Tableau Course Notes

1.0 Week 1

1.1 Introducción

Tableau is designed to analyze large amounts of data and

visualize them through a clearer representation of the information and
affordable.

To understand how this result has been reached, it is useful to take a look back.
back, to the needs that drove - and continue to drive - the
evolution of Tableau. Only in this way can we understand its strengths better.
concrete.

Tableau's mission is to help people see and understand the data.

data, making the most of the information that is often
hidden

El «embrión» de Tableau, Polaris, nació en los años 90 en la Universidad

from Stanford precisely, under the impetus of the Department of Defense
from the United States of America, to improve the flow of the analysis and
putting the disproportionate amount of data within reach of people,
through visualization.

The situation is very similar to today's, where any organization,

public or private, manages many data daily (own and others)
and must respond, especially in terms of work and business, to the
generational challenge from a data-driven perspective
conditionals.

Today, as back then, needs must be met by

people who do not necessarily possess technical skills and
informatics. In this regard, the 'drag and drop' function of Tableau
guarantees a much simpler approach compared to the
tools that require programming knowledge.
Therefore, Tableau intends, as we will see, to explore our data.
in an easy, quick, and effective way. Furthermore, among the greatest advantages
from the platform there is the possibility to work with data coming from
from a wide variety of sources (Excel files, data sources
relational and Big Data), in order to meet analytical needs
of managing a large amount and variety of data sources.

If Tableau has been one of the leaders in Gartner's Magic Quadrant

since 2013 and continues to be so, it is thanks to a continuous update of
its functionalities that systematically adapt to the demands of
the industry.

Drag and Drop: functionality that creates visualizations simply

dragging elements into view.

Data source: a data source, starting point of Tableau for

create visualizations.

1.2 The set of Tableau products

The Tableau product suite offers several programs, the main one
of them is Tableau Desktop.

The goal of the Tableau environment is to ensure the analytical process.

complete from the physical data sources that can be combined
according to the needs. The result is a logical data source with the
to create local visualizations and then share them with others.

In Tableau Desktop, the first step is to connect to data sources.

physical (Excel, Oracle, BigData, Cloud). Whether used individually
as if they are interconnected, the final result on which it is based
our analysis is a logical data source called source of
Tableau data.

Only now can we create our own visualizations.

After this exploration process, it may be interesting to share

our work; therefore, Tableau has produced different components
for this purpose

Tableau Serveron local machines, installed on local servers

Tableau Onlinecompletely hosted on Tableau servers

in Dublin

Using the security systems and the permitted permissions, the user
access the published views, which are not necessarily
static, but they can be interpreted, commented on, and edited.

Tableau Mobileaccess from mobile devices

Tableau Public:it is a free service that allows sharing the

creations made with Tableau

One aspect that Tableau did not want to overlook is ETL (Extract,
Transform and Load), a process included inTableau Prepin which
first, a specific organization of the data sources is carried out
initial physics are created first and then the visualizations. However, even
inTableau DesktopYou can prepare your own data for analysis.

Tableau Desktop: main product that works locally and enables

data processing and the creation of visualizations

Tableau Online: a tool that allows for publishing, sharing and

collaboration, even regulated by different levels of permissions and that
is completely focused on the Tableau servers
Tableau Server: performs functions similar to Tableau Online, but it
must be installed on owned servers

ETL: acronym that corresponds to the process of Extracting, Transforming and

Loading, which consists of the cleaning and preparation of the data sources
physics. We will explore it further later.

1.3 Tableau Public for students

Tableau has reserved for all students in the world the opportunity to
use Tableau for free for a year, accessing the section
ofAcademic programof the site. Here, after entering the information
requested, you can download the program and access various content
related to the academic project of Tableau: success stories,
some of the best visualizations created by the students,
among others.

Tableau Public is a free platform where everyone can

publish and share opinions; Tableau Public for Desktop is a
program version dedicated exclusively to creating visualizations
that will be published on the online platform.

Tableau Public is not only used to share our work with the
community. In fact, in the visualizations that allow it, we can
download the workbook and use it to enter our data,
take advantage of it for a new job or possibly make changes.

Los otros apartados que componen Tableau Public son los reservados a
the authors; we can follow the authors of the best visualizations or
even being followed by someone. The blog includes interesting articles
shared by Tableau, it is the resource area where we can
find advice and guidance related to the platform.
All this allows us to use Tableau Public as an information channel.
to find ideas and models of visualizations, as well as to
share our work and have a kind of feedback about
our work.

