TABLEAU TECH NOTES

Introduction to Tableau

What is Tableau?

Tableau is a powerful data visualization and business intelligence tool that helps users understand and
analyze their data through interactive and intuitive dashboards, charts, and reports. It simplifies raw data
exploration, making it accessible for both technical and non-technical users.

Feature Description
Connects to a wide variety of data sources, including
Data Connection databases, spreadsheets, and cloud services.
Interactive Creates dynamic, interactive dashboards that update in
Dashboards real-time based on user interaction.
Combines data from multiple sources into a single
Data Blending visualization.
Live and Extract Offers both live connections and extracted snapshots of
Modes data for analysis.
Drag-and-Drop Simplifies the creation of visualizations without needing
Interface programming skills.
Advanced Supports complex visualizations like heat maps, scatter
Visualizations plots, Gantt charts, and geographic maps.
Sharing and Share dashboards via Tableau Server, Tableau Online, or
Collaboration Tableau Public.
Optimizes dashboards for mobile devices, allowing insights
Mobile Support on the go.
Integration with Integrates with R, Python, and Tableau Prep for advanced
Analytics analytics.

Tableau Product Suite

The Tableau ecosystem includes various tools designed to cater to different aspects of data analysis,
visualization, and collaboration. Here is a detailed table explaining each component of the Tableau Product
Suite:

Product Description Usage Example

A desktop application Creating a sales

for creating, analyzing, Used by analysts to dashboard with KPIs,
and visualizing data build dashboards, trends, and
using an intuitive drag- charts, and geographic sales
Tableau Desktop and-drop interface. interactive reports. distribution.
 An enterprise-level
platform for sharing and Enables teams to Sharing a performance
collaborating on publish, share, and dashboard with
dashboards and reports access dashboards multiple departments
securely within an on a centralized for real-time updates
Tableau Server organization. platform. and collaboration.

Providing remote
A cloud-hosted version Used by teams access to
of Tableau Server that organizations to dashboards via a web-
eliminates the need for host dashboards and based interface
on-premises setup and collaborate in the without infrastructure
Tableau Online maintenance. cloud. management.
Used for public
A free, cloud-based sharing of data Publishing a public
platform for creating visualizations COVID-19 trends
and sharing interactive without restrictions dashboard for global
Tableau Public visualizations publicly. on access. audiences.
Used by data
analysts to ensure
that raw data is Cleaning and blending
A data preparation tool ready for sales and marketing
for cleaning, shaping, visualization in data from Excel and
and blending data Tableau Desktop or Salesforce for unified
Tableau Prep before analysis. Tableau Server. reporting.

Tableau Interface Overview, Connecting to Data Sources, and File Types

Tableau Interface
Overview

Section Description Key Components

The initial page where users can

connect to data sources, open existing Buttons to connect to data
workbooks, or access sample sources, open recent workbooks,
Start Page dashboards. and access help or tutorials.

A row of tools at the top of the screen

that provides quick access to common Save, Undo/Redo, Refresh Data,
Toolbar functions. and Export options.
 Located on the left side, it lists
connected data sources, dimensions, Drag fields to Rows, Columns,
Data Pane and measures available for analysis. Filters, or Marks.

Rows, Columns, Filters, Pages,

The main area where visualizations are and Marks cards for designing
Canvas/Workspace created and modified. visualizations.

Used to define the appearance and

functionality of data points in Options include Color, Size, Text,
Marks Card visualizations. Detail, and Tooltip.

Worksheets (individual
Tabs at the bottom for switching visualizations), Dashboards
between worksheets, dashboards, and (collections of sheets), and
Sheet Tabs stories. Stories (narratives).

Options include bar charts, line

Suggests appropriate visualization charts, scatter plots, maps, and
Show Me Panel types based on selected data. more.

Allows filtering data directly within the Drag fields to the Filters shelf to
Filters visualizations. refine displayed data.

Connecting to
Data Sources

Aspect Description Examples

Tableau can connect to various data Excel, CSV, SQL Server, Oracle,
Supported Data sources, including databases, files, and PostgreSQL, Google Analytics,
Sources cloud services. Salesforce, Snowflake.
Live Connection: Real-time queries to Real-time stock prices (Live) or
the data source. monthly sales data saved as an
Connection Types Extract: Static snapshot of the data. extract (Extract).
1. Go to the "Connect" pane on the Connect to an Excel file for sales
Start Page. data, then filter and preview it
Steps to Connect 2. Select a data source type. before creating visualizations.
 3. Authenticate and configure
connection settings.
4. Preview and load the data.
Use Tableau Prep for cleaning and Combine customer data from
shaping data before connecting it to Salesforce and product data from
Data Preparation Tableau Desktop. SQL Server for a unified analysis.

Tableau File
Types

File Type Extension Description Use Case

Share the structure of

Contains the structure of the visualizations without
workbook (sheets, dashboards, embedding the data
etc.) but does not include the (requires data source
Workbook .twb actual data. access).

Share dashboards with

both the structure and
Packaged A .twb file bundled with data data included for
Workbook .twbx sources for easy sharing. offline use.

Contains connection information Save the connection

and metadata (e.g., field aliases, setup for a database
calculated fields) for a data so it can be reused
Data Source .tds source. across projects.

Share a predefined
data source with
Packaged Data A .tds file bundled with data metadata and extracts
Source .tdsx extracts for sharing. included.

Store extracted
subsets of data for
Tableau's original data extract performance
Tableau Data format, now mostly replaced optimization in older
Extract .tde by .hyper. Tableau versions.

Tableau's high-performance data Use .hyper for faster

extract format for large datasets, analytics and support
Hyper Extract .hyper introduced in Tableau 10.5. for large data extracts.
Save a specific chart
Saves an individual sheet for reuse in other
Bookmark .tbm (visualization) for reuse. workbooks.

Share custom
geospatial map
configurations for
Map Source .tms Contains custom map settings. dashboards.
 Apply custom
branding with
Contains workbook preferences consistent colors
Preferences .tps such as color palettes. across dashboards.

Data Connection & Preparation in Tableau

Example
Feature Description Usage Query/Scenario

Connecting to SQL
Tableau connects to Allows users to work Server, Excel, Google
various data sources, with structured or semi- Analytics, Salesforce,
including databases, structured data for or JSON files for
Data Sources cloud services, and files. analysis. creating dashboards.

Real-time connection to Monitoring stock

a data source, retrieving Suitable for real-time prices using a live
Live the latest data during analytics or frequently connection to a stock
Connections analysis. changing datasets. trading database.

Static snapshots of data

stored locally or on
Tableau Server, Ideal for large datasets Extracting monthly
optimized for where live connections sales data to speed up
Extracts performance. may slow performance. dashboard queries.

Allows blending of data Connecting sales data

Combining multiple from diverse sources for from Excel with
Multiple datasets within a single comprehensive customer data from
Connections workbook for analysis. reporting. Salesforce.
 Joining tables from Joining MySQL sales
different databases, Ideal for merging data with Oracle
Cross- enabling seamless datasets stored across inventory data using
Database integration of different platforms Tableau’s cross-
Joins distributed data. without pre-integration. database join feature.

Data Sources

Type Examples Description

File-Based Import structured and semi-

Sources Excel, CSV, JSON, PDF structured data from flat files.

Directly query data stored in

Databases MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Oracle relational databases.

Cloud Access cloud-hosted datasets for

Services Google Analytics, Salesforce, Snowflake seamless integration into Tableau.

APIs and Connect to APIs and web-based

Other sources for dynamic and real-time
Sources Web data connectors, OData data acquisition.

Live
Connections

Feature Description Use Case

Monitoring sales transactions in

Real-Time Retrieves updated data directly from the real time using a live connection to
Data data source during analysis. a sales database.

A finance team tracks daily stock

Automatic Dashboards update automatically when prices using a live connection to a
Updates data changes at the source. financial database.

Using live connections to query

Lower No need to store extracted data locally, cloud-hosted customer data
Storage reducing storage requirements. without extracting it to Tableau.
Extracts

Feature Description Use Case

Captures a static version of data Analyzing monthly sales trends using a locally
Static Data for faster performance and offline stored extract instead of querying the source
Snapshots analysis. database.

Reduces query times by storing

Optimized for optimized data formats Handling large datasets like a million rows of
Performance like .hyper or .tde. sales records with minimal lag.

Extract only relevant data by

Custom applying filters during the Extracting data only for specific regions or
Filters extraction process. time periods, such as "Sales for 2024 Q1."

Multiple
Connections

Feature Description Use Case

Connecting HR data from Excel with

financial data from an Oracle
Combine data from multiple sources into database for employee expense
Blending Data a single workbook or visualization. reporting.

Combining marketing campaign data

Unified Seamlessly integrate data from disparate from Google Analytics with sales
Reporting systems for a consolidated view. data from Salesforce.

Joining customer purchase history

Linked by Establish relationships between sources with CRM data to understand
Common Fields using key columns (e.g., Customer ID). customer lifetime value.

Cross-
Database
Joins

Feature Description Use Case

 Multi- Joining sales transactions stored in a
Database Perform joins across tables in different MySQL database with inventory data
Queries databases (e.g., MySQL, Oracle, Excel). stored in Oracle.

A retail chain analyzes regional sales

Seamless Tableau handles database-specific syntax, data across cloud-hosted and on-
Integration simplifying cross-database queries. premises databases.

Combining employee data from

Advanced Supports INNER, LEFT, RIGHT, and FULL Excel with payroll data from a SQL
Joins OUTER joins across different data sources. Server database.

Comparison of
Live Connections
and Extracts

Aspect Live Connections Extracts

Data Updates Real-time data updates. Static snapshot of the data.
May slow down with large
Performance datasets. Optimized for fast query performance.
Storage
Requirement No local storage required. Requires local storage.
Use Case Real-time stock monitoring. Historical sales trend analysis.

Data Types and Concepts in Tableau

Tableau uses different data types and concepts to help structure and visualize data effectively. Below are
definitions, explanations, and examples for data types, discrete vs. continuous fields, dimensions vs.
measures, and date/time fields.

Data Type Definition Example

Text-based data that represents
String names, categories, or descriptions. "Product A", "John Doe", "New York".
Quantitative data used for
mathematical calculations and
Numeric aggregations. 100, 2500, -42.
Logical data type with two possible
Boolean values: TRUE or FALSE. IsActive field: TRUE or FALSE.

Data type for analyzing temporal

information such as dates and
Date/Time times. 2024-12-27, 2024-12-27 14:30:00.
 Data that represents locations,
enabling geographic visualizations
Geographic like maps. Country, State, City, ZIP Code.

Discrete vs.
Continuous
Fields

Aspect Discrete Continuous

Represents distinct, separate Represents numeric ranges or
Definition values or categories. sequences.
Display Shown as headers in visualizations. Displayed as axes in visualizations.
Color Uses separate colors for categories Uses gradients to represent value ranges
Behavior (e.g., red, blue, green). (e.g., light to dark).
Used for categorical data like Used for quantitative data like sales
Use Case product types or regions. trends or time-series data.

Dimensions
vs. Measures

Aspect Dimensions Measures

Categorical fields used to segment, Quantitative fields used for aggregations
Definition group, or label data. such as SUM, AVG, or COUNT.
Provide structure or labels for Represent numerical values for
Role visualizations. calculations and visualizations.
Aggregation Cannot be aggregated. Aggregated by default (e.g., total sales).
Customer names, product
Use Case categories, or order dates. Sales revenue, profit, or order quantity.

