Tableau Desktop
How can I sort by a measure value or a dimension? *Practice in Bronze Study Workbook
In the view sort on an axis to sort by quantitative values or on dimensional header to sort alphabetically. You can also manually sort on the view by dragging dimension values into a new order. On the toolbar use the quick sort buttons. Right click on a dimensional field on view card for more sorting options (sort order & sort by) or clear a sort.
When I make changes to metadata in Tableau are those changes written back to my database?
No. Tableau is read-only. We preserve the integrity of your underlying data sources while still giving you the ability to rename re-group re-alias etc your data in Tableau.
What's the maximum number of rows Tableau can connect to at one time?
Tableau has no row limitation. Customers use Tableau to access petabytes of data because it only retrieves the rows and columns needed to answer your question. For example take a 100 million row database. Ask: what is the monthly sales trend for the last 2 years? Tableau retrieves 24 rows of data.
Show me how to make a new dashboard.
1. Click the 'New Dashboard' icon in the tabs at the bottom of your workbook. 2. Choose Dashboard 'New Dashboard' from the toolbar. 3. Right click on a view or dashboard tab. Select 'New Dashboard'. 4. Quick click the carrot on the icon on tool bar of a chart with plus sign on right. Choose 'New Dashboard'.
What is a measure field? What is a dimensional field?
A dimension is a qualitative or categorical field in the data (for example Country). Dragged into a view a dimension produces headers in the view. A measure is a quantitative field in the data meaning that the values in it can be aggregated (for example Sales). Measures typically produce and axes.
What is a tooltip?
A tooltip displays data details when you hover over one or more marks in the view. Use them to see data details that are not in the view. Tooltips may be edited to include both static and dynamic text as well as other sheets in the current workbook (Viz in Tooltip)
How do I show an image webpage or text in a dashboard (dashboard objects)?
All of these options available in the dashboard window on the left of the dashboard user interface below sheets. Drag and drop onto view. Pre-select the option to be tiled or floating.
Show me the capability to drill down into data.
Always ask what kind of drill down a customer is seeking. Tableau provides drill downs in hierarchies filters showing the underlying data and dashboard actions.
When I drag the fields out into the view some are blue and some are green : how come?
Blue pills are discrete and green pills are continuous. Discrete fields contains finite values. Continuous fields can display infinitely smaller points from one end of data to another by creating an axis in the view (think of a trend line of time that can get more granular down to the second). Discrete fields always result in headers being drawn whenever they are placed on the rows or columns shelves. Continuous fields always result in axes when you add them to the view. These roles are important because you may want to display your data continuously or discretely depending on what you are trying see and the data itself. You can switch between continuous and discrete data roles using the field menu. For a deeper understanding please see: Understanding Pill Types
Why does a live connect option matter? Are there benefits?
Connecting live can have important benefits such as: • It leverages the investment the customer has already made in their databases (e.g. security or speed). This avoids the time and expense of rebuilding this logic. • No scripting means they can connect and go with a few clicks - removing a big barrier for business users to start asking questions of their data • Their data stays vendor agnostic and open to all. When they import data typically only the vendor who imported it can then connect to it
What is the difference between 'Connect Live' and 'Extract'?
Connecting live is just as it sounds - you are establishing a live connection from Desktop to the original data source. When you drag-and-drop Tableau sends a query to the original data source leveraging its computational power and storage. When the data changes your live connection will reflect that once refreshed. When you use an extract you are taking a static snapshot of data from the original source and loading it into Hyper Tableau's own database technology. Now when you drag-and-drop the query goes to the Hyper extract protecting the original data source. Because it is a snapshot when the live data changes your view will not automatically reflect that. However you can put the extract on a refresh schedule (whole or incrementally append data) using Tableau Server (and Tableau Online depending on the data source).
How do I adjust the size of a dashboard?
Dashboard sizing options are on the left side of the dashboard user interface.Some sizes for blogs iPads and laptops make sizing easy for a certain display medium. If you are designing for mobile we have a feature to help called Device Preview.