1.4 The Tableau Desktop Interface

Upon opening Tableau Desktop, we find the main page.

Specifically, the page is divided into three areas:

The 'Connect' tab, on the left

The recently opened worksheets, and at the bottom the

sample worksheets

The section 'Discover more', with the training resources and the
month visualization

When we connect to a data source, Tableau takes us to a

environment in which all the elements of the data source are highlighted and
A preview of the data can be obtained.

Another section of the Tableau Desktop interface is called 'Workbook of

trabajo": la interfaz con la que podemos crear nuestra visualización y
explore the data.

During the course, we will analyze each element, but now we will look at
what are the different areas of the interface called:
As shown in the video, each element includes many
functions, among which the toolbar stands out and the
cards: Pages, Filters, and Brands.

Data Panel: the area where Measures are automatically displayed and
Dimensions, extracted and organized by Tableau directly from the
Data source.

Óvalos: the Measurements and Dimensions placed on the 'cards' or

"shelves" take this format.

1.5 Dimensions, measurements, and icons

Tableau automatically interprets the imported data by dividing the

numerical values in Measures and qualitative (textual) data
discrete, such as categories and names) in Dimensions.
And as shown in the video, the use of different data produces
different views. Another interesting aspect is that when we drag the
Measurements on the shelves, the word SUMA appears next to our
dimension: this is due to the default aggregation function
used by Tableau, which can be modified with other types of
aggregation. SUM, for example, sums all the corresponding values
to the records we have selected.

Tableau automatically assigns 'a data type' to our fields,

greatly facilitating its use in visualizations. If Tableau has
made an incorrect interpretation, it can be modified. An icon next to
the dimension/measure indicates these types:

abc

numeric: «#»

temporal: a small calendar

geographical: a small globe

The distinction between discrete values and continuous values is highlighted.

through a different color of the ovals: blue for the first ones and green
for the seconds.

The automatic separations with which Tableau interprets and organizes the
data is very useful for the process of connecting to data sources: furthermore
to assist in its later use, makes the interpretation process result
more efficient and effective, and it is always possible to establish the type of data.

Óvalos: the format in which Tableau displays the fields once it

they are included in the view.

Week 2
2.1 The connectors
The Connect section includes the list of available connectors in Tableau.

What are connectors? Connectors are software components.

that connect Tableau to data sources. The connect tab is
divide into 4 sections:

Search for data

Allows connection to a data source in Tableau Server.

To a file

Allows connecting to a file, such as Excel, CSV, Microsoft Access, among others
others.

To a server

This option allows you to connect to a server (using the credentials,

if there are any necessary for the connection.)

Tableau offers a wide range of native connectors, some examples:

Relational databases such as Oracle, MySQL, Maria DB

Multidimensional databases like Oracle Essbase

Cloud platforms like Amazon and Google

 Big Data platforms like Teradata and BigQuery

Possibility to create a custom connector (ODBC, JDBC)

Saved data sources

This option allows you to connect to Tableau data sources.

stored locally.

Main version: when the differences with the previous version are
they refer to substantial evolutions of the software functionality

Versión menor:cuando las diferencias con la versión anterior se refieren

mainly to corrections of software malfunctions

Inherited system: it is acomputer system, aapplicationo

acomponentobsolete, which is still in use because the user
(generally an organization) does not want or cannot replace it. The
the inherited system is equivalent to the outdated version (in comparison
with current systems/technologies.

2.2 Real-time connections against Extract

In this lesson, we are going to analyze the differences between the two types of
data connection offered by Tableau: Real-time and Extract

In real time

This type of connection is the default mode used by Tableau.

The real-time mode requires that the calculation moves almost by

complete to the underlying physical database. When we create reports
through the drag and drop function measures/dimensions or
by changing the value of the filters, the query will be executed from the database
underlying data.
With the Real-time mode we will always be connected to the database.
underlying data, with the advantage of having data constantly
updated.

Extract

With the Extract mode, we move the data from the physical database to the
Tableau data engine, which is why we use the in-memory approach.

The data entered in Tableau corresponds to a snapshot of the

data present in the database to which we are connected in the
moment when we execute the extraction.

Este modo nos permite trabajar fuera de línea, pero no vamos a poder
access the updated data unless we refresh the Extraction.

How can we perform data source extraction?