Date/Time
Fields

Aspect Definition Example

Yearly Fields used to break down data by Analyzing annual sales trends across
Analysis year. multiple years.
Monthly Fields used to compare data across Comparing sales for January, February,
Trends months or quarters. etc., to identify seasonality.
Tracks detailed trends over time, Monitoring website traffic or sales
Time Series such as by day or hour. transactions on an hourly basis.
Allows customizing the display
Custom format of date/time fields for Showing dates as YYYY-
Formatting specific reporting needs. MM or MM/DD/YYYY.
 Concept Definition Example
Field types like string, numeric,
Boolean, date/time, and String: "Product A", Numeric: 100,
Data Types geographic for structuring data. Date: 2024-12-27.
Discrete: Separate categories (e.g., Discrete: Product Category (Furniture,
Discrete vs products). Continuous: Numeric Electronics), Continuous: Total Sales
Continuous ranges (e.g., sales trends). ($1000, $2000).
Dimensions: Categorical fields for
Dimensions grouping. Measures: Numeric
vs Measures fields for aggregation. Dimension: Region, Measure: Profit.
Date/Time Fields for analyzing temporal data, Monthly sales trends: Date field for
Fields such as monthly or yearly trends. months, Sales as a measure.

Data Blending in Tableau

Definition:

Data Blending in Tableau is a method used to combine data from multiple sources into a single
visualization. Unlike joins or cross-database joins, blending happens at the aggregation level, and Tableau
performs it after each dataset has been independently aggregated.

How Data
Blending
Works

Aspect Description Example

Primary Data The main dataset used in the
Source visualization. Sales data from an Excel file.
Additional dataset(s) linked to the
Secondary primary data source via a common Customer demographics data from a
Data Source field. SQL database.

Data
Blending vs.
Joins

Aspect Data Blending Joins

Combines data from multiple, Combines data from tables within the
Sources unrelated sources. same source or compatible databases.
Timing Performed after aggregation. Performed before aggregation.
Data Joining in Tableau

Definition:

Data Joining in Tableau is a method of combining data from two or more tables within the same data
source or between compatible sources using a common field (key). Joins are performed at the row level,
combining records based on the specified join condition.

Types of
Joins in
Tableau

Join Type Description Example

Combines only the rows that have Orders table joined with Customers
Inner Join matching values in both tables. table where CustomerID matches in both.
Combines all rows from the left
table and the matching rows from Shows all customers, even those
Left Join the right table. without orders.
Combines all rows from the right
table and the matching rows from Shows all orders, even if no matching
Right Join the left table. customer exists.
Displays all customers and all orders,
Full Outer Combines all rows from both with NULL values for non-matching
Join tables, including unmatched rows. rows.

Produces a Cartesian product of

both tables, combining every row Combines all customers with all
from one table with every row products to analyze potential sales
Cross Join from the other. combinations.

Data Union in Tableau

Definition:

A Data Union in Tableau is a method of appending data from two or more tables with the same structure
(schema) into a single dataset. Unlike joins, which merge columns, unions stack rows from multiple
datasets, making it ideal for consolidating data split across different files or tables.

Aspect Description Example

Combine data from multiple tables
or files by stacking their rows Appending sales data from different
Purpose together. regions stored in separate Excel files.
 Tables must have the same
Schema columns (field names and data Both tables must include columns
Requirements types) for a successful union. like OrderID, CustomerID, Amount.
Tableau creates a field called Table
Additional Name or similar to identify the A row from "East Sales.xlsx" would have
Fields source table or file of each row. "East Sales.xlsx" in the Table Name field.

Performed at the data source level

in Tableau’s data pane or within Combining yearly sales data stored
Execution Tableau Prep. as Sales_2023.csv and Sales_2024.csv.

Data Relationships in Tableau

Definition:

Data Relationships in Tableau are logical links between tables that define how they relate to one another.
Unlike joins, relationships dynamically adapt based on the fields used in the visualization, preserving the
granularity of each table and improving performance.

Key Features
of Data
Relationships

Aspect Description Example

Relationships exist in Tableau's
logical layer and define how tables Sales and Customer tables linked
Logical Layer relate. by CustomerID.
Tableau generates the
appropriate joins automatically
based on the fields used in the If only Customer Name is used, the join
Dynamic Joins visualization. focuses on that field dynamically.

Maintains the original level of

Preserves detail for each table and avoids Keeps customer-level data separate
Table data duplication or aggregation from order-level data until required in
Granularity issues. the visualization.
Queries are generated only for
Performance fields used in the view, reducing Tableau avoids unnecessary joins for
Optimization processing time for large datasets. unused fields in visualizations.

Relationships
vs. Joins
Aspect Relationships Joins
Defined at the logical layer and Defined at the physical layer and
Execution evaluated dynamically. evaluated upfront.
Adapts to fields used in the Fixed join conditions apply regardless of
Flexibility visualization. the visualization.
Preserves table granularity and Joins may duplicate data, affecting
Granularity prevents duplication. aggregations.
Generates queries for only the May query unnecessary data, impacting
Performance necessary fields. performance.
Suitable for maintaining the
integrity of multi-granular Suitable for combining closely related
Use Case datasets. data tables upfront.

Advantages
of
Relationships

Advantage Description
Dynamic
Queries Relationships adapt based on the fields used in the visualization.
Maintains original table structure and granularity, preventing
Data Integrity duplication.
Better
Performance Reduces query complexity by generating joins only for fields in use.
Simple to
Manage No need to manually adjust joins for different use cases.

Disadvantages
of
Relationships

Disadvantage Description

Limited Manual
Control Relationships lack the granular control of custom joins.
Requires
Matching Keys Properly defined key fields are essential for accurate relationships.
Complex May require additional setup for multi-level relationships or nested
Visualizations datasets.
 Comparison:
Relationships,
Joins, and
Blends

Aspect Relationships Joins Blends

Logical layer, evaluated Physical layer, fixed Post-aggregation blending
Execution dynamically. upfront. at the visualization layer.
Maintains table-level May duplicate or Maintains data at source
Granularity granularity. aggregate data. granularity.
Combines unrelated
Adapts to the Fixed, requires manual sources but with less
Flexibility visualization context. configuration for changes. flexibility.
Performance may
Optimized for necessary May query unnecessary degrade with large
Performance fields only. data. datasets.
Multi-granular datasets Predefined table Combining unrelated
or dynamically linked relationships in the same sources, such as SQL and
Use Case tables. source. Excel.

Data Interpreter in Tableau

Definition:

The Data Interpreter is a feature in Tableau that helps clean and structure messy or unorganized data
automatically when connecting to Excel files or text files. It simplifies data preparation by identifying
headers, footers, and other irrelevant elements and organizing the data into a clean table for analysis.

Key
Features of
Data
Interpreter
Feature Description Example
Identifies and removes unnecessary
Automatic headers, footers, or empty rows and Cleans up an Excel sheet with
Cleaning columns. multiple title rows and footnotes.
Recognizes subtables within a file and Extracts sales data and customer
Detects organizes them as separate, usable tables in data from a single Excel sheet with
Subtables Tableau. multiple tables.
Finds and sets column headers
Header Automatically identifies the correct header even if they are misplaced in the
Detection rows. file.
 Generates
Summary Provides a summary of changes made by the Shows removed rows, renamed
Report Data Interpreter for review. fields, or extracted subtables.

When to
Use Data
Interpreter
Scenario Example
Messy Excel Files with multiple title rows, merged cells,
Files or empty rows.
Data with Excel sheets with different tables for regions
Subtables or departments.
Files with headers not in the first row or
Irregular additional metadata like logos, notes, or
Layouts totals.

Data Modeling in Tableau

Definition:

Data Modeling in Tableau refers to the process of organizing and structuring data from multiple sources
into a unified framework for analysis and visualization. It involves defining relationships, joins, unions, and
hierarchies to ensure that data is effectively connected and prepared for analysis.

Components
of Data
Modeling in
Tableau
Component Description Example
The layer where relationships are defined
between tables without merging the data Linking a "Customers" table to an
Logical Layer immediately. "Orders" table using CustomerID.
The layer where joins, unions, and blending Performing an inner join between
Physical Layer are performed to combine datasets. "Orders" and "Products" tables.
Defines dynamic, logical links between Linking "Sales" and "Regions"
tables that adjust based on the fields used in dynamically without duplicating
Relationships a visualization. data.
Combines tables by merging columns based Joining "Orders" and "Customers"
Joins on a common field in the physical layer. tables on CustomerID.
Stacks rows from multiple tables with the Unioning sales data from "2023
Unions same schema to create a single dataset. Sales" and "2024 Sales" tables.
Groups fields into levels for drill-down Creating a hierarchy of "Region →
Hierarchies analysis. Country → City".
 Calculated Adds custom fields derived from existing Calculating Profit Margin = (Profit /
Fields data for deeper insights. Sales) * 100.
Prepares data for analysis by summarizing Summing total sales by region or
Aggregations measures (e.g., SUM, AVG). averaging profit margins.

Data Cleaning in Tableau

In Tableau, data cleaning refers to the process of preparing raw data for analysis by addressing issues such
as missing values, duplicate records, or inconsistencies. Tableau provides built-in features for cleaning data
within the Data Pane or Data Source tab.

Data Cleaning
Task Description Tableau Feature Used
Removing Null
or Missing Identify and exclude rows or columns with Filter null values or use calculated
Values null values to avoid errors in analysis. fields
Combining Merge or split fields to create meaningful
Fields and consistent data structures. Split, Custom Split, or Merge Fields
Standardizing Ensure consistent formatting, such as date
Data formats or text case (uppercase/lowercase). Calculated Fields
Removing Identify and remove duplicate entries to Use DISTINCT in Custom SQL or Data
Duplicates maintain data integrity. Prep

Data Reshape or pivot data for easier analysis,

Transformation such as unpivoting columns into rows. Pivot and Unpivot Features

Example
Use Case

Scenario: You have a dataset with customer sales data. Some entries have null values in the "Sales
Amount" column, inconsistent date formats, and duplicate customer IDs.
Step Action in Tableau Result
Remove null Apply a filter to exclude nulls in "Sales
values Amount." Data includes only complete records.
Standardize Use calculated fields to convert dates into a All dates are in "YYYY-MM-DD"
date format consistent format. format.
Remove Use DISTINCT in Custom SQL or Tableau Prep
duplicates Builder. Only unique records are retained.

Basic Visualizations in Tableau

The table below provides an overview of common Tableau visualization types, their purpose, and common
use cases:
 Chart Type Description Common Use Case
Displays data using rectangular bars where Comparing categorical data (e.g.,
Bar Charts the length represents the value. sales by region).
Uses lines to connect data points, showing Visualizing trends (e.g., revenue
Line Charts trends over time. growth over months).
Represents proportions of a whole using Showing percentages (e.g., market
Pie Charts slices of a circle. share distribution).
Displays data points on two axes to visualize
relationships or correlations between Analyzing relationships (e.g., sales vs.
Scatter Plots variables. advertising spend).
Similar to line charts but with the area
below the line filled, emphasizing Visualizing cumulative data trends
Area Charts magnitude. (e.g., revenue growth).
Mapping data (e.g., sales by country
Maps Displays geographic data on a map. or state).
Displays data in tabular form for detailed Showing detailed records (e.g., sales
Tables numeric comparisons. data by product).
Uses color intensity to represent values in a Highlighting patterns (e.g., sales by
Heat Maps matrix. region and product).
Uses nested rectangles to represent
hierarchical data with area size indicating Visualizing proportions (e.g., product
Tree Maps value. category sales).
Displays performance against a target using Performance analysis (e.g., sales vs.
Bullet Graphs bars and reference lines. target).
Represents project schedules or timelines Project management (e.g., tracking
Gantt Charts using horizontal bars. tasks over time).
Displays data points with varying sizes to Highlighting magnitude (e.g., sales
Bubble Charts represent a third dimension. and profit by region).