What is the difference between discrete and continuous dates? When would you want to use a discrete date vs. a continuous one? *Practice in Bronze Study Workbook
Discrete dates return the DATEPART of the date irrespective of what year/month/week/day in which it occurred. A discrete month would return Jan Feb Mar as discrete elements while a continuous month would return Jan 14 Jan 15 Feb 14 Feb 15 as continuous points in time.
How do I replace a measure or dimension on the rows or columns shelf?
Drag and drop field over the current field on the shelf. The new field will replace the other field.
What languages does Tableau support?
English, French German SpanishBrazilian Portuguese Japanese Korean Simplified Chinese
When is best to use a live connection?
Good times to use a live connection can include: - If your database is already fast. Just connect and go! - If you need your data to refresh more often than every fifteen minutes we usually recommend a direct connection as well.
Outside of Tableau Server & Online how can I share results?
If you do not care about security or scalability two non-secure options are Tableau Reader or Tableau Public. Tableau Reader is an unsupported free and freely downloadable Windows application that lets anyone open & view Tableau packaged workbooks created in Tableau Desktop. Tableau Public lets Desktop users publish data visualizations for free to the web. Neither allows you to auto-refresh your data : it must be done manually. In some cases Reader and Public are great options. For most private data there are challenges. These are a few great questions to get customers thinking about if Tableau Reader can really meet their needs: • Do your executives like accessing dashboards on their mobile device? • Do you care if the data is not secure? Think of Reader like an Excel spreadsheet that can get mailed outside the organization. • Do you need to connect to large data sources? So large that you cannot mail out copies to everyone? • Does your data change often? Would you like consumers to have the dashboard with the latest information rather than the version you mailed to them last week?
How do I create a profit ratio?
In Tableau it is easy to write calculations to answer questions not already in your data! A really common example is: Right click in the Data window Create Calculated Field. This gets you to the calculation editor. Using Superstore you would then write the following: SUM(Profit)/SUM(Sales) Why is knowing this important? Because if you do not add the SUM's (instead doing Profit/Sales) you will get the wrong answer. Aggregate calculations are those that use aggregate functions. Examples of aggregate functions are SUM AVG MAX & MIN (there are a few others). Therefore an example of an aggregate calculation would be: Profit Ratio = SUM(Profit) / SUM(Sales) But what is special about aggregate calculations? The primary difference between aggregate and non-aggregate calculations is that aggregate calculations often can't be sensibly calculated for each row in the underlying data set - it normally only makes sense to calculate them when the data is aggregated. Consider the profit ratio example based on the following data: Order ID Sales Profit Profit Ratio (NA) 1 £100 £20 20% 2 £1 000 000 £500 000 50% The final column - profit ratio (NA) - is a non-aggregate calculation. This has been calculated on each row in the underlying data. BUT - this is not very useful in this situation sure it tells us the profit ratio for each sales transaction but it can't be used to summarize the profit ratio for our organization. If you average this value you'll get a misleading figure of 35% for the organization profit ratio when the organization profit ratio is actually very close to 50%. To correctly calculate the organization profit ratio we need to make use of aggregate functions thus creating aggregate calculations. Using the calculation SUM(Profit) / SUM(Sales) forces the sales and profit amounts to be totalled BEFORE the division occurs and as the table below now shows provides the correct answer for profit ratio of 50% (actually a tiny bit less the answer has been rounded). Order ID Sales Profit Profit Ratio (NA) 1 £100 £20 20% 2 £1 000 000 £500 000 50% TOTAL £1 000 100 £500 020 50%
What separates Tableau from competitors?