There are 2 ways:

From the Tableau data source screen, after loading the

data source that we need, we can select, in the part
upper right, the Real-time mode or Extract

On any sheet, in the Data panel, by clicking the button

right in the data source we can choose the option Extract
data

When extracting from a data source, Tableau asks us

that we save the extraction in the '.hyper' format.
 To update the extraction data, we can publish our
data source in Tableau Server and configure an update
automatic.
How do we understand if a data source is real-time or not?
Extract? Within a sheet, in the Data panel, we have the list of
data sources used in the worksheet with a symbol next to it,
when the connection is real-time the icon is a cylinder, on the other hand
When is Extract two cylinders.
Query: querying a database to extract or update
the data that meet certain search criteria.
Data engine: it is the software component used by a
database management system (DBMS) to create, read,
actualizar y eliminar datos (CRUD) de una base de datos. ¿Cuál es la
Difference between real-time connection and Extract?

2.3 Data Cleaning Operation

In this section, a data source from Excel that contains 'dirty' data.
it is imported into Tableau. The data source does not have a tabular format
classic, if it does not contain empty lines in the header with one word
written in the middle and a completely empty column.

When we load this 'dirty' data source into Tableau, we realize

it accounts for the import not being performed correctly: the
headers contain incorrect names and there are null values
incorrect in the columns.

In this case, we can try using the Tableau Data Interpreter.

Once the Excel sheet is imported into the data source screen
Tableau, we can select Clear with Data Interpreter, on the side
left of the view.
Now we can see that Tableau correctly interprets the file from
Excel 'dirty', removing the empty lines from the header and removing the
empty column.

Within the Tableau Data Source screen we find the view

Preview of the data uploaded by Excel. Here we can carry out a
first phase of metadata management.

For example, working with the Purchases sheet from the data source
imported previously, we divided the content of the Name field of
client. This field consists of several strings separated by a space,
we can create new columns that contain strings within the
Client name field.

Next to the header of each column is a small arrow; when you click
click on it we find several options, Change name, Hide and
Custom division.

By selecting this last option we can choose the separator character and
the number of separations, that is, the symbols that are maintained one
once the chain is divided.

For example, selecting the space character (' ') and the number of
identifiers, specifically 3, Tableau will create a new column for
each identifier. We can rename the new columns
(for example, 'First Name', 'Middle Name' and 'Surname') and hide the column
initial.

When we use the data cleaning function, a Review link is displayed.

the results. Clicking on this link opens an Excel file
created by Tableau that will describe how the cleaning was carried out.
Header: header or initial part of an Excel sheet.
ETL: Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) is a term that refers to the
process of extracting, transforming, and loading data into a system of
synthesisdata warehouse, data mart, Big Dataamong others).

2.4 Save locally and data source filters

Data source filters allow us to apply a filter directly
to the data source; this type of filter has a direct impact on all
the leaves that use it.

A data source filter can be applied (and edited) in 2 ways:

From the Data Source page, at the top right next to

For the type of connection, there is a Filter menu. By clicking on add, it
show a new dialog box where the filter can be added
what we need.

On any sheet, in the Data panel by clicking the button

Right at the data source in question, we select Edit
data source filter; we will see the same dialog box of
previous edition, where we can edit the source filters
of already applied data and add other new ones.

After creating a data source filter, it may be useful to save the

local data source element of Tableau, to work on it in
the future or to share it.

Right-clicking on the data source we intend to

Save, in the Data panel, we select Add to data sources
stored.

Now we need to choose the format in which to save our source of

data:
 .tds→only connection metadata is included; for example, in the
in the case of an Excel file, only the path where it is located would be included
present the Excel file. If the data source is shared with
In this format, the user must ensure that they have the file.
of physical Excel.

.tdsx→it includes an encrypted extraction of the data. If it

share the data source in this format, which contains a
extraction of the data within it, the user can work on
he directly without having (for example) the physical Excel file.

The filters of the data source can be applied to a source of

Real-time connection data or Extract.
After saving a data source, we will find it inside
from the Tableau homepage and specifically in the section
data source saved.

Extension: the extension of a file is a suffix, a short sequence of

alphanumeric characters, placed at the end of a file name and
separated from the previous part by a period, through which the system
operational can differentiate the type of content.

2.5 Edit default properties

Tableau assigns default aggregations and formats for the

measures and dimensions. Often, however, it is necessary to change
these settings are applied by default. Let's see how.

The default properties can be modified by clicking on the

right-click on the measures/dimensions you want to edit and
select the entry Default properties.
The Default Properties menu offers different options.
depending on whether you are modifying a measure or a dimension. The
options also differ according to the type (number, string, date, function
geographic...)