Show Me Feature in Tableau

The Show Me feature in Tableau is a tool that suggests the best visualization types based on the data you’ve
selected. It provides a range of chart options and helps users create effective visualizations quickly without
requiring extensive design knowledge.

Aspect Details
Automatically suggests visualizations based on the selected fields and
Purpose their data types.
Location Found in the top-right corner of the Tableau interface (near the toolbar).
Select fields in the Data Pane, then click a suggested chart type from
How It Works the Show Me menu.
Supported Bar charts, Line charts, Pie charts, Maps, Scatter plots, Heat maps, Tree
Visualizations maps, Gantt charts, etc.
 Show Me
Chart
Compatibility

The Show Me feature categorizes charts based on the type and number of selected fields:

Visualization Minimum Requirements Example Fields

Bar Chart 1 Dimension, 1 Measure Region (Dimension), Sales (Measure)
Line Chart 1 Date, 1 Measure Order Date (Date), Profit (Measure)
Pie Chart 1 Dimension, 1 Measure Category (Dimension), Sales (Measure)
Scatter Plot 2 Measures Sales, Profit
Map 1 Geographic Field State
Tree Map 1 Dimension, 1 Measure Category, Revenue
Heat Map 2 Dimensions, 1 Measure Product, Region, Profit
Bubble Chart 1 Dimension, 2 Measures Category, Sales, Profit
Gantt Chart 1 Date, 1 Dimension, 1 Measure Task Date, Project Name, Hours

Marks Card in Tableau

The Marks Card is a powerful feature in Tableau that allows you to customize the appearance and behavior
of visualizations. It provides various options like Color, Size, Label, Detail, Tooltip, and Shape, enabling
users to control how data is displayed and interacted with.

Marks Card
Element Description Use Case
Highlighting categories or ranges
Changes the color of the marks (bars, points, (e.g., Profit by region using a color
Color etc.) based on a dimension or measure. gradient).
Adjusts the size of marks, which can Showing magnitude differences (e.g.,
Size represent a measure. bubble size for sales volume).
Displays text labels on marks, typically Adding data values to a bar chart or
Label showing values or descriptions. scatter plot for easier interpretation.
Adds more granularity to the visualization by Showing individual product details in
Detail including additional dimensions or fields. a scatter plot for specific points.
Displaying detailed data points (e.g.,
Provides additional information that appears order details when hovering over a
Tooltip when hovering over marks. sales mark).
Differentiating data categories using
Changes the shape of marks, typically for icons or shapes (e.g., product types
Shape categorical distinctions. in a scatter plot).

Calculated Fields in Tableau

Calculated Fields are custom fields that you can create in Tableau to extend your dataset by applying
formulas or calculations. They allow you to manipulate data, perform operations, and derive insights directly
within Tableau.

Aspect Description
To create new data fields using existing data, perform complex
Purpose calculations, or derive metrics.
Location Found in the Data Pane: Right-click and select "Create Calculated Field."
Creating KPIs, categorizing data, performing conditional calculations, and
Use Cases manipulating strings.

Types of
Calculations

Type Description Example

Basic Perform basic operations like addition, [Sales] * 0.10 (Calculate 10%
Arithmetic subtraction, multiplication, and division. commission on sales).
String Manipulate text fields (e.g., concatenation,
Functions trimming, case conversion). CONCAT([First Name], ' ', [Last Name]).

Logical Create conditions and categories using IF, IF [Sales] > 1000 THEN 'High' ELSE
Functions CASE, and ELSE statements. 'Low' END.

Date Perform operations on dates (e.g., adding DATEDIFF('day', [Order Date], [Ship
Calculations days, months, or calculating differences). Date]).

Aggregate Apply functions like SUM, AVG, MIN, MAX to

Functions summarize data. SUM([Profit]).

Perform calculations based on the position

Table of data in the view, like running totals or
Calculations percentages. RUNNING_SUM([Sales]).

Level of Perform calculations at a specific level of

Detail (LOD) granularity, independent of the view. {FIXED [Region] : SUM([Sales])}.

Examples of
Calculated
Fields
Calculation
Type Formula Use Case
Calculate the profit margin for each
Profit Margin [Profit] / [Sales] transaction.
Categorize sales into "High" or
Sales Category IF [Sales] > 5000 THEN 'High' ELSE 'Low' END "Low".
Full Name Combine first and last names into a
Concatenation CONCAT([First Name], ' ', [Last Name]) single field.
 Calculate the number of days
Days to Ship DATEDIFF('day', [Order Date], [Ship Date]) between order and shipping.
Fixed Sales by Total sales for each region,
Region {FIXED [Region] : SUM([Sales])} independent of filters.

Table Calculations in Tableau

Table Calculations in Tableau are computations applied to data already in your visualization. They are
performed at the visualization level, based on how data is arranged in the view, and are used to perform
secondary calculations like running totals, percentages, or rankings.

Aspect Description
Add advanced computations (e.g., running totals, differences, percentages) to
Purpose existing measures.
Access via the drop-down menu of a measure in the view or by using the Analytics
Location Pane.
Can be adjusted by changing the Compute Using settings (e.g., across rows,
Customization columns).

Types of Table
Calculations

Table Calculation Description Example Use Case

Computes a cumulative total across a
Running Total table. Cumulative sales over months.
Calculates the difference between
Difference consecutive values in a table. Month-over-month sales change.
Calculates the percent change between
Percent Difference consecutive values. Month-over-month profit growth.
Computes each value as a percentage of Market share of products within a
Percent of Total the total. category.
Assigns a rank to each value based on a
Rank measure. Rank products by total sales.
Calculates the average of values over a 3-month moving average for
Moving Average specified window. sales.
Identifies the smallest/largest value in Highlighting the lowest or highest
Minimum/Maximum the window. profit values.
Create tailored calculations using Table Weighted averages, custom
Custom Calculations Calculation Functions. rankings.
 Examples of
Table
Calculations

Table
Calculation Formula/Setting Visualization Example
Line chart showing cumulative sales
Running Total RUNNING_SUM([Sales]) over months.
Percent of Pie chart showing profit contribution
Total SUM([Profit]) / TOTAL(SUM([Profit])) by region.
Rank RANK(SUM([Sales])) Bar chart ranking products by sales.
Moving Line chart smoothing sales trends
Average WINDOW_AVG(SUM([Sales]), -2, 0) with a 3-month average.
Highlighting month-to-month sales
Difference LOOKUP(SUM([Sales]), -1) growth.

Level of Detail (LOD) Expressions in Tableau

Level of Detail (LOD) Expressions allow you to compute aggregations at different levels of granularity,
independent of the visualization’s structure. Tableau provides three types of LOD
expressions: FIXED, INCLUDE, and EXCLUDE.

Example Example
LOD Type Description Syntax Use Case Expression Use Case
Calculate values
Calculates the at a dimension Total sales
aggregation at a specific, level, by region,
{FIXED
fixed level of detail, independent of regardless
ignoring dimensions in <Dimension(s)> filters or the {FIXED [Region] of filters in
FIXED the visualization. : <Aggregate>} view. : SUM([Sales])} the view.

Average
Add dimensions profit by
Calculates the to the view’s category,
aggregation by including level of detail to even if
{INCLUDE {INCLUDE
additional dimensions to compute finer- category
the existing level of <Dimension(s)> grained [Category] : isn’t in the
INCLUDE detail in the view. : <Aggregate>} aggregations. AVG([Profit])} view.
Remove
Calculates the dimensions from Total sales
aggregation by the view’s level excluding
excluding specified of detail to the effect
{EXCLUDE {EXCLUDE
dimensions from the compute higher- of the
level of detail in the <Dimension(s)> level [Category] : category
EXCLUDE view. : <Aggregate>} aggregations. SUM([Sales])} dimension.
 Key Differences Between FIXED, INCLUDE, and EXCLUDE
Aspect FIXED INCLUDE EXCLUDE
Granularity Explicitly sets the level of Adds dimensions to the Removes dimensions from the
Control granularity. existing granularity. existing granularity.
Ignores context and
dimension filters unless Works within the existing Works within the existing filter
Filters explicitly mentioned. filter context. context.
Independent of the Dependent on dimensions Dependent on dimensions in the
Impact visualization. in the view. view.

Function/Fea
Category ture Description Example Use Case

Display
cumulative
sales over
Quick Table Running Calculates a cumulative months in a
Calculations Total total. RUNNING_SUM([Sales]) line chart.

Show each
Computes each value as product's
Percent of a percentage of the contribution
Total total. [Profit] / TOTAL([Profit]) to total profit.

Calculates the difference Month-over-

between consecutive month sales
Difference values. LOOKUP([Sales], -1) change.
Rank products
Assigns ranks to each by sales
Rank value. RANK([Sales]) performance.

Smooth trends
with a 3-
Moving Calculates the average WINDOW_AVG([Sales], - month moving
Average over a specified range. 2, 0) average.
Create full
names by
combining
String Combines two or more CONCAT([First Name], ' first and last
Functions CONCAT strings. ', [Last Name]) names.

Standardize
text data by
UPPER/LOWE Converts text to converting it
R uppercase or lowercase. UPPER([Category]) to uppercase.
 Count
characters in a
product name
Returns the length of a for text
LEN string. LEN([Product Name]) analysis.

Removes spaces from Clean up extra

the start and end of a spaces in text
TRIM string. TRIM([Customer ID]) fields.
Calculate the
number of
days since an
Date event
Functions TODAY Returns the current date. TODAY() occurred.

Calculate the
number of
Calculates the difference DATEDIFF('day', [Order days to ship an
DATEDIFF between two dates. Date], [Ship Date]) order.

Calculate a
future date by
Adds a specified number DATEADD('month', 2, adding months
DATEADD of units to a date. [Order Date]) or years.
Extract the
month name
from a date
Returns the name of a DATENAME('month', for better
DATENAME specified part of a date. [Order Date]) labeling.
Categorize
Logical Performs conditional IF [Sales] > 1000 THEN sales as "High"
Functions IF / ELSE evaluations. 'High' ELSE 'Low' END or "Low."

CASE [Region] WHEN

Evaluates multiple Map region
conditions and returns 'East' THEN 'E1' ELSE names to
CASE specified results. 'Other' END codes.
Replace null
values with a
ISNULL Checks if a value is null. ISNULL([Discount]) default value.
Quick
IIF([Sales] > 1000, 'Yes', conditional
IIF A shorthand for IF/ELSE. 'No') checks.
 Calculate total
Aggregate Returns the sum of a sales for a
Functions SUM field. SUM([Sales]) region.
Determine the
Returns the average of a average profit
AVG field. AVG([Profit]) per product.

Returns the minimum or

maximum value of a Find the latest
MIN/MAX field. MAX([Order Date]) order date.

