# Channels and soft sensors

> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.oriondata.io/llms.txt)

Channel fields, visibility, sensor types and soft-sensor controls on a device.

Unlike the Sensor Data tab, which requires you to select one channel at a time, the Channels tab displays all channels simultaneously, each with its own summary information and graph. This article covers how to navigate the tab, manage channel visibility, edit channel details, and create soft sensors. Note: Most actions in the Channels tab are restricted to Super Users and Tenant Admins. Standard users can view channel information but cannot make changes.

## Navigating to the Channels tab

1. From the main navigation, go to the **Devices** page.
2. Locate the device you want to manage and click the right arrow on the right side of the device row. This opens the device configuration page.
3. On the device configuration page, click the **Channels** tab. This is the third tab in the top-left tab row.![Device record with an arrow to the Channels tab, which lists raw and soft sensor channels](https://docs.oriondata.io/images/portal/devices/using-the-channels-tab/device-record-channels-tab-which-lists-raw-soft-sensor-channels.png)

## What you can see in the Channels tab

Each channel is displayed as its own row or card, showing a summary of key information at a glance. For each channel, you can view:

- **Channel number**
- **Last 7 days graph** - a visual summary of recent readings
- **Sensor type**
- **Last values** - the most recent recorded readings
- **Scada Tag**
- **Custom name**
- **Notes**
- **Status**

![Channels tab with the column headers highlighted: Channel No, Last 7 Days, Sensor Type, Last Value, Scada Tag, Custom Name, Base Sensor, Status and Show On Map](https://docs.oriondata.io/images/portal/devices/using-the-channels-tab/channels-tab-column-headers-channel-no-last-7-days-sensor-type-last-value-scada.png)

**Editing channel details**

You can add or update a channel’s **Scada Tag** and **Custom Name** directly from the **Channels** tab. The **Custom Name** is used when exporting data, so it is recommended to populate this field if you require clearly labelled exports.

To edit a channel:

1. Locate the channel you want to update.
2. Click the pencil icon on the channel row.
3. Update the **Scada Tag**, **Custom Name**, or any other available fields as required.
4. Click **Save** to apply your changes.

![Channels tab with arrows to a row’s edit icon, the editable Scada Tag and Custom Name fields, and the save icon](https://docs.oriondata.io/images/portal/devices/using-the-channels-tab/channels-tab-row-s-edit-icon-editable-scada-tag-custom-name-fields-save-icon.png)

## Changing the sensor type

Each channel has an assigned sensor type that describes what the channel is measuring. When a new device is installed, channels are typically labelled as **Unallocated** until the sensor type is set.

To change the sensor type:

1. Click the pencil icon on the channel you want to update.
2. Select the appropriate sensor type from the **Sensor Type** pick list.
3. Click **Save** to apply the change.

> **Note:**
>
> Changing the sensor type requires Super User or Tenant Admin access.

![Channels tab numbered steps: 1 edit icon, 2 the Sensor Type dropdown searched for battery, 3 the save icon](https://docs.oriondata.io/images/portal/devices/using-the-channels-tab/channels-tab-numbered-steps-1-edit-icon-2-sensor-type-dropdown-searched-battery.png)

## Hiding and showing channels

If a device has channels that are not currently in use or are not relevant to your monitoring requirements, you can hide them to keep the view clear.

To hide a channel:

1. Click the **Edit** button on the channel you want to hide.
2. Set the **Status** to **Hide**.
3. Click **Save** to apply the change.

To view hidden channels, click the **Show Hidden** toggle at the top of the **Channels** tab. This will make all hidden channels visible again without permanently restoring them.

![Channels tab with arrows to the Show Hidden toggle and a row’s Status checkbox being edited](https://docs.oriondata.io/images/portal/devices/using-the-channels-tab/channels-tab-show-hidden-toggle-row-s-status-checkbox-being-edited.png)

## Deleting a channel

Channels can be permanently deleted from the **Channels** tab. This action requires Super User or Tenant Admin access.

To delete a channel:

1. Locate the channel you want to remove.
2. Click the **Delete** button on the channel row.
3. Then you will get option to click on ok for confirmation.

> **Note:**
>
> Deleting a channel is a permanent action. Ensure you no longer require the channel or its data before proceeding.

![Delete Sensor confirmation warning that all readings and associated soft sensors and calibrations will be deleted, with arrows to the delete icon and OK](https://docs.oriondata.io/images/portal/devices/using-the-channels-tab/delete-sensor-confirmation-warning-that-all-readings-associated-soft-sensors.png)

## Creating a soft sensor

A soft sensor is a copy of an existing channel that allows you to apply additional processing or display the same data in a different context. You can create a soft sensor directly from the **Channels** tab.

To create a soft sensor:

1. Click the **New Soft Sensor** button in the top-right corner of the **Channels** tab.

2. A new soft sensor entry is created. Fill in the following required fields:

3. - **Sensor Type** - select the appropriate type from the pick list
   - **Base Sensor** - select the channel you want this soft sensor to copy

4. Optionally, fill in the **Scada Tag** and **Custom Name** fields if you have this information available or if it is required for your configuration.

5. Click **Save** to create the soft sensor.

The new soft sensor will appear in the channel list alongside your physical channels.

![New soft sensor row with the Sensor Type field highlighted as required, and arrows to New Soft Sensor and the save and cancel icons](https://docs.oriondata.io/images/portal/devices/using-the-channels-tab/new-soft-sensor-row-sensor-type-field-as-required-new-soft-sensor-save-cancel.png)

## Viewing detailed channel data

For a more detailed view of an individual channel’s readings, click the eye icon on the channel row. This will take you to the **Sensor Data** tab for that channel, where you can review historical data, adjust the date range, and export readings.

![Channels tab with an arrow to the eye icons column, which is highlighted](https://docs.oriondata.io/images/portal/devices/using-the-channels-tab/channels-tab-eye-icons-column-which-is.png)Summary

The **Channels** tab provides a comprehensive overview of all channels and soft sensors on a device, combining summary data, recent graphs, and management tools in a single view. From this tab, Super Users and Tenant Admins can edit channel details, manage visibility, delete channels, and create soft sensors. All users can view channel information and navigate through to detailed sensor data.

## Next Steps

- Review your device channels and update any **Scada Tag** or **Custom Name** fields that are missing.
- Set the **Sensor Type** for any channels currently labelled as **Unallocated**.
- Hide any channels that are not currently in use to keep your view organised.
- Click the eye icon on any channel to view its detailed historical data in the **Sensor Data** tab.

## Related articles

- [Viewing device sensor data in Orion Data](https://docs.oriondata.io/portal/devices/device-sensor-data-tab/)
- Understanding devices in Orion Data
- Working with calibrations in Orion Data
- Setting up device alarms in Orion Data