All in Tableau Parameters

How to Build Dynamic Parameters in Tableau

Eric Parker
Tableau Parameters, Tableau Calculations

Parameters in Tableau are powerful inputs which allow the user to customize visuals in a number of ways. They can change variables in a calculation, modify a filter or even move a reference line!

For some parameters (like dates), it makes sense to have the value update whenever the workbook is opened. For example, you might want the parameter to default to 'This Year', 'Today' or 'Last Week'.

If you have a scenario where it would be handy to have the default parameter selection update automatically, check out this video to learn how you can create dynamic parameters!

Build Custom Parameter Selection Buttons in Tableau

Ollie Linley
Design, Tableau Dashboards, Tableau Parameters

If you're looking to turn your static Tableau dashboards into interactive powerhouses, buttons are a fantastic way to do that! In today's tutorial, we're diving into one of Tableau's most underutilised secrets: using buttons to control parameters. This isn't just about making dashboards look sleek (though they absolutely will), it's about creating an experience so intuitive that your users will actually want to explore your data.

Customizable Top/Bottom Highlighter in Tableau

Ollie Linley
Tableau Parameters, Tableau Calculations

Text tables can be overwhelming for users. It's hard to know where to focus your attention!

Where are the highest and lowest values in the data? What patterns are there? Upgrading a text table to a highlight table can often do wonders, but a highlight table doesn't provide a singular focus. It will likely highlight high, and maybe low values too.

That's where a custom highlighter can be so handy. Why not let you user control which values they want to call attention to?

Swap Between Measures with Different Number Formats in Tableau

Ollie Linley
Tableau Parameters, Tableau Calculations

Normally, when using a parameter to swap between measures, you're limited to using a single number format in a text table. But what happens when using the same number format makes no sense?

In our example, we're swapping between Total Cost (reported in $) and Visits (a count). We don't want to report Visits as a dollar-denominated amount, and we don't want Total Cost to be reported without a dollar symbol! So what can we do?

Show/Hide Columns in Tableau with a Parameter!

Ollie Linley
Table Calculations, Tableau Parameters

Have you ever been asked to include a table of data that’s way too detailed for the dashboard you’re working on? Sometimes we really just want to see all the numbers. But we might not necessarily want to display all that information at once.

That’s where a Show/Hide option could be effective. Using a parameter, we can enable our end-users to select whether they want to see all the data in the underlying table, or just some summary data (like some total columns).

Parameter-Driven Reference Lines in Tableau

Ollie Linley
Tableau Parameters

A reference line is a useful worksheet element. It’s a simple tool - just a line based on a single value that we want to reference in our views.

But, did you know that you can change the value of a reference line using a parameter?

An adjustable reference line turns your static reference line into an interactive tool that you and the end-users of your dashboards can use in a variety of ways. You might run basic forecasts, explore outcomes using 'what if" scenarios, or change a comparison threshold.

How to Filter Multiple Date Fields at Once in Tableau

Ollie Linley
Tableau Calculations, Tableau Parameters, Tableau Dates

Does your data set have multiple date fields? For instance, maybe you have both an "Order Date" and a "Delivery Date". Or maybe you have both a "Hire Date" and a "Termination Date".

Sometimes, you need to filter on both date fields at once to answer questions like, "How many people were hired and how many people were terminated in the Marketing Department this year?"

Totally Customizable Top-Bottom Filter in Tableau

Eric Parker
Tableau Parameters, Tableau General Knowledge

Users love filtering and sorting options in Tableau dashboards, right?

Odds are, you know you can use a parameter to change the top number of values displaying in a worksheet. However, did you know you can also use a parameter to change whether it's the Top 10 or Bottom 10 values displaying? Did you know that same parameter can control whether the sort order is ascending or descending? It's true!

Swap Tableau Worksheets with Dynamic Zone Visibility

Ollie Linley
Tableau Parameters, Dynamic Zone Visibility

In the past, swapping worksheets in a Tableau dashboard has been possible but frustrating. Using a parameter, we could swap out worksheets, but it was really difficult to also swap out any filters, parameters, or legends attached to those worksheets.

Now, with Tableau’s Dynamic Zone Visibility, that’s all changed! Dynamic Zone Visibility allows us to switch between multiple connected elements on a dashboard, from single worksheets, to multiple worksheets; from a certain set of parameters to another; or from one worksheet with its legends, filters, and parameters, to another.