Count unique
COUNT/DISTI Counts all or distinct customers in
NCT COUNT records in a field. COUNTD([Customer ID]) the dataset.

Round profit
Rounds a number to a values to 2
Number specified number of decimal
Functions ROUND decimal places. ROUND([Profit], 2) places.
Display
absolute
values for
Returns the absolute negative
ABS value of a number. ABS([Profit]) profits.

Rounds a number up or Display only

CEILING/FLO down to the nearest CEILING([Sales]) / FLOO integer values
OR integer. R([Sales]) for sales.

Convert
numeric Order
Type Converts a number or IDs to text for
Conversion STR date to a string. STR([Order ID]) concatenation.
Convert
discount
percentages to
Converts a string or float whole
INT to an integer. INT([Discount]) numbers.

Use precise
Converts a string or float values for
FLOAT integer to a float. FLOAT([Order Quantity]) calculations.
 Display
personalized
Returns the username of dashboards
User the Tableau user based on the
Functions USERNAME accessing the view. USERNAME() user’s login.

Returns whether the full Create user-

name is available for the specific filters
ISFULLNAME logged-in user. ISFULLNAME() or views.
Add user-
specific
Retrieves the full name information to
of the logged-in Tableau the
FULLNAME user. FULLNAME() dashboard.

ADVANCED ANALYTICS:

Feature Description Use Case Syntax/Example How It Works

Automatically
Adds trend lines fits linear,
to a visualization exponential,
to show the Understanding or polynomial
general direction data trends (e.g., Available in the Analytics trends to data
Trend Lines of data. sales over time). pane. points.
Uses statistical
models to
Predicts future predict future
values based on values,
historical data adjusting
patterns using based on
models like Predicting future seasonal
exponential sales or stock Right-click on the chart patterns and
Forecasting smoothing. prices. > Add Forecast trends.
Automatically
creates
clusters based
Groups similar on
data points dimensions,
based on grouping
selected Segmenting similar data
dimensions or customers by Available in the Analytics points
Clustering measures. buying behavior. pane > Cluster together.
 Includes built-
Performs in functions
statistical like
analysis on data, correlation,
including Calculating average,
correlations, correlation variance, and
Statistical means, and between sales and standard
Functions distributions. advertising. CORR([Sales], [Advertising]) deviation.

Allows you to
Adds reference add constant
lines to visualize values like
thresholds or average,
benchmarks Comparing median, or a
Reference (e.g., average, performance Right-click on the axis custom value
Lines target). against targets. > Add Reference Line as a reference.

Adds a shaded
area between
Adds shaded two reference
areas between lines, often
reference lines Showing used for
to visualize a acceptable ranges visualizing
Reference range or for metrics like Right-click on the axis confidence
Bands tolerance level. sales. > Add Reference Band intervals.
Displays
Displays the quartiles,
distribution of median, and
data through outliers of the
quartiles and Visualizing the dataset to
highlights distribution of Available in the Analytics show data
Box Plots outliers. product prices. pane > Box Plot spread.

Applies
regression
models, time-
series
forecasting, or
Uses statistical machine
models to Predicting Built-in tools like learning to
Predictive predict future customer churn or Forecasting, Trend Lines, predict future
Analytics data trends. product demand. and Python/R integration. events.

Integrates R Connects to R
scripts into via RServe and
Tableau to run allows running
advanced Performing R code directly
statistical models complex statistical Use SCRIPT function, within Tableau
R and analysis (e.g., e.g., SCRIPT_REAL("lm(...)", for advanced
Integration computations. regression). [X], [Y]) analysis.
 Integrates
Python scripts to Connects to
apply machine Python using
learning and TabPy to run
complex Using machine Python code
algorithms learning models to Use SCRIPT function, for custom
Python directly in predict customer e.g., SCRIPT_REAL("from functions and
Integration Tableau. behavior. sklearn import ...") predictions.

Allows for
Involves creating customized
complex calculations,
formulas and Creating dynamic aggregations,
calculations for KPIs like moving Use calculated fields with and advanced
Advanced custom metrics averages or advanced logic (e.g., IF, data
Calculations or KPIs. weighted sums. WINDOW_SUM). manipulations.

Parameters & Actions in Tableau

Parameters and Actions are two essential features in Tableau that help you create interactive and dynamic
visualizations, enabling deeper analysis and user interaction. Below is an explanation of each along with
their relevant components.

Aspect Description Use Case Example

The process of creating a

parameter involves Creating an interactive
selecting a name, data control to change
Parameter type, allowable values, dimensions or measures in Right-click on the Data Pane
Creation and current value. the dashboard. > Create Parameter

Parameters can be of
different data types, Integer (e.g., select a year),
Parameter including Integer, Float, Choosing the correct type String (e.g., select product
Types Date, String, or Boolean. for filtering or user input. category)

Controls allow users to

interact with the Allowing users to change
parameter. You can add parameter values through a
Parameter them to dashboards for dropdown, slider, or text Parameter Control > Show
Controls better user interactivity. input box. Parameter Control

Action Type Description Use Case Example

Filter actions allow users
to filter data based on the
selection made in Enabling a user to select a
another part of the region and filter a table to Dashboard > Actions> Add
Filter Actions dashboard. show only relevant data. Action > Filter
 Highlight actions enable
users to highlight specific Clicking on a bar in a chart
data points in the highlights all the related
Highlight dashboard based on their data in another Dashboard > Actions> Add
Actions selection. visualization. Action > Highlight

Allowing users to click on a

URL actions open link to open an external
external web pages or webpage (e.g., Dashboard > Actions > Add
URL Actions dashboards when clicked. documentation or a report). Action > URL

Set actions allow you to

modify set values based
on user interactions, Dynamically change the
useful for dynamically members of a set based on
selecting members of a user selection in a Dashboard > Actions > Add
Set Actions set. visualization. Action > Change Set Values

Allowing users to change

parameters by selecting
Parameter actions modify values in the visualization
Parameter parameter values based (e.g., switch between Dashboard > Actions > Add
Actions on user interactions. measures). Action > Change Parameter

Summary of
Parameters
& Actions
Feature Description Example Use Case
Parameters allow users to input dynamic
Parameter values to control filters, calculations, or Change a filter dynamically by
Creation dashboard views. selecting a region or product.
Parameters can be integer, float, date,
Parameter string, or boolean based on user input A parameter to choose a time period
Types needs. (year, quarter).
Controls allow users to interact with the
Parameter parameters using dropdowns, sliders, or text Add a slider to adjust sales
Controls boxes. thresholds dynamically.

Sets & Groups in Tableau

Sets and Groups in Tableau are used to organize, categorize, and dynamically manage subsets of
data. Sets allow you to create dynamic selections of data based on specific conditions, while Groups are
used to manually group data points together for better analysis and presentation.

Set Type Description Use Case Example How It Works

 Select a condition
(e.g., sales >
Sets are created 1000) or
based on specific Create a set of high- Right-click a manually select
Creating conditions or user profit products for dimension members for the
Sets selections. comparison. > Create Set set.

Combined sets Combine two

combine two or sets into one,
more sets to form a Compare customers such as showing
new set, which can who belong to two customers who
be the intersection different sets (e.g., Right-click bought both
Combined or union of the high-value and > Create products and
Sets original sets. frequent customers). Combined Set have high sales.

Dynamic sets Automatically

automatically includes/excludes
update based on data based on
changes in the data, Create set based defined
allowing for real- Automatically adjust a on a dynamic conditions like
Dynamic time filtering and set of top 10 products condition (e.g., ranking or
Sets analysis. based on current sales. top 10 by sales). threshold values.

Group Type Description Use Case Example How It Works

Select multiple
items and
group them
Groups allow users together to
to manually group form a new
dimension members Grouping product Right-click a category, such
Creating into new, higher- categories into broader dimension as grouping
Groups level categories. categories. > Create Group regions.
Clicking a bar
in a chart
groups all
Group actions are related
used to modify a Use actions to products
group based on user Dynamically create or trigger group dynamically
Group interactions (e.g., modify groups based creation based into a new
Actions clicking a chart). on user selection. on selection. category.
 Hierarchical groups Allow for
allow you to create nested
nested groups within grouping (e.g.,
a parent group, countries
creating a more Create multiple within regions,
detailed Grouping product types levels of products
Hierarchical organizational within categories to grouping (e.g., within
Groups structure. create a hierarchy. sub-categories). categories).

Summary of
Sets &
Groups

Feature Description Example Use Case How It Works

Sets are subsets of data

based on conditions or
user selections, useful for Create a set by manually
comparing and filtering Create a set for customers selecting data or defining
Creating Sets data. with sales over $1000. conditions (e.g., sales > 1000).

Combines two or more

sets to form a new set, Combine sets of high-value Create combined sets by using
Combined useful for comparing customers and frequent the intersection or union of
Sets multiple subsets of data. buyers. multiple sets.

Automatically updates
based on data changes, Automatically adjust the set Use dynamic conditions to
keeping the set up-to- of top 10 performing update the set based on the
Dynamic Sets date with real-time data. products. data (e.g., top 10 by sales).

Groups allow you to Right-click a dimension and

manually group data create a group, selecting
Creating members into higher- Group different products members to combine (e.g.,
Groups level categories. into broader categories. group by region).

Modify groups based on Create actions that dynamically

user interactions, such as Dynamically create a group group items based on user
Group clicking or selecting data based on the selected selection or dashboard
Actions points in the view. region. interaction.
Create a hierarchy within a
Nested groups that allow group (e.g., grouping
Hierarchical for multi-level Group products by category "Electronics" and "Clothing"
Groups categorization of data. and sub-category. with sub-groups).

Key
Differences
Between
 Sets &
Groups
Feature Sets Groups
Defined by conditions or Manually group items
Creation manual selection. together.
Static by default, though
Dynamic Can be dynamic, updating group actions can make
Nature automatically. them interactive.
Simplifies analysis and
Used for filtering, presentation by
Usage comparison, and analysis. categorizing data.

Filters in Tableau

Filters are used to refine and limit the data that appears in a Tableau visualization. They allow you to focus
on relevant data, improve performance, and create customized views. Tableau offers various filter types to
filter data at different stages, such as at the data source level, extract level, and visualization level.

Filter Types in Tableau

Filter Type Description Use Case Example How It Works

Filters data
Filters applied when before the
creating extracts to Apply a filter extract is
reduce the data when creating an created, so the
volume by filtering Reducing the size of an extract for data resulting file
Extract data before extract by filtering out based on date or only contains
Filters extraction. unnecessary rows. region. relevant data.
Filters data as
it is brought
into Tableau,
Filters applied at the reducing the
data source level, Limiting the dataset to Set a data source amount of
Data restricting the data improve performance filter to include data loaded
Source available across the or adhere to business only data from a into the
Filters entire workbook. rules. specific region. workbook.

Tableau
Context filters are evaluates
used as the primary Create a context context filters
filter that other filter for selecting first, and other
filters depend on. Applying a primary filter "2019" year data filters are
They define a to set the context for and apply applied to the
Context context for other other filters to narrow secondary filters result of the
Filters filters to work in. down results. on it. context filter.
 Filters the data
Filter based on based on
Filters that apply to specific dimensions
categorical fields dimensions like (e.g., filter out
(dimensions) to Filtering a list of "Region" or certain
Dimension include or exclude countries or products "Product products or
Filters specific categories. by a selected category. Category." regions).
Filters data
based on the
Filters applied to values of a
numeric fields Apply a filter to measure (e.g.,
(measures) to show only only showing
include or exclude Filtering sales data to products with top-
Measure based on numeric only show values sales greater performing
Filters values. greater than $1000. than $1000. products).

