# Data Extension Setup

If you are new to using Data Extensions in Salesforce, be sure to reference the [Salesforce Trailhead module](https://trailhead.salesforce.com/en/content/learn/modules/marketing-cloud-contact-management/learn-about-data-extensions?trail_id=develop-for-marketing-cloud) when you're getting started.

After creating a data extension, you must remember to **bind your data extension to the Salesforce Contact** in order to be able to access the data extension data in your journey using the syntax `{{Contact.Attribute.<Data-Extention-Name>.<attribute-name>}}`.

Below is just one example of a successful setup for a Data Extension. If your setup looks different and you are encountering trouble passing through data, please reach out to **<support@heypoplar.com>**. You can also contact your **Salesforce Account Executive** for help on finding out how to reference your specific dataset in the journey.

### Create a New Data Extension <a href="#create-a-new-data-extension" id="create-a-new-data-extension"></a>

If you already have a Data Extension set up, skip to Step 3.

From your dashboard, navigate to **Audience Builder > Contact Builder > Data Extensions** and click **Create:**

![](https://d33v4339jhl8k0.cloudfront.net/docs/assets/5f340c51042863444aa03abf/images/63122a8e90c29a3d732c440f/file-ppIRe1NRXJ.png)

Give your data extension a unique and relevant name, then check **Is Sendable?** AND **Is Testable?** Leave Creation Method set to "Create from New" and External Key blank - Description is optional.

![](https://d33v4339jhl8k0.cloudfront.net/docs/assets/5f340c51042863444aa03abf/images/63123119037bc877147b5957/file-wzRzQHo45d.png)

All **Sendable** data extensions map to a subscriber whereas **non-sendable** data extensions are meant for reference data(e.g. product tables) that does not map to a subscriber, but that you may want to pull into an email.

Next, you'd typically set your data retention policy - for a test you can just leave the default, and continue on.

![](https://d33v4339jhl8k0.cloudfront.net/docs/assets/5f340c51042863444aa03abf/images/63123144037bc877147b5959/file-n5gNootrsR.png)

Then create your fields. Make sure you include an **identifier** field and set it as the primary key (identifier can be any kind of customer ID, email, etc.). This is what you'll use to link the data extension to your **Contact.** Ensure you set the **Send Relationship** as "identifier relates to Subscriber Key" (see bottom left corner in image below).

![](https://d33v4339jhl8k0.cloudfront.net/docs/assets/5f340c51042863444aa03abf/images/631231604cde766bbe141a2b/file-Tw85SHQv3P.png)

It is best practice to make sure the Subscriber Key is stored as text.

Click **Complete** to finish setting up your data extension.

***

### Add Records <a href="#add-records" id="add-records"></a>

Click into your new Data Extension, and navigate to the **Records** tab.Bulk import by clicking **Import** or manually add 2-3 records for test purposes by clicking **Add Record.**

![](https://d33v4339jhl8k0.cloudfront.net/docs/assets/5f340c51042863444aa03abf/images/631231b34cde766bbe141a2c/file-s2BQnZWis2.png)

### Create an Attribute Group <a href="#create-an-attribute-group" id="create-an-attribute-group"></a>

Once you've created your Data Extension, navigate back to **Data Designer** to create an **Attribute Group** and link them together.

Click **Create Attribute Group**. Give it a different name from your Data Extension and pick whichever icon you'd want to represent it with.

![](https://d33v4339jhl8k0.cloudfront.net/docs/assets/5f340c51042863444aa03abf/images/631231e64cde766bbe141a2e/file-0dzHYaJl1Q.png)

### Link Attribute Group to Data Extension <a href="#link-attribute-group-to-data-extension" id="link-attribute-group-to-data-extension"></a>

Select Link Data Extensions and map the **Contact Key** from the Salesforce Contact to the **identifier** in your Data Extension.

![](https://d33v4339jhl8k0.cloudfront.net/docs/assets/5f340c51042863444aa03abf/images/631232187164226be0c82b21/file-4P7RgMOovp.gif)

Hit **Save**, and you can now use this Data Extension in your journey!

To access the data extension data in your journey using the syntax: `{{Contact.Attribute.<Data-Extention-Name>.<attribute-name>}}`

***

### Important Things to Note <a href="#important-things-to-note" id="important-things-to-note"></a>

#### **Data Extension Updates** <a href="#data-extension-updates" id="data-extension-updates"></a>

Make sure you don't modify data extensions that are being used in an active journey. Modifications to data extensions used in active journeys are ignored by those active journeys. [Learn more](https://help.salesforce.com/articleView?id=sf.mc_jb_edit_an_entry_source.htm\&type=5) about the steps you should take if you wish to modify your data extension.

Need help? Reach out at **<support@heypoplar.com>** for assistance.


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