---
dataset_name: 1k_diabetes-train.csv
expiration_date: 10-10-2024
owner: misha.yakubovskiy@datarobot.com
domain: core-modeling
title: Select a target
description: This tutorial provides instructions to select a prediction target for your project.
url: https://docs.datarobot.com/en/tutorials/creating-ai-models/tut-target.html

---

# Select a target {: #select-a-target }

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to select the target feature in a project.

The model building phase of the project begins with selecting a target feature, in other words, the column in your dataset that captures what you would like to predict. Once you select a target,  additional configuration options become available.

## Takeaways {: #takeaways }

This tutorial explains:

- How to select a target feature
- Available actions after target selection

## Select a target feature {: #select-a-target-feature }

You can begin building a project after importing a training dataset to DataRobot, which takes you to the **Data** tab.

1. Consider your use case, and begin typing the name of the target feature you would like to predict below **What would you like to predict**.

    ![](images/tut-target-1.png)

2. Select the target from the dropdown.

    ![](images/tut-target-2.png)

    ??? tip
        If you're unsure of the target feature name, scroll down to view a list of every feature in the training dataset.

    Once selected, DataRobot automatically analyzes the training dataset, determines the project type (classification if the dataset has categories or regression if the target is numerical), and displays the distribution of the target feature.

    The other **Start** screen configuration options also become available, including [modeling modes](model-ref#modeling-modes) and [advanced modeling options](adv-opt/index).

## Learn more {: #learn-more }

**Documentation:**

- [Configure advanced modeling options](adv-opt/index)
- [Select a modeling mode](model-ref#modeling-modes)
- [Set target feature in basic modeling workflow](model-data#set-the-target-feature)
- [Explore your data prior to model building](analyze-data/index)
