A custom event is an event whose name and parameters you define. A custom event lets you collect data that Analytics doesn't otherwise collect automatically or recommend.
Custom Events in Google AnalyticsBefore you create a custom event:
- Check to make sure that the event you want to create is not already automatically collected, an enhanced measurement event, or a recommended event. It's always better to use an event that Google Analytics already recognizes, because these events automatically populate the default dimensions and metrics and update standard reports.
- Make sure the name of the custom event is not a reserved name.
- Review the event collection limits.
Set up a custom event
Set up your custom event using one of the following options:
Modify a custom event
You can modify a custom event that's already being collected (for example, to rename the event or correct an error). This way, you can keep the data you already collected from an existing event.
Report on a custom event
When someone performs the action that triggers the custom event, the event will appear in the Realtime report and DebugView. You can also click the name of an event in the Realtime report and DebugView to see its event parameters.
When Analytics processes your custom event, you can use the following to see the event:
- In Reports, go to the Events report
- In Admin, go to Events in the Property column
- In Explore, create a free-form exploration with the Event name dimension
Report on a custom event parameter
To see the event parameter values, you must create a custom dimension or metric for each event parameter. Once Analytics processes the custom dimension or metric, you can add it to your custom reports, audiences, explorations, and segments, and as secondary dimensions in standard reports.