How These Filters Work

Filter Type Description How It Works

Applied during the extract creation

Filters data before the data is extracted to process; only data meeting filter
Tableau, improving extract performance and criteria will be included in the
Extract Filters reducing data size. extract.
Filters are applied when connecting
Data Source Applied directly to the data source to limit to the data source, restricting the
Filters the data imported into Tableau. data pulled into Tableau.
Other filters are applied after the
Context The primary filter used to establish a context context filter, limiting the data
Filters for other filters in the view. available for subsequent filters.
Filters applied to categorical data Filters the data based on dimension
Dimension (dimensions), allowing selection of specific values, such as categories, locations,
Filters values or ranges. or time periods.
Filters data based on a specified
Measure Filters applied to numerical data (measures), range of numeric values, such as
Filters allowing selection based on numeric ranges. sales, revenue, or quantity.

Feature Description Use Case Example How It Works

Quick Filters
appear as
Interactive filters drop-downs,
that allow users to Allowing users to select checkboxes, or
quickly modify the a specific region, Right-click on a sliders for
Quick data displayed in the category, or date range field > Show users to select
Filters view. to filter data. Filter filter values.
 Filter Cards
allow users to
control filter
Cards displayed in behavior in the
the Tableau Use a Filter Card to workspace,
workspace to control display a filter for Right-click on the such as
Filter and modify the filters selecting product filter > Show adjusting date
Cards applied to the view. categories or dates. Filter ranges.
A filter action
Allow users to filter triggers a filter
one part of a change in one
dashboard based on view based on
their selection in Click on a bar in a bar Dashboard user
Filter another part of the chart to filter a table on > Actions > Add interaction in
Actions dashboard. the same dashboard. Action > Filter another view.

Filters are
applied to the
worksheet
The shelf used to Drag a dimension like based on the
place fields for "Region" to the Filter selected field
filtering data at the Shelf to only show data Drag a field to from the Filter
Filter Shelf worksheet level. for a specific region. the Filter Shelf Shelf.

When a filter is
applied, it
Filters applied to all filters all
worksheets in a Use a filter to control Apply a filter and sheets in the
dashboard, ensuring the data displayed in all choose Apply to dashboard that
Global consistency across charts (e.g., filter by All Using This share the same
Filters multiple views. year across all sheets). Data Source data source.

Dashboard & Story Design in Tableau

Designing dashboards and stories in Tableau involves organizing and presenting data in a visually
compelling and interactive way. Tableau provides several tools and features that enable users to create
dynamic, informative dashboards and stories. Below is an overview of key features involved in Dashboard
& Story Design in Tableau.

Feature Description Use Case Example How It Works

Dashboard objects
are components that Drag and drop
are added to a various elements
dashboard, such as Creating a dashboard Adding a bar from the Data Pane
text boxes, images, with visualizations, chart, filter, and or Analytics Pane
Dashboard filters, and filters, legends, and text text box to a into the dashboard
Objects visualizations. annotations. dashboard. workspace.
 Layout containers
allow users to Containers group
organize objects Grouping related visual and align
within the elements (charts, dashboard
dashboard, either filters, legends) to Use a horizontal elements, ensuring
Layout vertically or maintain layout container to align consistent spacing
Containers horizontally. consistency. charts and filters. and design.

The Device Designer

allows you to
optimize dashboards Customize and
for different devices, resize elements for
ensuring they are Designing dashboards Adjust a desktop, tablet,
responsive on that adapt to different dashboard layout and mobile views
Device desktops, tablets, screen sizes and for tablet and using predefined
Designer and phones. devices. phone views. layouts.
Dashboard actions
enable interactivity Interactivity is
by triggering changes added by setting
in the dashboard Use a filter action actions like filter,
(e.g., filters, Enabling users to filter to filter a table highlight, or URL
Dashboard highlights, or URL data, highlight values, when clicking a that trigger based
Actions actions). or navigate to URLs. bar chart. on user interaction.

Interactive Users can interact

dashboards allow with filters, actions,
users to engage with and parameters,
the data by using allowing them to
controls like filters, Allowing users to Use parameter modify the data
Interactive parameters, or dynamically explore controls to toggle displayed in real-
Dashboards actions. different data views. between metrics. time.

Each story point

Story Points are highlights a specific
individual slides that data insight, often
allow users to tell a with annotations
data-driven story by Create multiple and visuals that
combining Creating a narrative story points to lead the audience
Story visualizations and with data by guiding show sales through the
Points annotations. users through insights. trends over time. analysis.

Formatting options
Formatting in allow adjustments
Tableau allows users to fonts, borders,
to customize the shading, and
appearance of visual Enhancing the visual Format axis alignment to
elements, including appeal of dashboards labels, font size, improve the look
font, colors, and and ensuring or background and feel of the
Formatting borders. readability. color. dashboard.
 Tableau’s
Visual best practices guidelines promote
guide users in the use of clean,
creating clear, Apply color readable layouts
effective, and Using color effectively, gradients to with proper use of
Visual Best accessible ensuring readability, highlight key color, alignment,
Practices visualizations. and minimizing clutter. data trends. and spacing.

Use dashboard size

settings and layout
Size and layout containers to
controls define the organize and size
overall dimensions elements in a way
of the dashboard or Optimizing dashboards Adjust dashboard that is visually
story and the for different screen size to fit within balanced and
Size & arrangement of sizes and creating a 1920x1080 appropriate for the
Layout objects within it. responsive layouts. screen. display medium.

Navigation in Navigation links

Tableau allows users (buttons, URLs, or
to move between actions) allow users
different sheets or to seamlessly move
dashboards, Creating an intuitive Add a button to between different
enhancing the flow between navigate from dashboards or
interactivity and flow dashboards or story one dashboard story points within
Navigation of the report. points. to another. the workbook.

Advanced Features in Tableau

Tableau offers several advanced features for mapping and geospatial analysis, enabling users to create
detailed geographic visualizations. These features include Advanced Mapping, Custom
Territories, Geographic Roles, Custom Geocoding, WMS Servers, and Background Images.

Feature Description Use Case Example How It Works

Provides enhanced Leverages

mapping capabilities Use custom Tableau's built-in
with features like Create detailed projections or geographic data
custom projections, geographic advanced map and custom
background images, visualizations with options for city mapping options to
Advanced and geographic advanced mapping or regional create precise,
Mapping filters. features. analysis. interactive maps.
 Allows the creation Custom territories
of custom territories can be defined by
by grouping Define specific regions Combine states combining multiple
geographic regions for analysis that may or regions to geographic units
Custom or data points based not follow standard create custom (e.g., merging cities
Territories on business rules. geographic divisions. sales territories. into sales regions).

Tableau
automatically
Assign geographic recognizes the
roles to dimensions geographic
(e.g., country, state, Assign "Country" dimensions and
postal code) to help Geocode and map data or "Postal Code" applies the correct
Tableau understand fields like city, country, as geographic geographic role
Geographic the geographic or postal code without roles for (e.g., state,
Roles structure of the data. needing external data. mapping. country).

You can upload

custom geocoding
Allows users to data in Tableau to
import and use their Import custom map locations that
own geocoding data latitude and are not part of
(e.g., Use proprietary or non- longitude data Tableau's default
Custom latitude/longitude) standard geographic for custom geographic
Geocoding for mapping. data to map locations. locations. database.

Tableau can connect

to external Web Tableau connects
Map Services to WMS servers
(WMS) servers to Connect Tableau and overlays the
enhance mapping to an external data on the map,
functionality by Use external map WMS server to offering more
providing custom layers for enhanced overlay custom flexibility in
WMS geographic data geographic geographic geographic
Servers layers. visualization. layers. visualizations.
Background images
Adds images (such as can be added and
floor plans, store Use a store floor scaled to match
maps, or other non- Overlay images (e.g., plan image as a data points,
standard maps) as floor plans) with data background with allowing for
Background background layers in to visualize location- sales data custom spatial
Images visualizations. based metrics. overlaid on it. analyses.

Advanced Calculations & Visualizations in Tableau

This table summarizes various Advanced Calculations and Visualizations in Tableau, providing insights
into how to apply complex calculations and create custom visualizations for detailed and dynamic analysis.
Feature Description Use Case Example How It Works
Performing
multi-step
Involves placing calculations,
one calculation such as You can nest one
inside another calculating calculation inside
to create more percentages and another, like
Nested complex then finding AVG([Sales]) / using SUM inside AVG to
Calculations computations. averages. SUM([Profit]) calculate ratios.
Performs
calculations Calculating
across a running totals, Tableau calculates the
specified range moving value based on a
of data within a averages, or specified window,
Window window, such as cumulative WINDOW_SUM([Sales], adjusting the range for
Calculations a rolling sum. sums. -2, 0) each data point.
Provides
secondary
calculations that Performing Tableau performs
work on the rankings, calculations on the data
data displayed percent of total, in the table and can
Table in the table, or running apply logic like running
Calculations such as rankings. totals. RUNNING_SUM([Sales]) totals.

Visualization
techniques used
to show data in
a more complex Creating custom
and meaningful chart types and Advanced visualizations
way, including combining include techniques like
custom and multiple views Combination of dual dual axes, synchronized
Advanced interactive for complex axis and combined axes, and custom
Visualizations visualizations. analysis. axis charts. charts.
Displays two
separate data
sets on the same Comparing two
chart using two different Tableau overlays two
different axes measures, such axes to compare
(e.g., one for as sales and Sales (left axis) and different measures or
sales and one profit, on the profit (right axis) on a metrics on the same
Dual Axis for profit). same graph. combined graph. chart.
Combines Plotting multiple
multiple measures (like Uses a single axis to
measures into a sales and display multiple
single axis to expenses) on a Combine sales and measures, offering a
Combined create a unified single axis to expenses on a single comparative view of
Axis visualization. compare trends. axis to view together. data trends.
 Ensures that the
scales of two
axes are the Comparing two
same, making it measures that Tableau synchronizes
easier to share a similar the scales of two axes
compare values range of values, Synchronizing sales to ensure both data sets
Synchronized between the like revenue and and target sales axes align in their
Axis two data sets. target sales. for easy comparison. visualization.
Creating non-
standard chart
types by Visualizing data
combining in unique ways,
multiple such as bullet Custom charts allow for
visualizations or charts or Create a bullet chart creative and tailored
Custom adjusting the custom scatter to visualize sales visualizations that suit
Charts chart type. plots. targets vs actual sales. specific data needs.

Description Use Case Example How It Works

Tableau records
the time taken for
every component
Records the of a dashboard,
performance of a Use Performance such as queries,
workbook to identify Recording to rendering, and
areas where Analyze slow workbook identify slow filtering, which
Performance optimization is performance and loading queries helps identify areas
Recording needed. pinpoint bottlenecks. or views. of improvement.
By creating
smaller, more
Improves the focused extracts
performance of data and optimizing
extracts by filtering Apply filters to extract refresh
out unnecessary Speed up data limit extract data, times,
Extract data and optimizing extraction by limiting only pulling performance is
Optimization data storage. the data extracted. relevant fields. greatly enhanced.
Tableau’s
underlying SQL
queries can be
Focuses on optimized by using
improving the Use indexed proper indexing
performance of SQL Speed up data retrieval fields in SQL and efficient joins,
Query queries used to for dashboards and queries for faster reducing the query
Optimization retrieve data. reports. access. time.
 Tableau caches
query results on
Manages the cache both desktop and
to store query Cache results of server to avoid
results for faster common queries fetching the same
retrieval, reducing Reduce query time by to avoid data multiple
Cache the load on the reusing cached data for repetitive data times, improving
Management database. repeated queries. fetching. performance.

