Presentation Variables

Users with “Analyzer User” role can use presentation variables in filters and/or formulas, to apply to specific Insights within a dashboard. For example, if you define a presentation variable using a column (e.g. Products) with string values (e.g. computers, cameras, etc.) you can apply that variable as a filter to specific Insights. However, if you define a presentation variable (e.g. Tax) with a default numerical value (e.g. 0.1), you can use that variable in a formula column or any formula of specific Insights. After creating a presentation variable in a dashboard, it gets displayed in the top center of that dashboard, so that viewer users can easily change its value, by clicking it and selecting/entering a different value. This will update only the Insights using the presentation variable.

Define a Presentation Variable

When defining a presentation variable, it is important to decide on whether you are going to use it in a filter or in a formula. This affects the data type to choose for the variable. For example, using it in a filter requires a string data type, where as using it in a formula requires a numerical data type (e.g. long, double, int.). To know more about how to apply a presentation variable in a filter or in a formula.

To define a presentation variable:

  1. Select the “Presentation Variables” tab.
  2. Drag “New Variable” from the left-hand side of the screen.
  3. Select the down arrow of “New Variable”, a drop-down menu appears.
  4. Select Done in the upper right-hand corner of the drop-down menu.
  5. Select Done in the upper right-hand corner to go to the dashboard screen.
Field Description
Display Name This is the name that will be displayed in the top center of the dashboard.
Variable This is the name that will be used to call the variable.
Data Type Set the data type for the variable in this field, e.g. string to be used in filters, or numerical to be used in formulas.
Default Value Enter a default value for the variable, ensuring that it exists.
Field (Optional) Drag a column to the “Field” box, the user will be able to view a list of all the values within that column.

Apply a presentation variable in a filter

To apply a presentation variable in a filter:

  1. Select the three vertical dots in the upper right-hand corner of an Insight to go to the Analyzer mode.
  2. Select the filter (funnel icon) in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.
  3. Drag the column you choose when creating the variable, from the left-hand side of the screen, into the “Filter Individual Values” field.
  4. Select the down arrow of the column added, a drop-down menu appears.
  5. Select Edit Operator/Values to select the variable, a drop-down list appears.
  6. Type $ before the variable name to call the variable, for example $<VAR_NAME>. Ensure the variable name matches the one you chose when creating the variable.
  7. Press Enter, then select Filter in the upper right-hand corner of the drop-down menu.
  8. Select Done in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. The variable will be applied to the selected Insight only.

Apply a presentation variable in a formula column

A common use of a presentation variable in formulas is using it in a formula column. The values of the formula column will update automatically when dashboard viewers select/enter a different value for the variable.

To use a presentation variable in a formula column:

  1. Select the three vertical dots in the upper right-hand corner of an Insight to go to the Analyzer mode.
  2. Add a “New Formula” column in the measure field.
  3. Select the down arrow of “New formula” to open the drop-down menu.
  4. Provide the formula name in the “Name” field.
  5. Select in the “Formula” field. The “Formula Builder” window opens.
  6. Insert the formula using the variable previously created.
  7. Select Done.
  8. Select Done in the upper right-hand corner to go to the dashboard screen.
  9. Select any variable (in the top center of the dashboard) to select/enter a different value. Only the Insights using that presentation variable updates automatically.

User Filters

A User Filter is applied when a Consumer or Analyze User drills down in an Insight. In this example, the pie chart shows the percentage of revenue for the United States, by state. Note that there is a Defining Filter applied to this Insight: “(Region = United States)”. A Consumer User cannot alter a Defining Filter, so even if the rest of the dashboard shows worldwide data, this Insight shows data only for the Region specified in the Defining Filter.

NOTE

When you drill down on an Insight, the browser’s back button does not return you to the most recent step in the drill-down. To move upward through a drill-down path, select Clear All to remove the filters shown at the top of the screen.


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