For example, we want a measure not to be displayed as a number.

entero (configuración por defecto) sino en miles, con un dígito decimal y
with the symbol '€', we have two possibilities:

Modify the default properties by selecting the oval

of the measure in question in the view, limiting the
personalization only to the current sheet

Change the default properties by selecting the

measure in the Data panel, in this way the changes will be applied
whenever that measure is used in a view

For both options, changing default properties is done

right-clicking on the measurement, selecting the menu
Default properties and Number format.

By default, we will have the Automatic format, selecting the option

Currency (customized) we can decide how many decimal places
use, how to represent negative values, how to show the
units (Thousands, Millions, Billions), enter the prefix symbol or
suffix, and choose whether to include thousand separators.

To change the default color assigned to a dimension, for

for example, for the dimension 'Country/Region', the same operation is performed as
with default properties, but this time, after clicking
with the right button on the Country/Region dimension, we select the
Color option.

Week 3
3.1 Introduction to filters

There are several ways to add a filter:

Drag a field into the worksheet on the Filters card

in the upper left corner. Once this is done, we can
modify it depending on whether it is a dimension or a
measure (it will be analyzed in detail in chapters 3.2 and 3.3
respectively). Another type of filter is the date filter, but
We will have the opportunity to delve into the topic in chapter 4.3.

Right-click on one or more items inside

the worksheet and right-click on Keep
only (or exclude); this allows us to keep only (or exclude) the
selected values. All this results in the automatic creation
of a filter that is included in the card at the top
left.

Right-click on a dimension (or measure) within

from the Data panel and then Show filter.

Context filter. Right-click on the oval of

filtro y seleccionar Añadir a contexto. Una vez hecho esto, el filtro se
it turns gray and runs with a higher priority than the filters
ordinary. We will see some important applications of the Filter of
context in chapter 7.

Filter: tool for selecting data based on certain criteria

criteria.

3.2 The dimension filters

Dragging any dimension within the Filters card is displayed

a dialog box that contains 4 tabs that allow different
filtering conditions:
 General. It is the most common way to filter. It allows you to select
manually the values to include/exclude within the sheet of
work.

Wildcard. It is a filter that uses the search function to define.

the filter to apply. Using the four predefined modes (1.
Contiene; 2. Comienza por; 3. Termina en; 4. Coincide exactamente)
it is possible, by entering the desired string within the field of
search, obtain the desired result (respectively: 1. All
the values that contain the string of characters; 2. The values
that start with the string; 3. The values that end in the
string of characters; 4. The values that match exactly with
what we have written)

Condition. It is a filter that allows filtering values based on

a condition that must be written manually as a formula in
the box below or what needs to be completed according to the
possibilities proposed by Tableau in the box above.

Limit. Similar to Condition, it includes the possibility of showing the

upper/lower depending on the field used in the filter.

Each of the 4 tabs present in the settings adds more.

details to the filter. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the type of
condition that applies to avoid the use of two or more conditions
contradictory. The Summary dialog in the general tab is very
useful for this purpose. It allows us to see the type of filter and condition that have been
applied and avoid mistakes.

3.3 Measurement filters

Dragging any measure to the Filters card shows a box of

dialogue that immediately allows us to choose how to filter the measurement
through an aggregation (SUM, AVERAGE, MAXIMUM, etc.) or
using All values. Once an option has been chosen for a
aggregation, in the following dialog box, there is the possibility to create
4 types of quantitative filters:

Value range. A filter can be created from an interval.

numeric. Once the minimum value and the maximum value are entered
a reference range, we can apply the filter and thus exclude it.
all values that do not belong to the selected interval.

Minimum. Similar to the range of values, it allows us to change.

only the lowest value of the range.

Maximum. Identical to the Minimum with the only difference that it is possible
change only the highest value of the interval.

Special. It is a particular type of filter that allows us to concentrate the

analysis of all values, null values and non-null values.

If the All values setting is selected within the first box

of dialogue, the filter is applied to the current value within each row. In this way
In this way, the aggregations of all the selected rows are shown in the
filter.