Dashboards can be
optimized by
Optimizes the reducing the
performance of Reduce the number of
dashboards by number of filters elements, using
reducing the number Improve dashboard and minimize less complex
of complex load times by heavy calculations, and
Dashboard calculations and simplifying complex calculations in limiting
Performance visualizations. views. the dashboard. interactivity.

Tableau Server can

be optimized by
monitoring server
resources and
Ensures Tableau managing them
Server runs Adjust the based on usage
efficiently by server's RAM and patterns, ensuring
monitoring and Ensure Tableau Server CPU allocation to optimal
Server adjusting the handles concurrent improve server performance for
Performance server's resources. user loads efficiently. response times. large user bases.

Security & Sharing in Tableau

Security and Sharing in Tableau are key aspects that ensure data is protected while enabling collaboration.
Tableau provides various tools and features for controlling access to data and visualizations, ensuring that
users can share and interact with workbooks securely.

Feature Description Use Case Example How It Works

Tableau provides
Controls access to Assign different role-based access
Tableau workbooks roles (e.g., and permissions,
and dashboards by Viewer, Explorer, allowing you to
defining who can Managing permissions Creator) to users manage who can
User view or interact with for users and restricting based on their view or edit
Security them. access to sensitive data. responsibilities. content.
 Row-level security
Use a calculated filters data
Restricts access to Restricting users to view field or user dynamically,
specific rows in a only data relevant to attributes to filter displaying different
dataset based on the them (e.g., sales reps data at the row data to different
Row-Level user's credentials or viewing only their level based on users based on
Security attributes. region's data). user identity. their credentials.

Data source filters

can be applied to
Protects the data at restrict access to
the source level, Define data specific data,
limiting what data Limiting access to source filters to ensuring that users
Data Source can be accessed certain data sources or limit data access only access
Security through Tableau. tables for specific users. for certain users. authorized data.

Publish a
Enables users to workbook to Workbooks can be
share workbooks Tableau Server shared via Tableau
with others while and set Server or Tableau
controlling the level Sharing visualizations appropriate Public, with role-
Sharing of access (e.g., view, with colleagues or permissions for based permissions
Workbooks edit). clients securely. different users. controlling access.

Guidelines include
Best practices for limiting sensitive
publishing Tableau Follow best data exposure,
workbooks and practices for optimizing
dashboards, publishing to dashboard
including security Ensuring that ensure fast load performance, and
Publishing and performance workbooks are shared times and secure setting appropriate
Guidelines considerations. securely and efficiently. data access. access controls.

Embedded views
can be controlled
Allows Tableau views through Tableau’s
to be embedded in Embed Tableau REST API and
other applications, Embedding Tableau visualizations in a JavaScript API,
websites, or portals visualizations within corporate portal ensuring secure
Embedding with controlled internal applications for or website using access and
Views access. seamless access. an iframe. authentication.

Tableau can be
embedded into a
Use Tableau’s portal, using SSO
Integrates Tableau REST API to (Single Sign-On)
with external portals Providing Tableau integrate Tableau and access control
or web applications visualizations directly views into an to ensure secure
Portal for seamless data within corporate portals internal portal or access to
Integration access and sharing. for employees. app. dashboards.
Enterprise Features in Tableau

Tableau provides a wide range of Enterprise Features that enable efficient management, monitoring, and
security of Tableau Server environments. These features ensure that Tableau is scalable, secure, and easy to
manage for organizations of all sizes.

Feature Description Use Case Example How It Works

Manages and Admin users

configures Tableau Administers configure and
Server to ensure Tableau Server optimize Tableau
optimal settings like Server by setting
performance, Administer Tableau hardware server settings and
Tableau Server security, and Server infrastructure configuration monitoring server
Administration scalability. and user access. and scaling. resources.
Manages different Site management
sites on Tableau allows admins to
Server, allowing separate content
multiple Organize Tableau Create separate and users into
environments or Server into multiple sites for isolated
projects to be sites for different Marketing, Sales, environments
Site hosted under one departments or and Finance on within the same
Management server. business units. the same server. server.
Admins assign
Manages user roles and
accounts, roles, and Create and permissions to
permissions for Define who can access manage users users, managing
accessing Tableau Tableau Server and with roles like access to content
User Server or Tableau what permissions they Viewer, Explorer, and data at the
Management Online. have. or Creator. server level.

Content is
categorized into
Organizes and Organize projects or folders,
governs Tableau Store, organize, and workbooks into and Tableau
workbooks, data govern Tableau folders or administrators
sources, and content like projects for manage content
Content projects within workbooks and better content access and
Management Tableau Server. dashboards. management. governance.

Defines which users Set permissions Permissions are

or groups have on workbooks, configured for
access to specific Control who can view, views, or data users and groups
Tableau content and edit, or delete content sources based on at both the project
Permissions actions. on Tableau Server. user roles. and content level.
 Tableau Server can
Defines how be deployed on-
Tableau Server is Deploy Tableau premises, in the
deployed and Choose the best Server on- cloud (e.g., AWS),
scaled, whether on- deployment method premises, on or via Tableau
Deployment premises, in the based on organization AWS, or use Online for a cloud-
Models cloud, or hybrid. size and resources. Tableau Online. hosted solution.
Ensures that users
are verified before Tableau supports
accessing Tableau multiple
Server content, Use Single Sign- authentication
using methods like Set up secure user On (SSO) or methods, including
SSO, Active login methods to Active Directory SSO, AD, or local
Directory, or local control access to for user authentication for
Authentication authentication. Tableau. authentication. secure user logins.

Authorization
controls what
Manages the authenticated
process of granting Define what actions Assign roles and users can do
access and authenticated users access within Tableau,
permissions to users can perform (view, permissions after such as viewing or
Authorization after authentication. edit, etc.). authentication. modifying content.
Admins can
monitor system
Tracks server performance, user
performance, usage Use Tableau activity, and
metrics, and health, Monitor server load, Server’s built-in identify issues
ensuring Tableau user activity, and monitoring tools using the server’s
Server operates performance to to track resource built-in monitoring
Monitoring efficiently. prevent issues. usage. tools.
Ensures the ongoing Maintenance tasks
health of Tableau include regular
Server by Perform backups, updates,
performing regular scheduled and
updates, backups, Keep Tableau Server backups and troubleshooting to
and updated, secure, and updates for ensure the server
Maintenance troubleshooting. performing optimally. Tableau Server. operates smoothly.

Advanced Integration in Tableau

Tableau provides several Advanced Integration options to enhance its functionality, allowing seamless
connections with external systems, customizations, and embedding Tableau content into other applications.

Feature Description Use Case Example How It Works

 The REST API
provides a way to
Allows programmatic interact with
access to Tableau Use REST API to Tableau Server for
Server or Tableau Automate tasks like automate the administrative
Online for user management, extraction of data tasks, content
automation and project creation, or from Tableau to management, and
REST API integration. workbook publishing. external systems. data access.

The JavaScript API

enables you to
Allows embedding embed Tableau
Tableau Embed a Tableau views in your web
visualizations into dashboard into a applications and
web applications, Embed Tableau webpage and interact with them
with customization visualizations in control its using JavaScript for
JavaScript options for websites and customize behavior via dynamic content
API interactivity. them with interactivity. JavaScript. and control.
Extensions can be
developed to
Allows you to create Create an interact with
custom extensions extension to pull Tableau
that extend data from a third- dashboards, adding
Tableau’s party CRM functionality like
functionality by Integrate custom tools system and external data
integrating third- or external apps directly display it sources, custom
Extensions party applications or into Tableau alongside controls, or
API services. dashboards. Tableau data. integrated apps.

Web Data
Connectors enable
Tableau to fetch
and bring in data
Enables Tableau to from any web-
connect to data from Use a Web Data based source using
any web-based data Integrate data from Connector to the HTTP protocol,
source that provides web-based applications import financial transforming it into
Web Data data via HTTP or custom APIs into data from an Tableau-readable
Connector requests. Tableau. external API. data.
 External services
like R and Python
can be connected
to Tableau,
Allows Tableau to enabling advanced
integrate with Use Python to analytics and
external services create a machine complex
such as R, Python, or Apply machine learning learning model computations that
External machine learning models or advanced and send the can be visualized
Services platforms to enhance statistical analysis results to within Tableau
Integration data analysis. within Tableau. Tableau. dashboards.

Embedded
analytics lets users
access and interact
with Tableau
dashboards inside
third-party
Allows Tableau applications,
visualizations and Embed Tableau providing a
dashboards to be Embed Tableau reports in an seamless user
embedded within dashboards within a internal company experience within
Embedded other applications, corporate portal, app, portal for users custom
Analytics portals, or websites. or website. to interact with. environments.

Data Governance in Tableau

Data Governance is essential for ensuring that data is accurate, secure, and used appropriately across an
organization. Tableau offers several features for Data Governance, including tools for Data Source
Management, Metadata Management, Certification, Data Quality, Documentation, and Version
Control to maintain consistency, security, and compliance.

Feature Description Use Case Example How It Works

Data sources are
organized and
Manages and governed, ensuring
organizes data Centralize data they are versioned,
sources, ensuring Ensure that the source consistently used,
that they are correct version of a management on and correctly
consistently used data source is used Tableau Server, managed across
Data Source and updated across across all workbooks with proper Tableau
Management Tableau workbooks. and dashboards. access controls. workbooks.
 Metadata is stored
to describe the
data, allowing
Manages and tracks Use Tableau’s users to trace the
metadata, including Track how data flows metadata source and
data definitions, and transform management transformation
Metadata data lineage, and processes across tools to track history of data
Management data relationships. systems. data lineage. within Tableau.
Certified data
sources are
flagged in Tableau
Certifies trusted Certify a sales Server to
data sources to data source to differentiate them
indicate which data Mark data sources as ensure it’s from non-certified
sets are authorized certified to ensure accurate and sources, ensuring
for use within only reliable data is trustworthy for quality data is used
Certification Tableau. used for reporting. decision-making. for analysis.
Data quality rules
Implement data and validation
Ensures data is quality rules in processes are
accurate, complete, Tableau to flag enforced to ensure
and consistent by and alert users only high-quality
establishing quality Ensure data used for about missing or data is used for
standards and reporting and analysis inconsistent analytics in
Data Quality monitoring data. is of high quality. data. Tableau.
Provides clear and
detailed Document Documentation is
descriptions of the calculated fields, stored and shared
data models, data with the team to
transformations, Provide clarity and transformations, ensure consistency
and calculations transparency about and business and understanding
used in Tableau how data is processed logic used in of data models and
Documentation workbooks. and used in Tableau. dashboards. transformations.
Tableau supports
Use version version control of
Tracks changes to control to track workbooks and
Tableau workbooks, updates to data sources,
data sources, and Tableau ensuring changes
other content, Ensure that the most workbooks and are tracked and
enabling teams to up-to-date versions of revert to earlier allowing users to
manage versions Tableau content are versions when revert to previous
Version Control and avoid conflicts. used. necessary. versions if needed.

