May 2017
Introduction to Tableau 10
Tableau transforms your data into interactive visual representations with a few clicks of your mouse.
Import data from Alteryx or your own data file to analyze it via visualizations and dashboards
Create filters and variables to quickly cut data and discover deeper insights.
Pricing – What you need to know
Using Tableau on an as-needed basis: Tableau Desktop is available to CSS teams that are doing data-related work during an engagement. A charge code is required for tracking only. The
files you create with Tableau stay with you.
Using Tableau on an on-going basis: Submit a charge code to purchase Tableau at the Firm’s discounted enterprise rate. There is an initial $1,579 cost for the license and a yearly maintenance
fee of $400. This option is most appropriate for CSSA and some CSSS, but you should consult your manager or Engagement Director before purchasing.
Preparing your data for Tableau Connecting to your data
Data needs to be in a clean database format before bringing it into Tableau. When you launch Tableau, you must first connect to the data.
Tip: Alteryx is recommended for complex and/or dynamic cleaning and preparing of data. 1. On the launch screen, under Connect, choose the
data source (e.g., Excel file,text file, server)
Each column needs a header Or drag your file from Windows Explorer into the
Remove fully blank rows and fully blank columns Open area
Ideally, data should be raw, not aggregated 2. If Excel or Access, drag sheets into the white space
Note: If your file has only one worksheet, it will
automatically be added into the white space.
3. Under Connection, choose Extract
4. To start your visualizations, click Sheet 1
Understanding the Tableau workspace
The fields from your original data are organized on the left into Dimensions and Measures
1. Dimensions are categorical data, like names,
dates, and product types
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2. Measures are typically numeric data to be 4
used in summaries/calculations (e.g., unit price) a
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3. Pages, Filters, and Marks cards control which b
values are displayed in your worksheet and how
each are displayed:
a. For the Pages shelf, Tableau creates a
different chart for each unique member of
that dimension/measure c
b. For the Filter shelf, create filters to work with
your visualization, and show only the data
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you want to show
c. For the Marks card, populate the Values
area (think PivotTable or PivotChart) in which
you are summarizing information.
4. The Columns and Rows shelves hold the
column and row headers – drag and drop from
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your Dimensions and Measures
5. The bottom tabs help you navigate, and add new visualizations, dashboards, and stories
Building a visualization
You drag and drop dimensions and measures into the Columns and Rows shelves, or directly into the “Drop field here” areas.
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Working with filters Annotating areas of note
Filters allow you to control which, from all of your dimensions, are showing You might want to annotate certain points, such as spikes, in your
in your viz. To use filters: visualizations. To add an annotation:
1. Right-click the dimension, and choose Filter 1. Right-click in the general area where you want that annotation to appear
A filter box displays on the right side of the and choose Annotate, then Area
worksheet. 2. Type in the desired text and click OK
2. Check and uncheck what you want to show An annotation box appears on your visualization
or want to hide
3. For a single choice option, right click on the
filter list and choose Single value (list)
Note: A single value list is faster than multiple values
4. Repeat steps 1-3 to add more filters
Creating a calculated field Creating hierarchies
Sometimes, you need to create a calculation based on the fields in your You can create hierarchies to make your charts more dynamic – then
data set. To add a calculated field: expand and contract the hierarchy with a click of the mouse. To create a
hierarchy:
1. Click the arrow to the right of Dimensions in your
Dimension list and choose Create Calculated Field 1. From your Dimensions list, drag one field on top of the other (e.g., drag
Or from the Analysis menu, choose Create Product Sub-Category onto Product Category)
Calculated Field A dialog box appears to name the hierarchy
The Create Calculated Field dialog box opens
2. Type in a name for the new field
3. Click in the white space and start to type your formula
Note: Tableau requires exact spelling and capitalization. It’s best to use the smart type
ahead, select the correct fields and formulas, and press the tab key to select
4. To see a list of the functions available, click the right arrow
5. Click OK to close the dialog box
The new measure or dimension will be in your field list
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2. Name the hierarchy (e.g., Products) and click OK
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3. Add as many fields into the hierarchy as needed
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If you drag a created hierarchy into your Columns or Rows shelves, you
can expand and contract it to show its collective pieces. You can also drag
in field names individually.
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Using Show Me visualizations Creating groups
Show Me suggests visualizations based on the dimensions and measures Groups are sets of dimension members that make up a larger whole. They
you have chosen. To use the Show Me feature: help you remove outliers and roll up your dimensions. To create groups:
1. Select the dimensions and 1. In your viz, select the row or column labels,
measures you want to visualize then right-click and choose Group
Note: If the measures and dimensions are 2. To change the default name, right click
not next to each other, press and
hold <Ctrl> and then click to select.
the label, choose Edit Alias, type in a new
name, and click OK
2. Open the Show Me dialog box The grouped dimension will display with
All of the suggested charts are a paperclip in the Dimensions list
displayed in bright colors.
3. Click a chart
The visualization is created.
4. To change the visualization,
choose another chart in the Show
Me dialog box
Creating a dashboard
Once you have created your visualizations, you can bring them together on
one page, a Dashboard. From a Dashboard, you can view multiple sheets
at the same time and interact with them. To add a Dashboard:
1. At the bottom of the page, click the New Dashboard button
A Dashboard page is created
2. Drag and drop your visualizations into the Dashboard area
Note: A grey outline indicates where the chart is going to be placed.
Your visualization is
added to the
Dashboard.
If one of the visualizations
has a filter, you can apply
that filter to all of the
visualizations on your
Dashboard. Need Help?
Right-click the filter, For downloading, licensing, and how-to questions, contact GHD:
choose Apply to Call: +1 (212) 798 0813, VoIP ext. 313
Worksheets, and choose Email: Global Helpdesk
All Using This Data Source.
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