8 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do with Tableau

Tableau is one of the premier data analytics platforms in the world and is used by many Data Analysts for their analytics and visualization needs. While most users consider Tableau’s interface to be user-friendly and intuitive, learning how to fully optimize the capabilities of Tableau requires time and dedication. Some beginners aren’t aware of all that this software can do.

The following list represents eight functions that Tableau users may not know about that can be used to create stunning data visualizations:

1. Although Tableau comes with color palettes for data visualizations, some users aren’t aware that the color options can be customized to reflect the specific needs of any user. In order to do so, the user should select the “Preferences.tps” file on Tableau Desktop. For users who may not know the HEX values of the colors they wish to incorporate into their customized palette, the color-grabbing tool can be used to input any color that is necessary directly into Tableau. Customizing color options allows users to create color palettes that are a perfect match to their company’s brand colors, if necessary.
2. The process of going through a huge dataset to ensure that its contents are in the right order for reading and display is a tedious, time-consuming endeavor. However, when managing data with Tableau, the data doesn’t have to be perfect before it’s imported. Tableau is capable of taking a set of data that is in less-than-ideal shape and understanding the issues the dataset presents, such as repetitions, missing data, or inconsistencies. Tableau can then make the required changes automatically. If any anomaly is spotted with the software, the Tableau Data Interpreter will quickly clean the data for you.
3. One of Tableau’s most helpful capabilities is that it can automate the analytics process as users work. For jobs in which Data Analysts design similar-looking visualizations on a regular basis, automation can drastically cut down on the time required to do so. In order to automate this process, users have to ensure that data is correctly formatted. Then, all that is required is to update the data ranges in order for the generated visualizations to reflect this new data. In addition, automation can also be used to create calculated fields that can automatically update a data range each time a change or addition is incorporated into the source.
4. When working with Tableau software, users can create relationships between data sources. In order to join data, the Data Analyst must blend them based on a variable that is common to the different sources. Creating correlations between various data sources or sets within a sheet sometimes occurs automatically when using Tableau. If it does not, users can initiate it by using the “Blend” icon.
5. Do you want to make animated visualizations in Tableau? If so, users can work with Tableau’s Page Shelf feature to create their own animated visualization. These interactive animations are helpful for presenting information clearly, in a compelling and interactive format, so that all users can access it.
6. When creating a data visualization that includes data sources on various countries, users often find country names that are encoded differently. Tableau’s “Create a Join Calculation” provides a way to use Tableau’s equations and formulas to map various data sources using a single calculated field to help with these inconsistencies.
7. It’s possible to easily test how Tableau is performing. Those who wish to do so can select “Help” on the right-hand side of the tabs. By clicking on “Settings” then “Performance,” they can then select “Start Performance Recording” which will activate on the dashboard once a change is made. The same steps are required to stop recording performance. This process is helpful for those who want to see which sheets are running slowly.
8. Normally, key performance indicators (KPIs) are displayed horizontally on the top of a dashboard. However, there are instances in which this display format is not suited for the visualization, as having it there can mean having charts that are cut off or stretched out. Tableau users who need to optimize space on their dashboards can move KPIs to the side in order to better optimize space. For Data Analysts who create dashboards for widescreen monitors or laptops, placing e KPIs on the left-hand side, and stacking them vertically, is a great way to free up space and enhance dashboard flow.

As the above list indicates, Tableau has many functions that not all users are aware of, functions that not only help to speed up the data cleaning, analysis, and visualization process, but also help to create even more effective data visualizations.

Hands-On Tableau Classes

For those who want to learn how to create stunning and engaging data visualizations, maps, charts, and graphs, Noble Desktop’s Tableau classes provide a great option. Small group courses are available in-person in NYC, as well as in the live online format. These Tableau-focused courses teach students skills like how to spot the most optimal datasets to connect to, as well as how to analyze, filter, structure, and visually represent data.

In addition, a variety of live online Tableau courses are also currently available from top training providers. These interactive classes are taught in real-time and provide all learners with access to an instructor who is live and ready to provide feedback and answer questions. Courses range from seven hours to five days in duration and cost $299-$2,199.

Those who are interested in finding nearby Tableau classes can use Noble’s Tableau Classes Near Me tool. This handy tool provides an easy way to locate and browse more than three dozen of the best Tableau classes currently offered in the in-person and live online formats so that all interested learners can find the course that works best for them. Classes are between seven hours and five days in duration and are available for beginners, intermediate, and advanced students.