---
schema_version: "1"
id: bfbfe3fe15ba2170c373f368fdb0fdb3e85a4df0f18211a013726ad0008cfa38
title: Cube Data Sources
collection: tableau
version: current
locale: en-us
portal_url: https://docs.salesforce.com/tableau/current/en-us/server/datasource_cube.md
canonical_url: https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/datasource_cube.htm
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description: Understand the limitations of publishing cube (multidimensional) data sources to Tableau Server.
---
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# Cube Data Sources

Cube (multidimensional) data sources have certain characteristics that make them unique in Tableau.

Cube data sources do not support pass-through connections. This means that when a cube data source is published, you cannot make a connection from Tableau Server using the data source. It also means you cannot create a workbook using the data source in Tableau Server.

Publishing a cube data source to Tableau Server gives you the ability to store the data source on the server. However, to use the data source, you must download the data source to Tableau Desktop and use it locally. To download a published data source you need:

- The Download/Save As permission for the data source. For more information, see [Permissions](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/permissions.htm#permissioncapabilities).
- Correct drivers installed and ports opened on computer running Tableau Desktop.

For information about using cube data sources with Tableau Desktop, see [Cube Data Sources](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/cubes.htm).