Advanced Development Features in Tableau

Tableau offers several Advanced Development features that enable users to extend their analysis and
visualizations by incorporating more complex data manipulation and processing techniques. These
include Custom SQL, Custom Expressions, Regular Expressions, Advanced Joins, Advanced Filters,
and Custom Calculations.
Feature Description Use Case Example How It Works
Custom SQL
enables you to
Allows users to write write your own SQL
and use custom SQL Pull data from external Write a custom queries to access or
queries to fetch data sources or databases SQL query to pull transform data
directly from the using complex SQL aggregated data before Tableau
Custom SQL data source. queries. from a database. imports it.
Custom
expressions are
created in
calculated fields
Expressions that and allow the use
allow the creation of Use IF statements of operators,
calculated fields Create advanced to create functions, and
Custom using more complex calculations and metrics complex conditional logic to
Expressions logic and functions. for analysis. conditional logic. manipulate data.

A powerful tool for Use a regular Regular expressions

pattern matching expression to use patterns to
and text extract specific match specific text
manipulation, often parts of a string, sequences,
used in string Extract or manipulate such as extracting allowing for flexible
Regular matching or text fields based on area codes from text manipulation
Expressions transformation. patterns or criteria. phone numbers. in Tableau.
Joins used to
combine data from Tableau allows
multiple tables or users to create
data sources using Perform an outer complex join
more advanced Combine data from join to combine conditions between
techniques like outer multiple sources or customer and tables, enabling
Advanced joins or custom join tables based on custom order data from more flexible data
Joins conditions. conditions. two tables. merging.

Advanced filters
Filters that allow enable deeper
more specific or control over which
complex data data is displayed,
restrictions based on Filter data based on Use a top N filter supporting complex
conditions, such as complex conditions or to display the top conditions like
Advanced top N filters or user-defined 5 products by top/bottom filters
Filters wildcards. parameters. sales. or wildcards.
Custom
calculations allow
Custom formulas users to build
created to derive Calculate a complex metrics or
new metrics or weighted average modify existing
manipulate data, Create new metrics or by multiplying ones based on
Custom such as weighted KPIs tailored to specific values by specific business
Calculations averages or ratios. business needs. weights. logic.
Mobile Development in Tableau

Mobile Development in Tableau focuses on ensuring that Tableau dashboards and visualizations are
optimized for mobile devices, providing users with a seamless and interactive experience on smartphones
and tablets. Tableau offers features like Mobile Layout, Device Specific Design, Touch
Optimization, Offline Capabilities, and Mobile App Features to enhance the mobile experience.

Feature Description Use Case Example How It Works

Tableau
automatically
adjusts dashboards
Use Tableau's for mobile devices,
Allows for the mobile layout but users can
customization of feature to customize layouts
dashboard layouts to reorganize for different screen
ensure that they are Adjust the dashboard dashboard sizes to enhance
Mobile optimized for layout to fit the screen elements for readability and
Layout smaller screen sizes. of a phone or tablet. mobile. interactivity.
Tableau allows you
Enables users to Use separate to create device-
create separate layouts for specific dashboards
layouts and designs Design dashboards to tablets and with customized
Device for different devices look and perform well phones to ensure layouts based on
Specific (e.g., tablet vs. across different mobile an optimized the device’s screen
Design phone). devices. experience. size.
Optimizes
Optimizes elements like
dashboards and Increase button buttons, sliders,
visualizations for sizes and adjust and menus for
touch interfaces, Make dashboards more chart touch, improving
making them easier interactive and user- interactivity to navigation and
Touch to interact with on friendly on touch- make tapping interaction on
Optimization mobile devices. enabled devices. easier. mobile devices.

Tableau mobile
View and interact apps can download
Allows Tableau users Enable users to interact with Tableau and cache data
to access and with Tableau dashboards while locally, allowing
interact with data dashboards even when traveling without users to access and
Offline offline by caching they don’t have an an active internet interact with their
Capabilities data for mobile use. internet connection. connection. dashboards offline.
 The Tableau
Mobile app offers
Use GPS location features like swipe
Includes specific data for gestures, GPS data
features tailored to geospatial integration for
mobile devices, such dashboards or geospatial analysis,
as notifications, GPS Provide mobile-specific send and push
Mobile App integration, and functionality for more notifications for notifications for
Features touch gestures. interactive dashboards. updates. alerts and updates.

Advanced Analytics Features in Tableau

Tableau provides a wide range of Advanced Analytics Features that help users perform in-depth analysis,
model different scenarios, and make data-driven predictions. These features include What-if
Analysis, Scenario Planning, Sensitivity Analysis, Monte Carlo Simulations, Advanced Statistical
Analysis, and Predictive Modeling.

Feature Description Use Case Example How It Works

A technique
used to explore
different
outcomes What-if
based on Evaluate how Analysis allows
changes to changes in users to dynamically
input variables, business inputs adjust input
allowing users (e.g., price or Use parameters to adjust input parameters in
to evaluate sales volume) values like price and quantity Tableau to model
What-if potential risks affect to see how they impact total different business
Analysis and rewards. outcomes. revenue. scenarios.
Enables users
to model and
visualize Model multiple
different potential
possible future business
scenarios, outcomes Users can create
helping to based on multiple scenarios
identify the different by changing
best possible conditions (e.g., parameters and
outcomes economic Use parameters and calculated visualizing the
based on changes or fields to visualize best, worst, impact on key
Scenario varied sales and most likely scenarios for metrics (e.g., sales,
Planning conditions. strategies). product sales. profit).
 Examines how
the variation in
an output is
affected by
changes in Assess the risk Tableau helps you
input values, of business identify and analyze
helping to outcomes by the impact of
identify key understanding Use a parameter to change changes in inputs on
drivers of the sensitivity input values like interest rate outputs, often
Sensitivity variability in of key or cost and observe the impact visualized as a series
Analysis the results. variables. on profitability. of graphs or tables.
A
computational
technique used
to understand Monte Carlo
the impact of Model risk by Simulationsgenerate
risk and simulating a random samples
uncertainty in wide range of based on defined
models by possible parameters and
simulating business Use R or Python integration to calculate the
Monte thousands of outcomes run Monte Carlo simulations probability
Carlo random under and visualize the results in distribution of
Simulations scenarios. uncertainty. Tableau. potential outcomes.
Includes
techniques like
regression
analysis,
hypothesis Perform
testing, and detailed
correlation analysis to Tableau provides a
analysis to understand variety of built-in
understand the correlations, statistical functions
relationships trends, and for regression,
between causal Use built-in statistical correlation, and
Advanced variables and relationships functionslike CORR to find hypothesis testing to
Statistical uncover between correlations between sales and analyze complex
Analysis trends. variables. marketing spend. relationships.

Uses historical Predictive modeling

data to create techniques use
models that Predict future historical data and
predict future trends like statistical methods
outcomes sales, customer Use trend lines or integrate (like regression or
based on behavior, or with R or Python to create and time-series) to
Predictive patterns and inventory visualize predictive models in forecast future
Modeling trends. demand. Tableau. values.

Specialized Features in Tableau

Tableau offers several Specialized Features that enhance the interactivity and flexibility of dashboards,
enabling users to create more dynamic, engaging, and tailored visualizations. These features
include Animation, Dynamic Parameters, Sheet Swapping, Dynamic Axis, Dynamic Sets, and Dynamic
Calculations.

Feature Description Use Case Example How It Works

Tableau animates
Adds motion to transitions
visualizations by between data
animating changes in Animate a line states (e.g., from
data over time, Use animations to show chart to show one date to
helping users visually trends, changes, or changes in sales another), making it
track how data movements in data over over multiple easier for users to
Animation evolves. time. periods. follow trends.

Tableau
Use a dynamic parameters can be
parameter to connected to data
filter data by sources or actions
Allows parameters to Use dynamic year, where the to automatically
dynamically update parameters to update parameter update their values
based on the user’s values in real time automatically when a user
Dynamic selection or actions based on other updates with interacts with the
Parameters within a dashboard. selections. new years. dashboard.
Use dashboard
actions or
Enables the parameters to
swapping of sheets control which sheet
or views within a or visualization is
dashboard, allowing Swap between a displayed, allowing
users to choose Swap between different bar chart and a users to
between different chart types or sheets pie chart to view dynamically choose
Sheet visualizations based on user the same data in their preferred
Swapping dynamically. interaction. different formats. view.

Tableau
automatically
adjusts axis scales
and labels to
Set up a dynamic accommodate
Allows axis labels axis that changes changes in the data
and ranges to adjust Ensure that axis labels its scale based on or parameters,
dynamically based on and scales adjust based user-selected ensuring the
Dynamic the underlying data on selected filters or regions or time visualization
Axis or user inputs. data. periods. remains accurate.
 Dynamic sets are
updated in real-
Creates sets that Use a dynamic time, depending on
automatically update Create dynamic sets set to display the data changes or
based on user that adjust based on top 5 performing user interactions,
interactions or criteria such as top N products, which making them ideal
Dynamic conditions, allowing values or changing updates based on for evolving
Sets for dynamic filtering. conditions. sales data. datasets.

Tableau updates
the calculations
automatically when
Allows calculations Create a dynamic users interact with
to change based on calculation that filters, parameters,
user inputs, Perform calculations changes its logic or other dynamic
parameters, or other that adapt to user based on user- dashboard
Dynamic dynamic conditions selections or filtering selected date elements, allowing
Calculations in the dashboard. actions. ranges. for flexible analysis.

Best Practices in Tableau

Adhering to best practices ensures that your Tableau dashboards are optimized for performance, security,
maintainability, and effective deployment. These best practices span various aspects of Tableau use, from
design to deployment, ensuring a consistent and efficient experience.

Feature Description Use Case Example How It Works

Design should
focus on clarity,
simplicity, and user
experience by
Follow guidelines following
for choosing conventions like
Best practices for appropriate chart consistent color
creating effective, Ensure that Tableau types, using usage, alignment,
user-friendly dashboards are clear, colors effectively, and choosing the
Design dashboards and intuitive, and easy to and organizing right chart types
Guidelines visualizations. interpret. data. for data.
 Use performance
optimization
techniques such as
Practices to optimize Limit the use of indexing, reducing
Tableau dashboards complex complexity, and
and workbooks for calculations, caching to ensure
faster performance, Improve dashboard reduce filters, faster load times
Performance especially with large load times and and optimize and a smooth user
Guidelines datasets. responsiveness. extracts. experience.
Ensure that
Tableau Server
follows security
Implement row- protocols such as
Guidelines for level security, role-based access,
securing Tableau use secure encryption, and
content, including Protect sensitive data authentication regular audits to
user access, data and ensure that only methods, and protect data and
Security Best privacy, and proper authorized users can restrict access to ensure only
Practices data governance. access specific content. sensitive data. authorized access.

Development
standards ensure
that all Tableau
workbooks and
Guidelines for dashboards follow
maintaining Follow naming uniform design,
consistent and conventions for logic, and naming
standardized calculated fields, conventions,
development Ensure consistency, use templates for making it easier to
practices across quality, and consistent manage and
Development Tableau workbooks maintainability in design, and collaborate on
Standards and dashboards. Tableau development. document logic. projects.

