Create Azure Data Factory data flows

APPLIES TO: Azure Data Factory Azure Synapse Analytics

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Data flows are available both in Azure Data Factory and Azure Synapse Pipelines. This article applies to mapping data flows. If you are new to transformations, please refer to the introductory article Transform data using a mapping data flow.

Mapping Data Flows provide a way to transform data at scale without any coding required. You can design a data transformation job in the data flow designer by constructing a series of transformations. Start with any number of source transformations followed by data transformation steps. Then, complete your data flow with sink to land your results in a destination.

Steps to create a new data flow

Azure Data Factory

Get started by first creating a new V2 Data Factory from the Azure portal. After creating your new factory, select the Open Azure Data Factory Studio tile in the portal to launch the Data Factory Studio.

You can add sample Data Flows from the template gallery. To browse the gallery, select the Author tab in Data Factory Studio and click the plus sign to choose Pipeline | Template Gallery.

Select the Data Flow category there to choose from the available templates.

You can also add data flows directly to your data factory without using a template. Select the Author tab in Data Factory Studio and click the plus sign to choose Data Flow | Data Flow.

Azure Synapse

Get started by first creating a new Synapse Workspace from the Azure portal. After creating your new workspace, select the Open Azure Studio tile to launch the Data Factory UI.

You can add sample Data Flows from the template gallery. To browse the gallery, select the Integrate tab in Synapse Studio and click the plus sign to choose Browse Gallery.

Filter on Category:Data Flow there to choose from the available templates.

You can also add data flows directly to your workspace without using a template. Select the Integrate tab in Synapse Studio and click the plus sign to choose Pipeline. Then in your pipeline, expand the Move & transform Activities section and drag a Data flow onto the canvas for the pipeline.

Related content

• Tutorial: Transform data using mapping data flows
• Begin building your data transformation with a source transformation.