3.4 Interactive Filters

Right-click on Country and select Show filter. The filter is

show on the right and in this way it can be freely modified the
filter applied. Now, let's add the State dimension. If
if we select two contradictory filters, the visualization will be null. For
to prevent this from happening, in Tableau, click on the arrow in the corner
to the left of the displayed filter and select Only relevant values; this allows us
allows you to see only the existing values after applying another filter, in
location of the configuration All values in the database that
always shows all values.
By clicking on the down arrow in the top left corner of
the displayed filter, some customizations can be applied. For
example:

Change the name of the filter or hide/show it

Change the filter type from individual value to multiple values or

edit the graphic settings as a list, slider, or list
dropdown

Remove the filter All from the Customize submenu

Apply the same filter to different sheets or data sources

depending on the type of configuration applied within the
menuApply to worksheets:

1. Only this worksheet. Apply the filter only on the sheet in which it is
has inserted
[Link] worksheets. Apply the filter to all sheets.
selected
3. All those who use this data source. Apply the filter across all the
data source. When creating a new sheet, it will already have the
applied filters
4. All those that use related data sources. Apply the filter in
all data sources and all related data sources

3.5 Sort data

Once the visualization is completed, it is possible to organize our data, and

therefore our brands, applying different criteria. For example,
the screen shows sales divided by categories and subcategories of
product.
We could arrange these bars in various ways, applying different
criteria, but in any case when we organize our data, the
dimension that is ordered shows a symbol of order in the oval
corresponding, on the shelf.

The fastest method is to go along the numerical axis created by the measure.
in view and click on the order icon next to the axis label: a click
sort in descending order, with two clicks the order is ascending and with
Three clicks and the order is gone.

Another way to sort the brands is included in the toolbar,

where there are two buttons to set the ascending order or
descendant

We can choose from more sorting options. Just click.

with the right mouse button on the oval of the dimension that
We intend to organize and, in the dropdown menu that opens, to make
click on Sort.
In addition to ascending and descending order, among the possible criteria
Sorting by includes different options with different degrees of
static or dynamic personalization.

The available options are:

 Data source order: that is, the order in which the data is
they are found in the data source

Alphabetical: alphabetical order.

Field: in this case our brands are ordered according to a field

not necessarily the same as what they represent, that is, if the bars
they represent sales by categories, we can sort the bars by
example, based on the benefits.

Manual: we have the possibility to order manually the

brands according to the most appropriate criterion, which is independent of
The variables shown, therefore, represent a classification.
static.

Nesting: as we will see below, it allows us to choose the level.

with which Tableau sorts the marks.

To remove all established order criteria, just do

click on the oval in question and, among the buttons on the bar
tools, select Clear the workbook from the menu and then
Delete order.
Finally, we observe how, through the same procedures, it
They can arrange the different dimensions of the visualization, even.
according to different criteria.

Nested: it may happen that, if a dimension is ordered according to a criterion

dynamic linked to a measure, an error occurs.

For example, in this case we have included the Country dimension and when sorting
Product subcategory by sales in descending order, the result
it is the one shown on screen.

This is due to how we have introduced our

dimension, the calculation is performed at a different level of detail. For
guarantee that this does not happen and exclude this type of situation, we can
use the Nested option available in the Sort by menu.
Literally, 'Nested' means nested, and Tableau in this case organizes.
taking into account the criteria with which we have established our
dimensions.

In the previous example, to maintain consistency in Country,

we establish the option of Nested order, so Tableau first
consider the division by Country and then the division by subcategory, creating
the desired view.

3.6 Group data

Tableau allows us to group dimensions into categories.

For example, we can group product subcategories with the

lower values.
We can achieve it in different ways.

One way is to simply select the brands at the same time.

(holding down the control key on the keyboard) of the dimensions we want
group and in the dialog box that appears, select the icon
from the clip that corresponds to Group members.
The group will be renamed with the concatenation of the elements.
grouped, but right-clicking on the new element
we can change the name by clicking on Edit alias.
In addition to clicking on each of the different brands, also
we can select the elements to group through the tool
selection loop.

By clicking on the clip icon in the toolbar we can

choose the dimension to group the selected brands; if grouped
only by one of the dimensions, the action extends to all
elements that fit this criterion.
After the grouping operation, a new field is created in the panel.
Data, not related to the group creation dimension, which is
represented by the clip icon (symbol for grouping members in
Tableau.

The group can be modified. For example, we can add or remove.

another element right-clicking and then on Edit group.
In addition to this action, the dialog box that opens allows us to
carry out several other operations, for example, create another group or change
the name of the already created group.

The new Group element can be assigned, for example, shapes and
colors, simply dragging it with the mouse to the tab
corresponding.

For example, in the scatter plot shown below,

When we create the group, Tableau applies different colors to the group.
created.
3.7 Hierarchies

We are familiar with the concept of, just think about the
Temporal hierarchy composed of day, hour, minute, and second. With
It is very easy to create hierarchies in Tableau and in this way we can use the
deepening and synthesizing functionalities to consult only the level of
hierarchy that we are interested in.