Many things. Our competitors change quickly so we do not focus on feature by feature details here. (For specifics see the Competitor tab in Sales Insight). What we focus on are the big picture differentiators that are true versus any competitor: 1. True self-service a. Enabled by exceptional ease of use for anyone who has questions about their data b. The UI is designed to enable users to stay in the flow of analytic thought rather than to be bogged down by wizards or pre settings that stem creativity. 2. Analytical depth 1. Tableau allows non-technical users to engage in complex analysis without requiring classical technical skills (i.e. database administration SQL coding or a masters degree in mathematics. A common user can build YOY growth box and whisker plots clustering etc.)Advanced users can employ Tableau's calculation builder to gain new insight into their data and even leverage external services such as R and Python.Data access and choice a. Tableau connects natively to almost any database / datasource a user requires (see connection window in Tableau for a full list)AWS data Google Bigquery support Redshift connectivity b. Query data live or in memory with Hyper based on the customer's need we don't force them to choose one or the other. 2. Hybrid deployment a. Cloud vs. on-prem vs. both b. We operate on any of the major public cloud services a competitor like Microsoft for example will not support AWS (competing cloud platform) 3. Tableau is a community a. Passionate customer base that are active in our website forums and Tableau User Groups (TUG) around the world.
What is metadata? (Note this is for you as a sales person to understand. Clients do not ask us this question.)
Metadata is 'data about the data'. It includes business definitions of the fields hierarchies business rules aggregation rules etc.
I see that Tableau has a forecasting model. Can I use my own model?
No Tableau uses a technique known as exponential smoothing. Tableau automatically selects the best of up to 8 models with the best being the highest forecast quality. You no longer need to be a data scientist to see what is in store for the future. In the edit window turn on and off various options like seasonality. If you are interested in using a different model I would suggest using our R integration to create your forecast.
What are pivot tables like in Tableau?
Pivot tables in Tableau are crosstabs. Make any view a crosstab by right clicking the view tab and selecting "duplicate as crosstab." Quick features to show are one-click swap in the toolbar or totals under the Analysis drop down from the toolbar.
Do I need to import my data into Tableau?
No. Tableau believes that you should be able to connect to your data in whatever way makes sense for you or your enterprise. You have two options with Tableau: connect live to your databases and files (leveraging the power you have already invested) or import your data into our lightning fast Hyper data engine. There are benefits to both approaches : our In-Memory or Live Data: Which Is Better? whitepaper does a great job outlining them. The biggest benefit is that with Tableau you get the choice. It is critical as a sales person you understand this point : it is probably our 2nd or 3rd biggest competitive differentiator. • Customer Consulting: this is a CRITICAL point for competing with Qlik! Our architecture aware data engine is still stomping them. This is a must-discuss item on Qlik deals.
Do I need to set up any metadata or semantic layers before I can use Tableau?
No. This is a huge advantage to getting up and running quickly over many of our competitors. If you know the data simply point Tableau Desktop directly at your data source and choose what table(s) and view(s) you'd like to connect to and you are on your way. No pre-configuration necessary.
I have data from 2+ sources. How can Tableau help me?
One option is a cross-database join which is a row level join that allows you to create a single data source out of multiple disparate sources. You can then publish and share this source with the rest of your org. We also offer data blending which is a great way to do ad hoc analysis on multiple data sources. Blending is done at the aggregate level of the connected data fields.
How are targets or goals added to a chart?
One option is to right click on an axis and choose 'Add Reference Line.' Another option is on the left switch from the Data Pane to the Analytics Pane and drag the reference measure out into the view. Configure reference line to address the table pane or cell.
I don't see my data source listed in 'Connect To Data'? What are my options?
One option is to use the standard ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) option listed in the data connection window. While this connection option may not be as robust as a native connection it does provide the ability to use the driver for connecting to your database. If you run into performance issues I recommend extracting the data into a Tableau Data Extract. We can also provide some guidance to tune the connection. See Customizing and Tuning ODBC Connections You may also use Tableau SDK to write a program to access and process your data to create a Tableau Data Extract. We support developers on Windows and Linux platforms for Python/C/C++/Java. Another option for some customers is to build a Tableau Web Data Connector for data that lives on the web. Our Web Data Connector is an extensible framework to allow the Tableau community to connect to web based data sources.
How can I quickly filter out some data from a field?
Right click the field and choose Filter or Show Filter. A visual way to do this would be to use the data highlighter to see the data in context.
How do I see the underlying or row level data?
Select the data points of interest and right click select View Data.
What is Story Points? How does it differ from a dashboard?
