# Create a soft sensor

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

Add a soft sensor to a device, select its sensor type and base sensor, then save it.

Unlike physical sensors, which record measurements from hardware, soft sensors are configured within the platform and derive their values based on a defined sensor type and a base sensor. This article explains how to create a soft sensor from within a device.

## Before you begin

Soft sensors are configured at the device level, within the **Channels** section of a device. You will need to have **Super User** access to the relevant device before proceeding.

## Steps to create a soft sensor

1. Select the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left-hand corner of the screen to open the main navigation menu.
2. Select **Devices** from the menu. The **Devices** page will open.

![Main menu open with Devices highlighted](https://docs.oriondata.io/images/portal/getting-started/creating-a-soft-sensor/main-menu-open-devices.png)

1. Locate the device you wish to add a soft sensor to, then select the arrow icon on the far right of that device row to open the device.

![Devices list showing one device, with the arrow button in the Actions column circled](https://docs.oriondata.io/images/portal/getting-started/creating-a-soft-sensor/devices-list-one-device-button-actions-column.png)

1. Within the device, select **Channels**.

![Device configuration page with the Channels tab highlighted](https://docs.oriondata.io/images/portal/getting-started/creating-a-soft-sensor/device-configuration-page-channels-tab.png)

1. On the **Channels** page, select **+ New Soft Sensor** on the right-hand side of the screen.

![Channels tab with the New Soft Sensor button highlighted](https://docs.oriondata.io/images/portal/getting-started/creating-a-soft-sensor/channels-tab-new-soft-sensor-button.png)

1. A new row will appear. Fill in the following fields:

2. - **Sensor Type** - Select the type that describes what this soft sensor will measure.
   - **Base Sensor** - Select the existing sensor that this soft sensor will be derived from.

![New soft sensor row with the Scada Tag and Base Sensor fields highlighted](https://docs.oriondata.io/images/portal/getting-started/creating-a-soft-sensor/new-soft-sensor-row-scada-tag-base-sensor-fields.png)

1. Once all fields are completed, select **Save** on the right-hand side of the row to save the soft sensor.

![New soft sensor row filled in with a sensor type and base sensor, with an arrow to the circled save icon](https://docs.oriondata.io/images/portal/getting-started/creating-a-soft-sensor/new-soft-sensor-row-filled-sensor-type-base-sensor-save-icon.png)

Summary

This article explained how to create a soft sensor within a device in Orion Data. Soft sensors are added from the **Channels** section of a device and require a **Sensor Type**, **SCADA Tag**, and **Base Sensor** to be configured before saving.

## Next Steps

- Review the channels list to confirm the soft sensor has been saved correctly.
- Apply a calibration to the new soft sensor if data transformation is required.
- Configure an alarm on the soft sensor to monitor its derived values.

## Related articles

- [Calibrations and sensor values](https://docs.oriondata.io/portal/calibrations/understanding-calibrations/)
- Setting up sensor alarms in Orion Data
- Managing device channels in Orion Data