Slicers

Introduction to Slicers and their Functionality

Slicers are a fundamental and user-friendly feature in Tableau, designed to enhance data exploration and interaction within your visualizations. They serve as interactive filters that empower users to dissect and manipulate data effortlessly.

In Tableau, slicers can be leveraged to select specific values or ranges, helping users refine their data views in real-time. This dynamic functionality ensures that your visualizations remain agile and responsive, allowing for quick and insightful analysis.

Slicers can be customized to cater to various data types, whether it's dates, categories, or numerical ranges. Their versatility enables users to tailor their experience, making it easier to dig deep into complex datasets and extract meaningful insights.

Ultimately, slicers are an indispensable tool in Tableau, offering an intuitive and engaging way to explore and dissect data, making your data-driven decision-making process more efficient and effective.

Different Types of Slicers in Tableau

In Tableau, slicers are interactive filters that allow users to quickly filter and explore data in a dashboard or worksheet. Slicers make it easy to change the view of your data dynamically. There are several types of slicers you can use in Tableau:

• List Slicer:

  This is a basic slicer type that displays a list of values from a selected field. Users can select one or multiple values from the list to filter the data.

• Drop-down Slicer:

  Similar to a list slicer, the drop-down slicer displays a list of values from a selected field, but it conserves space by initially showing only a drop-down button. Users can click on the button to open the list and make selections.

• Slider Slicer:

  Slider slicers are used for continuous numerical fields. Users can drag a slider handle to set a range, and the data is filtered accordingly. This is useful for filtering data within a specific numerical range, like dates or numeric measures.

• Date Range Slicer:

  Specifically designed for date fields, this slicer allows users to select a range of dates using a calendar interface. It's particularly useful for time-based data analysis.

• Relative Date Slicer:

  This slicer type allows users to select relative date ranges such as "Last 7 days" or "Next month." It's handy for quickly analyzing data within predefined time intervals.

• Quick Filter:

  Quick filters are simple checkboxes or drop-down lists that can be added to a worksheet or dashboard. They allow users to filter data on the fly without needing a dedicated slicer panel.

• Parameter Control:

  Parameters are dynamic values that users can adjust to influence calculations and filters. While not slicers in the traditional sense, they can act as slicers when set up to control a filter condition.

• Multiple-Value (Multi-Select) Slicer:

  Some slicer types, like list slicers and drop-down slicers, can be configured to allow users to select multiple values simultaneously. This is useful for complex filtering scenarios.

• Hierarchy Slicer:

  If your data includes hierarchies, such as a product category hierarchy with subcategories, you can create a hierarchy slicer. This slicer type allows users to navigate through levels of the hierarchy to make selections.

• Set Control Slicer:

  Sets are custom subsets of data in Tableau. You can create a set control slicer to allow users to toggle the inclusion or exclusion of items in a set.

• Group Slicer:

  Group slicers are used when you have groups defined in your data, and users can select one or more groups to filter the data based on those groupings.

• Action Filters:

  While not a traditional slicer, action filters allow you to link one worksheet or dashboard element to another. Users can click on a data point or a mark, and it filters related data across multiple sheets or dashboards.

Adding and Configuring Slicers in Tableau

Creating Slicers for Dimensions

Open Your Workbook: Start by opening the Tableau workbook where you want to add the slicers.

1. Drag Dimension to the Filters Shelf:

   • In the "Data" pane on the left side, locate the dimension you want to use as a slicer.
   • Click and drag that dimension to the "Filters" shelf, which is typically located above your worksheet canvas.

2. Configure the Filter:

   • After you drag the dimension to the Filters Shelf, a filter control should appear on your worksheet.
   • Customize the filter as needed by clicking on it. You can adjust various settings, including filter type (e.g., list, drop-down, slider), show/hide "All" option, and more.
   • You can also choose whether you want to allow single or multiple selections, depending on your requirements.