Story Points build a narrative with data. Rather than turning your audience loose with a dashboard that can be explored many ways (that may or may not get your point across) Story Points let you share the path to discovery step by step helping your audience understand the evolution to an insight. And of course unlike static images interactivity remains so if your audience has a question you can explore it right there.
What is the difference between these Tableau Desktop products: Personal and Professional?
Tableau Personal only connects to flat files (Excel Access CSV and Tableau Data Extract.) while Tableau Professional connects to flat files and servers (SQL Oracle Amazon Web Services Hadoop etc.). Tableau Personal cannot publish to Tableau Server or Tableau Online.
How many data sources does Tableau connect to?
Tableau believes you should be able to connect to all the data you care about whether on-premise in the cloud big data like Hadoop or local files like Excel. We connect to several dozen data sources natively (plus many others through ODBC or Web Data Connector) and this list is growing all the time. The easiest way to see a current list is to open Tableau Desktop click 'Connect to Data ' and check out the current list right in the connection window.
How do I build a map based on zip codes postcodes etc.?
Tableau recognizes common geographic data such as countries cities and zip code/postcodes. Simply double click on any of your fields that has a blue globe next to it. If you have custom mapping needs like sales territories street addresses or some international zip codes you can use custom geo-coding or you can create custom territories.
How does Tableau get the "Latitude (generated)" and "Longitude (generated) fields? [This could also be "I need to map zip codes in X country why isn't it working....?"
Tableau relies on built in geographic roles to generate the latitude and longitude. If you right click on a field in the dimensions pane and select geographic roles you can see a complete list of the geographic roles we support.
I am new to leading 'discovery conversations' in sales. What are some good basic discovery questions to start with?
The 8 Key Questions from the Discovery Session in Boot Camp are a great start (full slides here). Remember you do not have to ask all of these on a call. Keep it natural and connect as a human being first. 1. What's going on? (What prompted the engagement...LEAVE THIS OPEN ENDED) 2. What is YOUR role in the process? or How did YOU get roped into doing this? 3. What does YOUR current situation look like? (Can you give a specific example?) 4. Why isn't that working for YOU? 5. If I could wave a magic wand - What would YOU like it to look like? 6. Are there any deal breakers in YOUR (teams) validation process? 7. What risks (If ANY) do YOU see with getting this project completed? 8. How do I best work with YOU (teams) to earn your (teams) business? 9. In terms of optimizing YOUR status quo what's the urgency? Is there an iDate? OR What's the cost of doing nothing?
What is the Tableau Data Engine (powered by Hyper)?
The Data Engine is Tableau's high-performing analytics database for extracts on your PC. It compresses your data and uses columnar store : in some cases make the data faster to query. The Data Engine has the speed benefits of traditional in-memory solutions without the limitations that your data must fit in memory. And in Tableau's tradition of making powerful tools accessible to all there is no custom scripting needed to use the Data Engine.
What is an Extract?
This is Tableau's own file type Hyper (.hyper) which is a snapshot of the data stored on disk and loaded into memory as required to render a Tableau viz. An extract can be configured to pull a portion of data based on a condition : roll up granular data to a higher aggregation : or pre-filter data before bringing it into Tableau. See Extracts at Hyper Speed: What you Need to Know blog Use cases to NOT use an extract: • when live updates are needed • to replace a data warehouse
In a live connection what performance should I expect?
This is a great opportunity to do discovery first: What are your performance requirements? Is performance an issue with your current solution or solutions you're exploring? In a live connection performance speed is based on how fast your data sources can process requests made by Tableau. If live connection to a data source is too slow it may be possible to increase performance via extracting into Hyper.
My users do not know how to connect to our database systems. The joins and table structures are completely foreign to them. I do not think they will be able to use Tableau.
This is exactly why we invented the Tableau Data Server (an underlying component of Tableau Server). Think of it as a centralized repository for all you metadata. Users who are familiar with the data can pre-build some data sources and publish them to Tableau Server where they are automatically hosted by the Data Server process. Then other Desktop users can choose to connect to 'Tableau Server' in the 'Connect to Data' screen and they will be presented with the pre-built sets of metadata they are allowed to access. No need for your users to know the complexity of the joins or calculations or underlying structure.
