Discovering Power BI’s Bookmarks: A Journey from Tableau to Power BI
Over the past year, I’ve been learning how to use Power BI. After years of working with Tableau as my data visualization tool of choice and using other software only when necessary, I decided to explore another BI platform more thoroughly. Learning another tool has required me to reflect on my approach to data analysis and visualization. From the language I use to the features and possibilities of projects, it’s all been influenced by Tableau.
In this blog post, I’ll share one of the features in Power BI that made me say “Wow!” and compare it to a similar, yet not identical, feature in Tableau. I’ll also share a couple of reasons why I’m excited to continue exploring all the possibilities it opens up.
Introduction to Power BI’s Bookmarks
Power BI’s Bookmarks allow users to save a report state, preserving filters, sorting, highlights, and drill-downs. The bookmark creation and editing pane also lets users adjust the shown/hidden state of each dashboard item. This means you can set up visualization filters, sorting, and any show/hide states with ease.
Compared to Tableau’s Custom Views
But wait, aren’t Tableau’s Custom Views similar? Yes, they are, but there are some key differences. The main distinguishing feature is that report developers can create buttons or navigation bars in Power BI, enabling users to engage directly with bookmarks on the report. With Custom Views, users must use the Tableau Server or Online toolbar or interface. For hardcore developers, the Tableau API and URL features open up possibilities. For users restricted to standard Desktop and Server/Online, there are ways to replicate this capability with parameters, calculated fields, and some clever setup. In fact, my last blog detailed such an approach.
Real-World Application
In that blog post, I described a feature I wanted to build for a project. One where users had quick access to their most requested data, as well as the option to use a whole range of filters. Due to how the project would eventually be embedded and accessed, Custom Views were not an option. I needed something interactive right on the dashboard itself. My approach was careful and considered and took some time to build. But none of these Tableau solutions are as easy or efficient to set up and maintain as Power BI’s Bookmarks.
The Versatility of Bookmarks
In fact, people have been using Bookmarks for similar report features for quite a while. They’ve also used Bookmarks for navigation and in ways similar to Tableau’s Dynamic Zone Visibility (DZV). I’m sure that I’ll encounter more exciting and novel ways to use Bookmarks as I continue to learn and develop in Power BI.
Embracing Power BI’s Unique Features
Learning more about Bookmarks has helped me move from trying to port projects from my Tableau way of thinking into one that embraces the unique features and possibilities of Power BI. Well-rounded developers should be able to work with the capabilities of their tools and also be able to look outside for ideas. It helps develop their imagination and prevents them from being limited by a single tool. Good dashboard designers are always looking at different mediums and topic areas for inspiration; developing a report should be no different.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both Tableau’s Custom Views and Power BI’s Bookmarks offer valuable functionality for saving and sharing report states, Bookmarks provide a more flexible and user-friendly solution. I’m excited to continue exploring Power BI and discovering new ways to enhance my reports and dashboards. Stay tuned for more insights and comparisons as I delve deeper into the world of business intelligence tools.
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