3. Add the Slicer to Your Dashboard:

   • If you're creating a slicer for a dashboard (rather than a worksheet), you'll need to add it to the dashboard.
   • Create a new dashboard or open an existing one.
   • From the "Objects" pane on the left side, drag and drop the dimension filter onto the dashboard canvas.

4. Arrange and Format:

   • Resize and position the slicer as desired on the dashboard canvas.
   • You can also format the slicer to match your dashboard's style by right-clicking it and selecting "Format."

5. Test the Slicer:

   • Go back to your worksheet or dashboard.
   • Interact with the slicer by selecting values or making choices. You'll notice that the data in your worksheet or other visualizations will update dynamically based on the slicer selections.

6. (Optional) Apply Slicer Actions:

   • To further enhance interactivity, you can create actions that use the slicer's selections to filter other worksheets or dashboards.
   • To do this, go to "Dashboard" > "Actions," and create a filter action that uses your slicer as the source sheet and the target sheet(s) that should respond to the slicer's selections.

7. Save and Publish:

   After configuring the slicer and ensuring it functions as expected, save your workbook and publish it to Tableau Server or Tableau Online if needed.

Setting Up Slicers for Hierarchies

Open Your Workbook: Start by opening the Tableau workbook where you want to add the slicers.

1. Drag Hierarchy to the Filters Shelf:

   • In the "Data" pane on the left side, locate the hierarchy you want to use as a slicer.
   • Hierarchies are typically denoted by a plus (+) sign next to them, indicating that they have multiple levels.
   • Click and drag the hierarchy to the "Filters" shelf.

2. Configure the Filter for the Hierarchy:

   • After dragging the hierarchy to the Filters Shelf, a filter control should appear on your worksheet.

3. You can now configure the filter settings:

   • Hierarchical Filter: In the filter options, ensure that the "Show hierarchy" option is selected. This allows users to interact with the levels of the hierarchy.
   • All Members: Choose whether to show or hide the "All" option for the entire hierarchy.
   • Single/Multiple Selections: Depending on your requirements, set whether users can make single or multiple selections.

4. Add the Hierarchy Slicer to Your Dashboard:

   • If you're creating a slicer for a dashboard (rather than a worksheet), you'll need to add it to the dashboard.
   • Create a new dashboard or open an existing one.
   • From the "Objects" pane on the left side, drag and drop the hierarchy filter onto the dashboard canvas.

5. Arrange and Format the Hierarchy Slicer:

   • Resize and position the hierarchy slicer as desired on the dashboard canvas.
   • You can also format the slicer to match your dashboard's style by right-clicking it and selecting "Format."

6. Test the Hierarchy Slicer:

   • Go back to your worksheet or dashboard.
   • Interact with the hierarchy slicer by expanding or collapsing levels and making selections. The data in your worksheet or other visualizations should update dynamically based on the slicer selections.

Customizing Slicer Appearance and Behavior

1. Formatting and Styling:
   • Font and Color: Right-click on the slicer and choose "Format" to adjust the font, text color, background color, and border color to match your dashboard's aesthetics.
2. Sizing and Positioning:
   • Resize: Drag the edges of the slicer to make it larger or smaller to fit your layout.
   • Position: You can drag and drop the slicer to position it where you want on the dashboard canvas.
3. Show/Hide Options:
   • Show/Hide "All" Option: Depending on your preference, you can choose to display or hide the "All" option in the slicer. This option allows users to select all values in the slicer.
4. Slicer Type:
   • Depending on your data and design, you can choose the appropriate slicer type:
   • List Slicer: A simple list of values.
   • Drop-down Slicer: A compact slicer that opens when clicked.
   • Slider Slicer: For numerical ranges.
   • Date Range Slicer: For date-based filtering.
   • Relative Date Slicer: For relative date-based filtering.
   • Hierarchy Slicer: For hierarchies.
   • Quick Filter: A basic checkbox or drop-down filter.
5. Interactivity:
   • Allow Multiple Selections: For list slicers, drop-down slicers, or hierarchy slicers, you can configure them to allow users to make multiple selections.