For example, based on a simple graph like the one below, the user
you can interact more dynamically with the dimensions, that is,
choose the reference level to work with.
Para hacer esto, hay que crear una jerarquía. En el panel Datos
we have the product information: Category, Subcategory and
Product name. To create a hierarchy, we select
Subcategory of the product and we drag it to Product Category, everything
in the Data panel.

This hierarchy consists of Product Category at the first level,

Product subcategory in the second and if we want to add another level,
for example, Product name, we can drag it into the hierarchy and,
a black line shows us what level the field is at:
After creating a hierarchy, we observe that in the Category ovals of
Product and Product Subcategory show the plus sign '+' and the sign
less "-".

Starting from the Product Category, we can dynamically choose what

level of the hierarchy consult, by clicking on the plus sign (+) in a
field to deepen or in the minus sign (-) to synthesize. So
whenever we consult Product Category, we can use the
functionalities to deepen when we descend in the hierarchy and
sinter when we rise.

If we need to use a field belonging to a hierarchy, but without giving

the user the possibility to deepen and synthesize, we can always
duplicate the field we need, without applying the hierarchy.

Deepening: it consists of the operation of 'exploding' the data into its

determinants.
Synthesize: it is the operation that allows us to 'recompose' the data.

4.1 Creation and Use of Sets

What are sets? Sets are custom fields that are

they create within Tableau based on the dimensions of the source of
data. They are subsets of data that we can create
manually or calculated. Dimensions or measurements can be used.
to determine the elements that are included or that are excluded from a
set through conditional logic.

Each time a set is created, a specific section of

Data panel. The sets are identified by an icon that represents the
Venn diagram.

We can divide the sets into three categories: static, dynamic, and
combined.

Static sets

Static sets are sets that contain elements

manually selected by the user, either by name or
dentro de la vista.

Dynamic sets

Dynamic sets are sets that depend on a condition.

Select a measure in the Data panel, right-click,
select the create set option and a dialog box appears
creation of sets.

If from the list you select the Top tab, you can define a criterion for
select a certain number of Superior/Inferior elements from the
selected dimension, based on the aggregation of a measure of its
election.

Combined sets
Combined sets are the result of the union of two sets.
To create the combined sets, select both sets.
hold down the Ctrl key, then right-click and
select the option Create combined sets. For the creation of a
combined set, a new dialog box is displayed where
choose how to combine both sets.

Sets can be used in Brands, for example, to color

elements belonging to the same set.

4.2 Dates

Dates in Tableau can be continuous or discrete, but

regardless of these characteristics, they are included within the
Dimensions.

Continuous and discrete dates

To understand the difference between continuous and discrete dates, first

place, it is necessary to explain the concept of the parts of the date and the values of
the date. Discrete dates use the parts of dates that are, like
suggest the word, a part of the date, that is, a component of it.
Therefore, discrete dates can be divided into years, months, days, and
if the reference date is of the type date and time, it can be divided into
hours, minutes, and seconds. The main characteristic of dates
discrete is the possibility of using each one independently,
of its components, so we can 'divide' time and make a
analysis of seasonality analyzing the monthly progression throughout
of all the years:
How do you switch to a continuous date? By right-clicking
in the oval Year (Order date), or generally in the oval of a date
Discrete, two menus are shown: the first refers to a date.
discrete and the second to a continuous date.
When selecting an item from the continuous menu, the oval turns green. If you choose
for a continuous date, there is the opportunity to deepen the
components of the date, but only in their place: a new one is not shown
oval, because continuous dates use the concept of value of
date and therefore it is no longer possible to separate the different components of
the date they remain linked to each other:

What is the difference between continuous and discrete dates in Tableau?

How can one convert a continuous date to a discrete date and
vice versa?

4.3 Properties of Date Filters

One of the most commonly used filters in Tableau is the Date filter.

As we have seen in the previous chapter, dates are discrete and

continuous; as a result, the data filters behave in a manner
different depending on the type of date used as a filter.
If we drag Order Date (discrete) to Filters, the menu appears
election as shown below:

As the colors suggest, select the options with the blue symbol.
a discrete type filter is applied, green represents a continuous filter.
Let's select Years:
As shown below, the discrete filter gives us a menu.
quite similar to that of a dimensional filter, where the options
available depend on the part of the date used.

