shared-connection)) - From the Managed shared connections button on the Toolbar as detailed below ## Manage Shared Connections Create a new shared connection, or view the properties of existing Shared Connections. 1. Click the ![](https://cdn.document360.io/87d11426-6b1f-4b19-b593-b71e55a81af3/Images/Documentation/shared_connections-button_dash.png) (Managed shared connections) button on the Dashboard Builder Toolbar. ![](https://cdn.document360.io/87d11426-6b1f-4b19-b593-b71e55a81af3/Images/Documentation/shared_connections_tab.png) 2. If you are creating a new connection, enter a **Name** (required), and a **Description** (optional) for the connection. 3. Enter the **Server** on which the database exists. 4. Enter the **Database** name. 5. In the **User** field, enter the user with access to this database. 6. Enter a **Password** for the user. 7. Optionally, enter any **Extended Properties**. 8. If you are using Windows credentials instead of a SQL account for this connection, select the **Integrated** check box, otherwise leave this box unchecked. 9. Click the **Test** button to verify that the connection is valid. A message will indicate if the connection is valid or not. 10. Click the **Apply** button to save your changes. 11. If you wish to delete any Shared Connections, click the **X** to the left of the shared connection you wish to delete. > [!NOTE] > **NOTE**: You can only delete existing shared connections that are not currently used in a dashboard. 12. To return to the Dashboard workspace, click the **Shared Connections** button.