Analyzing data using data fields from multiple objects in an object model

A method for analyzing data from data sources includes receiving user selection of a data source and displaying an interface that includes a schema region and a plurality of shelf regions. Each data field in the schema region is associated with a respective system-defined object from the data source. In a first display mode, each data field is displayed as associated with a respective system-defined object. The method also includes receiving, in the first display mode, user placement of a first data field into a first shelf region. In a second display mode, each data field is displayed in a respective user-defined folder. The user-defined folders are distinct from the system-defined objects. The method also includes generating a data visualization according to the user placement of the first and second data fields into the first and second shelf regions.