If you choose to filter with the first option, Relative Dates are obtained.
different options:
Relative dates: we can choose the date level (Years, Quarters,
Months, Weeks, Days) and filter based on the selected level. By
for example, by choosing Years, we can decide whether to see the previous year, this year
year, the following year or look at the last or the next (number)
years. To choose the reference date of the last/upcoming
there is the Fixed relative moment option;

Date range: we can filter the dates according to an editable range;

Start date: we can filter the dates from a date

determined

End date: we can filter until a specified date;

Special: we can filter null or non-null values.

We often need a fiscal year starting from a month different from

January (default configuration). To change it simply
select the reference date, right-click and
 Select Default Properties → Fiscal Year Start and choose the month
from the beginning of the fiscal year.

To change the hierarchy of dates that Tableau offers us

by default, right-click on the date
what you want to edit and choose Create→Custom date: here
we can choose the type of date field that we intend
create.

4.4 Introduction to Measure Names and Measure Values

Dentro del panelDatossiempre hay dos campos que no proceden de la

source data origin: Measure names and Measure values.

Tableau automatically creates these fields and they are used to create
views that contain multiple measurements.

Names of measures

The fieldNames of measures always appears in the

apartadoDimensiones, es un campo discreto y contiene los nombres de
all the measures of the data source.

When measurement names are added to a view, all names

the indicators are shown as row or column headers in
the view. The headers include each name of measures. This
characteristic, for example, becomes useful when working with a table
of text that shows multiple measures.

Measurement values

The fieldMeasurement valuesare always displayed in the sectionMeasures,

it is a continuous field and contains all the measurements of the data source.
Dragging the measure fieldValues to the view shows all the
measures included in the database; if we are interested in choosing only one
subset of these measures we have two alternatives, drag outside
unwanted measurements or filter them using the fieldNames of
measures.

4.5 Double axis

In the previous chapter, we saw how to apply Measure Names and Values.
measures to use multiple measures in the same graph without adding
an additional numerical axis. How to take advantage of multiple axes
numerical?

For example, based on a bar graph that describes the trend of

sales over the years, we are interested in analyzing the trend of the
benefits, but with a line graph that overlaps with the
sales bar chart. Simply adding the two measures in
the view, the result is the creation of two separate axes: by clicking on
the second axis and opting for double Axis, the two axes are shown 'in
parallel' on the same graph.
When we use two measures, for example, Sum (Sales) and Sum
Profit, on the Brands card, the view that is displayed is new: in addition
of the brands Everything, where we can define the characteristics that are
Applying both measures, we see that we can manage the card.
Sales axis marks and the Profit axis card marks. Now the
Profit marks can be converted into Line.

When we use two measures on a double axis, we notice that the axes
defaults are not aligned. In some cases, for example,
when two different measures are used, such as percentages and numbers
integers, it wouldn't make sense to synchronize them; to do this we can do
Right-click on the right axis or on the oval and select the option Sync
axis.

We can also obtain the Axis double by dragging a second measure to the
right of the graph, until the plus sign ‘+’ appears with a bar
small.

4.6 Tables and Highlighted Tables

Tables are a graph that we are used to, it is one of the

most common data representations How to create a table in
Tableau?

When dragging dimensions to the Rows and Columns shelves, Tableau creates
the structure of a text table:
How are the measures added? With a double click on Sales; now
SUM(Sales) is in Text. Double-clicking on the Data panel is like
useShow me, basically Tableau can now input the data
as I consider most convenient.

To add another measure in the table, double-click on the measure again.

desired, for example profit:
Now is when the Measurement Names and Values come into play
measurements. In fact, the only way to get more measurements in the
Shelf Columns is to use Measure Names that contain the
nombres de medidas yValores de medidasque contiene los valores.

Looking at the newly created table, we realize, for example, that

it would be difficult to find among the values the minimum benefit or the value
maximum of sales. To solve cases like this and provide more readability
to the tables, Tableau offers us an alternative, the highlighted tables that
add color to the structure of a simple table.

How do you go from a normal table to a highlighted table? Our

The objective is to add a color palette to the values, therefore, Values
of measures will be in Label and we also move it to Color. The
the result of this last action is that the text of Sales and Profits is
color inside the table; what we really intend is for the background
each cell should have some color. To give color to the background, we need
Change the type of Marks: from Text to Square.

As we can see, Tableau creates, by default, a single color scale.

for all the measurements contained in Measurement values; this can
confuse because the benefits are always lower than the sales.
To resolve this issue we can right-click on
the oval of measurement values placed in color and select the
Use separate legends.

One last touch we can give to the table is to add totals,

We can add row totals, column totals, and subtotals.