• Single Selection:

  If you want users to make only one selection, ensure that the slicer is set to single selection mode.

Interacting with Slicers

Applying Slicer Filters to Visualizations

• When you have a slicer on your worksheet or dashboard, simply select one or more values from the slicer. The data in your visualizations will automatically update to reflect the selected slicer values.
• For example, if you have a slicer for a product category and you select "Electronics" and "Clothing," the visualizations will display data related to those two categories only.

Selecting Multiple Slicer Options

To select multiple slicer options, you typically need to set up the slicer to allow multiple selections. Here's how:

• Right-click on the slicer.
• Select "Edit."
• In the Edit Filter dialog, check the "Multiple Values (dropdown)" option or similar, depending on the slicer type.
• Click "OK" to save the changes.
• With multiple selections enabled, you can either:
• Hold down the Ctrl (or Command on Mac) key while clicking on the values you want to select.
• For list slicers and hierarchy slicers, you can use checkboxes to select multiple values.

Clearing and Resetting Slicer Selections

There are a few ways to clear or reset slicer selections:

1. Clear Individual Selections:
   • To remove individual selections, simply click on the selected item(s) in the slicer, and they will be deselected.
   • Alternatively, you can Ctrl-click (or Command-click on Mac) on the selected item(s) to deselect them one by one.
2. Clear All Selections:
   • To clear all selections in a slicer at once, look for a "Clear" button or icon near the slicer.
   • If there's no explicit "Clear" button, you can typically deselect all items by clicking on the "All" option in the slicer (if it's visible).
3. Reset to Defaults:
   • If you have set default selections for your slicer, you can reset the slicer to its default state by clicking a "Reset" or "Revert" button near the slicer. This will restore the slicer to the initial selections you specified.
4. Dashboard-Level Reset Button:
   • In some cases, you might add a separate reset button to your dashboard to clear all slicer selections at once. This can be done using a dashboard action.
5. To implement a dashboard-level reset button:
   • Go to "Dashboard" > "Actions."
   • Create a new action that resets all the slicers on your dashboard. Choose "Clearing the selection" or "Running a script" as the action type.
   • Assign the action to a button or text element on your dashboard, and define the behavior you want (e.g., clearing all slicer selections).

Additional Links

Here are some links to Tableau's official documentation and other resources related to slicers:

1. Tableau Documentation on Slicers:

   • Tableau Slicers and Filters - This is the official documentation that covers the basics of slicers and filters in Tableau.

2. Tableau Community Forum:

   • Tableau Community - The Tableau Community is a valuable resource for asking questions, sharing insights, and finding solutions related to slicers and various Tableau topics.

3. Tableau Blog:

   • Tableau Blog - Tableau's official blog often features articles, tutorials, and best practices on various Tableau features, including slicers.

4. Tableau Public Gallery:

   • Tableau Public Gallery - You can explore a wide range of Tableau visualizations, some of which may use slicers and filters. It's a great way to see how others have implemented them in their work.

5. YouTube Tutorials:

   • Tableau's YouTube Channel - Tableau often posts video tutorials on their YouTube channel, which can be very helpful for learning about different Tableau features, including slicers.

6. Tableau Training and Learning Resources:

   • Tableau Training and Certification - Tableau offers a variety of training resources, including both free and paid options, to help you improve your skills.

7. Tableau Public Viz of the Day:

   • Viz of the Day - Explore visualizations that have been highlighted as "Viz of the Day" on Tableau Public. Some of these may include slicers and filters in their designs.

Remember that Tableau's official documentation and community resources are excellent places to start learning about slicers and other Tableau features. Additionally, YouTube tutorials and blogs can provide practical examples and insights into how to use slicers effectively in your data visualizations.