# Creating applications Qlik Sense applications contain data, and use visualizations to explore that data. Make discoveries by applying selections to visualizations. The foundation of an application is the data model and load script. Measures and dimensions are reusable data items used to build charts. Sheets and stories display and organize your visualizations. Bookmarks are an easy way to save a specific selection state on a sheet Whoever creates an application is automatically designated as its owner. An application can be re-used, modified, and shared with others, depending on access rights. Different actions can be carried out depending on whether the application is published or not. Information noteThe .qvf file format is a proprietary format. Qlik Sense applications are purpose-built applications created with data. Application users explore the data through visualizations selected and enhanced by application developers. Applications are created by three primary methods depending on skill level and how much data manipulation is required upon dataload. Options from basic to advanced include: ## Foundations ### Data manager and Data load editor The Data manager lets you quickly add and transform data. You can also associate data tables. The Data load editor uses scripts to connect to a data source and retrieve the data.See [Loading and managing data with Data Manager](https://help.qlik.com/en-US/sense/May2026/Subsystems/Hub/Content/Sense_Hub/LoadData/managing-data.htm), and [Using the data load editor](https://help.qlik.com/en-US/sense/May2026/Subsystems/Hub/Content/Sense_Hub/LoadData/use-data-load-editor.htm).See [Loading and managing data with Data Manager](https://help.qlik.com/en-US/sense/May2026/Subsystems/Hub/Content/Sense_Hub/LoadData/managing-data.htm) and [Using the data load editor](https://help.qlik.com/en-US/sense/May2026/Subsystems/Hub/Content/Sense_Hub/LoadData/use-data-load-editor.htm). ### Measures Measures are calculations used in visualizations. Measures are created from an expression composed of aggregation functions, such as Sum or Max, combined with one or several fields. See [Measures](https://help.qlik.com/en-US/sense/May2026/Subsystems/Hub/Content/Sense_Hub/Measures/measures.htm) and [Using expressions in visualizations](https://help.qlik.com/en-US/sense/May2026/Subsystems/Hub/Content/Sense_Hub/ChartFunctions/use-expressions-in-visualizations.htm). ### Dimensions Dimensions are fields used in visualizations. Dimensions determine how the data in a visualization is grouped. For example: total sales per country or number of products per supplier. See [Dimensions](https://help.qlik.com/en-US/sense/May2026/Subsystems/Hub/Content/Sense_Hub/Dimensions/dimensions.htm) and [Fields](https://help.qlik.com/en-US/sense/May2026/Subsystems/Hub/Content/Sense_Hub/DataSource/fields.htm). ## Structure and visuals ### Sheets Sheets contain data visualizations, such as charts and tables. You create structure in your application by grouping visualizations on sheets. For example, you could have a sheet for North American sales, and a different sheet for Europe. For more information, see [Structuring an application using sheets](https://help.qlik.com/en-US/sense/May2026/Subsystems/Hub/Content/Sense_Hub/Sheets/create-sheets-for-structure.htm) and [Visualizations](https://help.qlik.com/en-US/sense/May2026/Subsystems/Hub/Content/Sense_Hub/Visualizations/creating-visualization.htm). ### Bookmarks Bookmarks are shortcuts to a certain set of selections and chart expansions. See [Bookmarking selections](https://help.qlik.com/en-US/sense/May2026/Subsystems/Hub/Content/Sense_Hub/Bookmarks/keep-track-of-important-data.htm). ### Stories Stories are based on snapshots of visualizations. You present your data by creating a story that guides you to new insights by combining snapshots of data at specific times and selection states. See [Sharing insights with data storytelling](https://help.qlik.com/en-US/sense/May2026/Subsystems/Hub/Content/Sense_Hub/StoryTelling/use-data-storytelling.htm). Information noteIn Qlik Sense Desktop, applications are typically stored in <user>\Documents\Qlik\Sense\Apps, as <Appname>.qvf, where <Appname> is the name of the application. If you rename an application in Qlik Sense Desktop, the .qvf is not updated. Related learning: * [Getting started with Qlik Sense](https://help.qlik.com/lnk/Getting_started_QS) ## Learn more * [Getting started with Qlik Sense](https://help.qlik.com/lnk/Getting_started_QS)