Selecting the Analysis→Totals menu, we choose which total.

add to the table:
The totals added to a highlighted table are not colored, the
The reason is that they would have a more intense coloration because they contain a value
bigger than other cells.

4.7 The Format Panel

The options for editing and customizing the format are numerous.
Next, we are going to talk about the main formats using the panel
Tableau format.

When we select an element in the view, with the right button

we chose the Format option, so we are accessing the panel
Format corresponding to the selected element in the view:
The panel Formato is positioned exactly above the panel Datos. We have
various format options, such as font, alignment, and background color.
To undo the executed formats, the Erase tab in the panel
Format to reset the default settings.

We can access the Format panel in another way, for example, through
from the menu Format → Font. This is the specific Format panel for
a field and we can define the formatting properties of the book of
work. The five format categories are:

Source: we can change the characteristics of the source throughout the

worksheet, the panel, the header, the tooltip and
the title; in some elements we can intervene in more detail
opting to edit only Rows or Columns.

Alignment: we can define the alignment of the labels throughout the

worksheet, the rows and the columns
 Shading: we can define the color fill of each element
from the view (panel and headers). In this menu we can use
Row bands and column bands.

Striped rows and columns: we can color the background of the cells
grouping them. We can choose whether to edit the header, the labels
of the dimensions of the view, or the panel, that is, the part of the view
what contains the marks. With the band size we can choose
how to group the coloring sections. Instead, the option
Level allows us to intervene at the level of the measures that are
include.

Limits: we intervene in the limits of the created cells and sections

due to the dimensions. Here we can customize colors and sizes
of the limits at the various available levels.

Lines: they are the dividing lines between the various sections,
we can edit: Grid lines, Zero lines, Lines of
tendencia, Líneas de referencia, Líneas de caída, Reglas del eje y
Graduations of the axis.

Finally, to edit the format settings of the entire book

work, we can go to Format→Workbook.

In each section of the Format panel we can also edit the formats.
related to the totals and grand totals.

4.8 Format and design

The options for editing and customizing the format are many.
next, we are going to talk about the main formats that can be
apply from the Brands card or directly in the graphic
visualized:

Brand card
 Color: you can change the opacity and add a border.

Size: you can change the size of the elements in the view.

Label: tags can be added by selecting the

elementToShow brand labels; in this way we visualize
the labels of what is included in the visualization. To see
other labels, just drag the oval to Label and we can:

Show only the labels of the Maximum/Minimum values.

Show only the labels of the selected elements in the chart.

even with a multiple selection.

Emerging description: information can be removed or added.

dragging the ovals from the Data panel directly to
Emerging description. We can customize the content of the
Emerging description and personalize the content of each
element.

View

Brands: selecting an element in the view allows you to:

From the drop-down menu, select Keep only/exclude

only the selected brand, create a set, create a group. If not
we want to give the user the opportunity to perform these actions when
select the brand, we must click on the optionDescription
Emergently check the Include command buttons box.

Annotation: right-clicking on a marker,

selectingToNote->A mark, a menu is displayed
customization to create and choose the content of a Note, is
to say, a small window, connected only to the selected brand
and always present. SelectingNote the voicePoint, the annotation
 General. It is the most common way to filter. It allows you to select
manually the values to include/exclude within the sheet of
work.

Wildcard. It is a filter that uses the search function to define.

the filter to apply. Using the four predefined modes (1.
Contiene; 2. Comienza por; 3. Termina en; 4. Coincide exactamente)
it is possible, by entering the desired string within the field of
search, obtain the desired result (respectively: 1. All
the values that contain the string of characters; 2. The values
that start with the string; 3. The values that end in the
string of characters; 4. The values that match exactly with
what we have written)

Condition. It is a filter that allows filtering values based on

a condition that must be written manually as a formula in
the box below or what needs to be completed according to the
possibilities proposed by Tableau in the box above.

Limit. Similar to Condition, it includes the possibility of showing the

upper/lower depending on the field used in the filter.

Each of the 4 tabs present in the settings adds more.

details to the filter. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the type of
condition that applies to avoid the use of two or more conditions
contradictory. The Summary dialog in the general tab is very
useful for this purpose. It allows us to see the type of filter and condition that have been
applied and avoid mistakes.

3.3 Measurement filters

Dragging any measure to the Filters card shows a box of

dialogue that immediately allows us to choose how to filter the measurement
through an aggregation (SUM, AVERAGE, MAXIMUM, etc.) or
using All values. Once an option has been chosen for a