If you are new to Qlik, it can be hard to know where to begin. There are many tools and many features, but you do not need to learn them all on day one. This short guide will give you a few simple things to think about as you get started.
You can follow along with the video series on our YouTube channel. As you go, you can also try Qlik for yourself and learn with others:
- Start a free 30-day Qlik Cloud Analytics trial:
Free 30-day trial for Qlik Cloud Analytics - Join the Arc Academy for Qlik community:
Arc Academy for Qlik on Skool
You can also see how we support Qlik here: Qlik and Talend Solutions and Arc Qlik Consulting Services.
What Is Qlik?
Qlik is a tool that helps you turn data into clear pictures and simple stories. Instead of digging through long spreadsheets, you can look at charts and dashboards that show what is going on in your business.
You do not have to be a data expert to use Qlik. The most important thing is to know what you care about. For example, you might want to see which products are selling best, how long customers wait, or where your team is falling behind. Qlik helps you see these answers in one place so you can make better choices.
If you want a bigger view of how analytics tools like Qlik fit into your strategy, you can explore our Data Analytics Services or industry guidance like Gartner on data and analytics.
Qlik Sense vs Qlik Cloud
You may hear two names: Qlik Sense and Qlik Cloud. Here is the simple way to think about them.
Qlik Sense is the name many people know from the last few years. It has been used to build dashboards and apps in many companies. Qlik Cloud is the newer, cloud-based home for Qlik. It runs in the cloud, so your team does not have to manage as much hardware or do as many updates.
If you are just starting now, Qlik Cloud is usually the best place to begin. It is easier to reach from anywhere, it gets new features faster, and it is what we focus on in our guides and videos. If you already use Qlik Sense or are not sure which one fits your plans, we can help you think it through at Arc Qlik Consulting Services or Arc Qlik Support.
What Is Qlik In 2026?
Qlik is changing. When you start now, you are not just learning today’s tool. You are getting ready for where Qlik is going.
By 2026, more work with Qlik will happen in the cloud. It will be easier to see numbers close to real time instead of waiting for a monthly report. Qlik will also be more connected to other tools you already use, so data can flow more smoothly across your systems.
Most of all, Qlik will be more than just “nice dashboards.” It will help you see what happened, what is happening right now, and what might happen next. When you plan your Qlik journey, try to think about the next few years, not just the next few weeks. If you want a partner to plan that path, you can explore Qlik Talend Data Fabric and Cloud Services.
Who Uses Qlik?
People in many roles and industries use Qlik every day. Business leaders use it to see key numbers in one place. Managers use it to track performance and spot problems. Analysts use it to dig deeper into data and share insights. Frontline staff use it to see simple views that guide their daily work.
Qlik is also common in healthcare, government, and education. You can see some of those use cases here:
- Healthcare Data Analytics Services
- Government Data Analytics Services
- Education Data Analytics Services
As you get started, it helps to ask a few questions. Who needs to see the numbers? Who will own the main questions you want to answer? Who can help build and support Qlik over time? You do not need perfect answers, but even a simple picture of “who” will guide better choices
Getting Access
To get started, you need two things: a place to work and people to help you.
A free 30-day Qlik Cloud Analytics trial gives you a safe place to explore. You can log in, click around, and see if the tool fits your style without a big commitment. You can start that here:
Free 30-day trial for Qlik Cloud Analytics
Support matters too. Joining Arc Academy for Qlik lets you learn with others, ask questions, and get guidance:
Arc Academy for Qlik on Skool
You can also reach out to our team for help with training and setup through Training and Contact Us.
As you begin, write down one or two questions you want Qlik to answer. Start your trial, join the community, and follow along with the first video. Your first steps do not have to be perfect. They just need to move you closer to clear, useful insight from your data.