Set up automated
backups, perform
Procedures to periodic updates,
ensure Tableau and monitor
dashboards and Regularly update Tableau Server
servers remain in Ensure long-term Tableau Server, health to ensure
good condition and stability and clean up unused everything runs
Maintenance are updated functionality of Tableau workbooks, and smoothly and is
Procedures regularly. workbooks and servers. back up data. up-to-date.
 Use version Ensure smooth
Strategies for control for deployment by
deploying Tableau workbooks, and following a
workbooks and test thoroughly structured process,
dashboards to Safely deploy Tableau in a staging using version
different content from environment control and testing
environments development to before to validate content
Deployment (development, production production before pushing it
Strategies testing, production). environments. deployment. to production.

Advanced Concepts in Tableau

These Advanced Concepts in Tableau focus on the architecture and infrastructure that support Tableau's
deployment in large-scale, enterprise environments. These concepts ensure that Tableau solutions are
scalable, resilient, and able to handle high volumes of data and users.

Feature Description Use Case Example How It Works

Involves organizing
Design a robust data sources, ETL
data architecture (Extract,
to integrate Transform, Load)
The design and Tableau with a processes, and data
structure of data Ensure efficient data data warehouse, storage systems to
storage, integration, flow and storage for ensuring facilitate fast,
Data and management Tableau dashboards optimized reliable data
Architecture within Tableau. and reports. performance. access.
Enterprise
architecture
ensures that
Tableau is part of a
The overarching Integrate Tableau cohesive IT
framework that Ensure Tableau with existing ecosystem,
defines how Tableau integrates effectively enterprise connecting with
fits into an with other enterprise systems like ERP, databases, cloud
Enterprise organization's IT applications and CRM, and data services, and other
Architecture infrastructure. systems. warehouses. enterprise tools.

Use horizontal and

vertical scaling
strategies, such as
Strategies for scaling Scale Tableau adding additional
Tableau Server by adding nodes or upgrading
environments to more resources server hardware, to
handle increasing Enable Tableau to scale or using Tableau support increased
Scaling data volume and with growing data and Online for cloud data and user
Solutions user load. user base. scalability. demand.
 High Availability
involves setting up
redundant Tableau
Ensures that Tableau Use clustering Server nodes or
Server remains and failover using cloud services
operational even in Maintain continuous mechanisms to to ensure minimal
the case of hardware access to Tableau ensure Tableau downtime and
High failure or other reports and dashboards Server remains continued
Availability disruptions. even during failures. available. availability.
Disaster recovery
plans include
regular backups,
Implement replication of
Strategies for disaster recovery Tableau Server
recovering Tableau Ensure that Tableau by storing backup data, and recovery
Server and content is backed up copies of Tableau procedures to
workbooks after a and recoverable in the Server and its minimize
Disaster major failure or event of a system content in a downtime and data
Recovery disaster. failure. remote location. loss.
Load balancing
uses hardware or
software
Distributes user techniques to
requests and traffic evenly distribute
across multiple Use load user requests
Tableau Server balancing to across multiple
instances to optimize Improve Tableau Server distribute Tableau Server
performance and performance by dashboard nodes, ensuring
Load prevent server balancing traffic across queries evenly better performance
Balancing overload. multiple nodes. across servers. and reliability.

Emerging Features in Tableau

Tableau continues to innovate with Emerging Features that integrate advanced technologies such
as AI, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing (NLP), IoT Integration, Real-time Analytics,
and Advanced Visualizations. These features enhance Tableau’s ability to provide deeper insights,
automate data-driven decisions, and offer more interactive and dynamic visualizations.

Feature Description Use Case Example How It Works

 Integrates
artificial
intelligence
(AI) to
automate Tableau integrates AI-
insights Use AI to powered features
generation, automate like Explain Data to
pattern insight automatically detect
detection, generation trends and anomalies,
and and detect Leverage Explain Data to providing users with
AI predictive hidden automatically identify the deeper insights without
Integration analysis. patterns. factors driving a data trend. manual analysis.
Incorporates
machine
learning Predict
models to future Tableau can connect
analyze data, outcomes to R or Python to bring
predict like sales, machine learning
future customer Use R or Python models into Tableau for
outcomes, churn, or integration to apply machine predictive analytics, with
Machine and identify demand learning models and visualize results displayed directly
Learning trends. forecasting. predictions. in visualizations.
Uses NLP to
enable users
to interact Allow users
with data to query Ask Data uses NLP to
using natural data using allow users to type
language simple questions in plain
queries, natural English and receive
Natural making data language Ask Tableau, "What were the corresponding
Language analysis rather than top sales by region last visualizations, making
Processing more complex month?" and get an Tableau more accessible
(NLP) accessible. formulas. immediate answer. to non-technical users.

Integrates
Tableau with Visualize and
Internet of analyze data Tableau can integrate
Things (IoT) from sensors with IoT platforms
devices to or IoT like Amazon IoT to bring
analyze and devices, such in real-time data from
visualize data as connected devices,
from monitoring Display real-time allowing users to
IoT connected warehouse temperature readings from visualize and analyze
Integration devices. conditions. IoT sensors on a dashboard. sensor data in Tableau.
 Enables real-
time data
processing
and Tableau supports real-
visualization, Track and time data connections
providing up- analyze live (e.g., through Web Data
to-the- data streams Monitor real-time stock Connectors or streaming
minute for up-to- prices or production data data sources) that
Real-time insights and date decision directly in a Tableau update dashboards live
Analytics updates. making. dashboard. as new data flows in.
Create
Provides complex,
more customized
sophisticated visualizations Tableau introduces new
and custom such as chart types and custom
visualizations network Use visualizations, allowing
to better graphs, advanced heatmaps, network users to create tailored
represent heatmaps, or diagrams, or Gantt charts to views for their data,
Advanced complex data custom visualize complex project beyond traditional
Visualizations relationships. charts. data or relationships. charting options.

Industry-Specific Solutions in Tableau

Tableau provides tailored analytics solutions for various industries, enabling businesses to unlock deeper
insights and make data-driven decisions specific to their sector. These industry-specific solutions
include Financial Analytics, Healthcare Analytics, Retail Analytics, Manufacturing
Analytics, Education Analytics, and Marketing Analytics.

Industry Description Use Case Example How It Works

Tableau enables
integration with
financial data
sources, allowing
users to build
financial
Helps financial Visualize dashboards that
institutions and financial KPIs like track key metrics
professionals Track financial metrics profit margins, like profitability,
analyze financial like revenue, expenses, cash flow, and investment
Financial performance, risks, profits, and risk risk performance, and
Analytics and opportunities. exposure. management. risk analysis.
 Tableau integrates
with EHR systems
and other
healthcare data
sources, allowing
users to track
patient health,
Visualize patient hospital
Provides insights demographics, performance, and
into patient data, readmission resource
hospital Analyze patient rates, and management,
performance, and outcomes, treatment hospital helping improve
Healthcare operational effectiveness, and efficiency care and reduce
Analytics efficiency. resource utilization. metrics. costs.

Tableau connects
to point-of-sale
(POS) systems, e-
commerce
platforms, and
Analyze inventory
customer management
Supports retailers in demographics, systems to provide
analyzing sales sales real-time insights
trends, inventory, Track sales performance by into sales,
and customer performance, region, and inventory, and
Retail behavior to optimize customer preferences, inventory customer
Analytics operations. and inventory levels. turnover. behavior.

Tableau can
integrate with
manufacturing
systems, providing
dashboards that
Helps help monitor
manufacturers Track metrics like production
improve production Monitor production production efficiency, quality
efficiency, quality line performance, output, defect control, and supply
Manufacturing control, and supply inventory, and supply rates, and supply chain performance
Analytics chain management. chain efficiency. chain delays. in real-time.
 Tableau integrates
with student
information
systems (SIS) and
other data sources
to track student
performance,
Enables educational attendance, and
institutions to assess resource usage,
student Visualize trends helping institutions
performance, Analyze student in student make informed
operational performance, grades, retention decisions about
Education effectiveness, and attendance, and rates, and curriculum and
Analytics resource allocation. course success rates. resource usage. operations.
Tableau connects
to marketing
platforms and CRM
systems, allowing
users to analyze
campaign
performance,
Provides insights customer
into marketing Visualize segmentation, and
campaign campaign ROI, helping to
performance, Track marketing performance, optimize
customer campaign customer marketing
segmentation, and effectiveness, acquisition costs, strategies and
Marketing return on customer engagement, and ROI by improve
Analytics investment (ROI). and sales leads. channel. engagement.

Tableau v/s Power BI

• Tableau shines in advanced visualizations, handling large datasets, and

providing customization for professional users, but it can be costly and has a steeper learning curve.
• Power BI is ideal for users already in the Microsoft ecosystem, offering a user-friendly
interface, affordable pricing, and integrated features, particularly for smaller to medium-sized
data environments.

Aspect Tableau Power BI

Steeper learning curve but highly flexible for User-friendly interface, easy to pick up for
1. Ease of Use advanced users. beginners.

2. Data Known for advanced and customizable Provides solid, standard visualizations, but
Visualization visualizations. not as customizable as Tableau.
 Works well with smaller to medium-sized
3. Data Handles large datasets well; optimized for datasets, but less efficient with large
Handling big data. datasets.
Seamless integration with Microsoft
4. Data Wide range of native connectors for various products (Excel, SQL Server), and a wide
Sources data sources. range of connectors.

5. Real-Time Supports real-time data analysis with live Real-time data streaming is possible, but
Data connections. less flexible compared to Tableau.
More affordable, especially for
More expensive, particularly for large organizations already using Microsoft
6. Pricing deployments. products.
7. Integration Strong Excel integration with advanced Native integration with Excel, making it
with Excel capabilities. easier for users familiar with it.
Easy to create but more templated
8. Dashboards Highly interactive and flexible dashboards. compared to Tableau’s dashboards.
9. Data More manual data preparation required; Built-in data transformation features with
Preparation requires some knowledge of data modeling. Power Query.
10. Mobile Tableau mobile app is robust but requires Strong mobile support and integration
Support some configuration. with Power BI app.
11. On-premise (Power BI Report Server) and
Deployment On-premise and cloud (Tableau Online). cloud (Power BI Service).

Detailed reporting options with great Strong reporting capabilities, especially for
12. Reporting flexibility. users familiar with Office products.

13. Highly customizable with scripting and More limited in customization but allows
Customization custom visualizations. custom visuals with the Power BI API.
14. User
Access Role-based access control (with Tableau Row-level security and data access control
Control Server). using Power BI Service.
15.
Community Large user base with strong Microsoft
Support Large user base and rich online resources. support and resources.
16. Cloud Strong integration with Azure Cloud and
Integration Tableau Cloud for SaaS deployment. Office 365 services.
Power BI offers AI capabilities through
17. Artificial Tableau's AI and predictive analytics are Azure Machine Learning integration and
Intelligence integrated via Tableau Prep and Tableau AI. AutoML.
18. Performance can degrade with larger
Performance Optimized for large datasets with Tableau's datasets but optimized with Azure-based
Optimization Hyper engine. solutions.
Excellent collaboration through
19. Strong collaboration through Tableau Server integration with Microsoft Teams and
Collaboration and Tableau Online. SharePoint.
 Extensive support for third-party
20. integrations and custom scripts (Python, R, Support for custom visuals and integration
Extensibility etc.). with Microsoft PowerApps and Flow.