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Starter Notes

Updated May 17, 2024 ·

Overview​

Tableau is a popular tool for visualizing and analyzing data. It helps users create interactive dashboards without needing to write code.

  • Works with different data sources
  • Drag-and-drop interface for quick analysis
  • Helps build dashboards in hours instead of weeks
  • Supports both simple and advanced analytics

Tableau can create interactive dashboards for various purposes:

  • Sales performance – Track revenue by time and location
  • Competitive analysis – Compare company performance
  • Health tracking – Monitor outbreaks and trends

Who Uses Tableau?​

Anyone who works with data can benefit from Tableau.

  • Data Analysts – Analyzing trends and patterns
  • Business Analysts – Making data-driven decisions
  • Consultants – Presenting insights to clients

Tableau Versions​

Tableau comes in different versions:

  • Tableau Public

    • Free version with most features
    • All visualizations included
    • Connect to Excel and CSV files only
    • 15 million rows of data
    • Cannot save work locally, published online

  • Tableau Desktop (Professional)

    • Paid version with advanced features
    • All visualizations included
    • All listed data sources
    • Unlimited rows of data
    • Publish online and save locally
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New (since April 2024): Tableau Public now allows saving work locally.

Install Tableau Public​

Create a Tableau account:

  1. Go to the Tableau Public website.
  2. Click Sign Up for Tableau Public.
  3. Provide a name, email and password, then click Create Account
  4. You'll receive an email containing a link to activate your account.
  5. Click the link to activate.
  6. Once activated, login using your Tableau account.

Download the app:

  1. On your dashboard, go to Create > Download Tableau Desktop Public Edition.
  2. On the next page, click Download the app.

Install the app:

  1. Once the download is complete, open the downloaded file
  2. The installer will guide you through the installation process.
  3. For Windows: Run the installer and follow the prompts.
  4. For Mac: Open the Disk image file (.DMG), and then double-click the installer package (.PKG) to start the installation.
  5. Agree to the Tableau Public terms of service.
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation
  7. Once installed, Tableau Desktop Public Edition will be ready to use.

Tableau Interface​

  • Canvas – Where visualizations appear
  • Columns & Rows – Represent x-axis and y-axis
  • Pages – Split data into multiple views (e.g., one per neighborhood)
  • Filters – Exclude or focus on specific data
  • Marks – Customize appearance (color, size, shape)

Tableau File Formats​

Tableau saves workbooks in different formats depending on the version and data storage needs.

  • Tableau Workbook (.twb) – Saves visualizations but not the data
  • Tableau Packaged Workbook (.twbx) – Includes both the workbook and data

When to Use .twbx​

A Tableau Packaged Workbook (.twbx) is useful when:

  • Sharing workbooks with others
  • Working with local data sources (like CSV files)
  • Ensuring portability without requiring a separate data file

How to Save as .twbx​

  1. Click File
  2. Select Save As
  3. Choose Tableau Packaged Workbook (.twbx)

Now, the file is ready to be shared and opened on another system.