# How to create and use the custom dimension for Affiliation in GA4

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Creating Google Analytics 4 custom dimensions and metrics allows you to easily access and use your event properties and user properties.

For example, without creating a custom dimension for your custom `affiliation` event parameter, you won't be able to see the parameter values in reports or use them on explorations, segments and so on.

By adding ‘affiliation’ as a custom dimension, you’ll be able to analyze subscription data and answer specific questions to your business’s needs.

{% hint style="success" %}
Littledata applies automatically [a set of custom dimensions](https://github.com/littledata/helpcenter-content/blob/main/posts/how-it-works-shopify-to-ga4/README.md#custom-parameters) during installation, including Affiliation.
{% endhint %}

## How to create a custom dimension for Affiliation in GA4

To create a custom dimension in Google Analytics 4 please follow the steps below:

* Click on the Admin cog on the bottom left-hand corner in Google Analytics.

![](/files/gfbpthSV7tYHRD2OVNhn)

* Click on *Custom Definitions* under Data display.

![](/files/friQ6iKI0ptNUUIovEtU)

* Click on *Create Custom Dimensions.*

![](/files/DA3gzi15XB9k3wE60hbN)

* Add in *Affiliation* as the dimension name.

![](/files/P3hLBIZzkp7WEhyIVEfi)

* Add in Affiliation as the description.

![](/files/llUHSMhLJgZCoOoPScSO)

* Add in Affiliation as the event parameter.

![](/files/CboqhF5nw0g9koEnbTgM)

* Click on *Save.*

![](/files/1WJcLZqjpXmWedHdsk14)

You will be able to use the custom dimension within 24 hours after its creation.

## How to use the custom dimension for Affiliation

You can use this custom dimension and apply it to the built-in GA4 reports or create filters and segments on explorations.

**Existing GA4 reports**

If you are using a subscription app, you will be able to look at reports like Traffic Acquisition and exclude recurring or offline orders, by applying a filter based on the affiliation custom dimension. You'll want to exclude recurring orders/rebills as they will be unattributed due to GA4's session-based architecture.

![](/files/mu3Bs1h94ZsWckueb5dq)

**Explorations**

By creating an exploration similar to the[ Sales performance](/google-analytics/conversions/how-to-build-a-sales-performance-report-in-ga4.md) one, you will be able to create a filter based on affiliation and include or exclude any type of orders coming into GA4.

{% hint style="success" %}
Learn [how to build a Sales Performance report in GA4.](/google-analytics/conversions/how-to-build-a-sales-performance-report-in-ga4.md)
{% endhint %}

Here is an example of a Sales performance exploration that has recurring orders excluded by a filter based on affiliation:

![](/files/3dMoW7Rakj2uKgmTebqN)

Additionally, you can also [create segments for subscription analysis in GA4](https://blog.littledata.io/2023/03/15/how-to-create-segments-for-subscription-orders-in-google-analytics-4) by using the custom dimension for affiliation.


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