Data story. What is our data philosophy?
We believe in letting people connect to the data they care about regardless of where it is. Data prep should be easy. Combining disparate data sources into a single source should be easy. And we make it easy for you to model and change your data.
How can I add Totals and Subtotals? *Practice in Bronze Study Workbook
We offer a lot of flexibility with totals now - you can remove them from color encoding move them around on the viz etc. This was a longstanding customer request. One option is to go to the Analysis menu option in the toolbar Totals. Another option is on the left switch from the Data Pane to the Analytics Pane and drag 'Totals' into your view. You will be presented with options for Subtotals Column Grand Totals and Row Grand Totals.
How does Tableau help me manage my data?
We take a VERY different approach than most to data access. We believe by default people are smart and creative and they should have access to as much data as possible. Metadata modeling: Because of this we have created the easiest most flexible most user-friendly capability for managing metadata in the BI space by far. For example to create a group or calculation you simply right click! (Grouping requires coding in many other BI products.) To create a hierarchy you simply drag-and-drop. You 'model' naturally as you ask questions of your data : you are never taken out of flow. This allows you to build metadata models quickly and flexibly. Models can be published centrally to the Data Server of Tableau Server or Tableau Online providing an easy starting point for end-users. Data integration: You can also now model your data on the fly using our data integration. Data integration is about taking different data sources and being able to model them in a valuable way.
What type of statistical analysis do you offer?
What are you looking for? We can help you do deep analyses like trend lines forecasting and clustering with ease. We can also extend your statistical power via integration with R and python. Note - sales pro tip: if you get the sense you are working with a data scientist you will want to get your PC/SC on the phone with this customer quickly. Your goal is to appease this person on the phone but do not claim to be SAS SPSS or R (purpose-built statistical packages).
Whenever I drag and drop one of my Measures it always does a Sum. Can I change it to a Median? *Practice in Bronze Study Workbook
Yes - right click on the measure and choose 'Measure Median'.
Can I write my own SQL?
Yes Tableau does support custom queries. But first we recommend you try a native connection where Tableau generatesthe query and then measure the performance. Often it will be faster.
Is it possible to export data or print PDFs?
Yes although first it is good to ask 'why would you want to do that?' You can export data as a .csv or as a crosstab to Excel (select data points right click View Data then use the Export All button). Printing PDFs is just like using a Microsoft Office product.
Can I build Hierarchies in Tableau? *Practice in Bronze Study Workbook
Yes you can easily create a hierarchies in Tableau. The easiest way is to drag and drop a dimension on top of another one - voila! Alternatively you can multi-select a set of dimensions right-click and choose 'Hierarchy' Create Hierarchy'
Can I use a table of data on a web page (e.g. Wikipedia or IMDB)?
Yes. Select the table and paste into a Tableau workbook via 'Data' in the toolbar.
Can I use Tableau Desktop on a Mac?
Yes. Tableau Desktop can be installed on both Mac and Windows operating systems. Note - you may not see all the same data connection options on Mac because Mac itself supports different database drivers.
Can I use Tableau Server on Linux?
Yes. Tableau Server can be installed on the Linux operating system. In addition be aware that native data sources may be different on Linux versus Windows and/or Mac.
Can I create a map incorporating my own custom spatial files?
Yes. Tableau supports a variety of spatial data including KML SHP and GeoJSON.
I am working with an Excel file in Tableau Desktop and I want to send my completed workbook to my coworker. She doesn't have access to the data file on her machine should I send her a .twb or a .twbx file? What is the difference between these two?
You will want to send her a .twbx file. Sending her a .twbx will package the underlying local files with the Tableau workbook so she will not need to have the excel file separately. The .twb file will contain the information about what is on each sheet/dashboard/story within a workbook -- such as what fields are in each view how measures are being aggregated the formatting and any other information pertinent to the workbook such as the type of connection and metadata changes you've made. The twbx. contains all of this plus the local data sources. This blog post gives a good overview.