What is Tableau Reader?

What is a Tableau Reader?

Tableau Reader is a free desktop application developed by Tableau that allows users to interact with and view Tableau visualizations and dashboards created by Tableau Desktop or Tableau Prep. Unlike Tableau Desktop, which is used for creating and authoring data visualizations, Tableau Reader is solely a consumption tool, designed for those who need to access and explore Tableau workbooks without the need for a Tableau Server or Tableau Online subscription.

With Tableau Reader, users can open and view Tableau packaged workbooks (TWBX files) shared with them, making it an excellent choice for sharing reports and insights within small teams or among stakeholders who do not have Tableau licenses. Tableau Reader maintains the interactivity of the visualizations, allowing users to filter, drill down, and explore data in a user-friendly manner.

Benefits

Tableau Reader is a versatile and valuable tool that offers several benefits to users seeking to share, explore, and interact with Tableau visualizations and dashboards without a Tableau Desktop license. Let's delve into the benefits of Tableau Reader in more detail:

1. Data Accessibility and Exploration: Tableau Reader empowers users to access and explore interactive visualizations and dashboards created in Tableau Desktop. This access is crucial for decision-makers, stakeholders, and collaborators who may not possess a Tableau license but need to interact with data-driven insights.
2. Interactive Experience: Recipients of Tableau Reader files can interact with visualizations just like they were originally designed. They can filter data, drill down into specific details, and make data-driven discoveries, enhancing their understanding of complex datasets.
3. Retain Original Design: Visualizations and dashboards retain their original design, formatting, and interactivity when opened in Tableau Reader. This ensures that the insights and data representations crafted by the author are accurately conveyed to the intended audience.
4. Data Integrity and Security: Tableau Reader maintains the data integrity and security of the original visualizations. It doesn't allow users to modify the data source or structure, preserving the accuracy and reliability of the insights being shared.
5. License-Free Interaction: Since Tableau Reader is free to use, users can distribute their Tableau Reader files to colleagues, partners, clients, or anyone else who needs to view the visualizations. This democratizes access to data insights without incurring additional licensing costs.
6. Cross-Platform Compatibility: Tableau Reader supports multiple platforms, including Windows and macOS. This cross-platform compatibility ensures that recipients can access and interact with visualizations regardless of their operating system.
7. Offline Viewing: Recipients can view Tableau Reader files even when offline, making it convenient for users to review data insights during meetings, presentations, or when network connectivity is limited.

Windows Setting for Tableau Reader

Configuring Windows settings for optimal usage of Tableau Reader can significantly enhance your experience with the application. These settings can impact performance, security, and compatibility. Here's a guide to Windows settings that you should consider when using Tableau Reader:

1. System Requirements Check: Before you start, ensure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for both Tableau Reader and the operating system. Check Tableau's official documentation for specific requirements.
2. Update Windows and Drivers: Keep your Windows operating system up to date with the latest updates and security patches. Additionally, update your graphics card drivers to ensure smooth rendering of visualizations.
3. Storage Space: Tableau Reader files can contain large datasets and visualizations. Ensure you have sufficient storage space on your computer to accommodate these files without performance issues.
4. Screen Resolution: Adjust your screen resolution to ensure that you can view visualizations clearly without the need for excessive scrolling or resizing. This is particularly important when working with complex dashboards.
5. Graphics Settings: Access your graphics settings and ensure that your graphics card is optimized for performance. Some graphics cards may have specific settings that can enhance Tableau Reader's rendering capabilities.
6. Power Settings: If you're using a laptop, adjust your power settings to ensure that your device doesn't go into sleep mode or hibernate while you're using Tableau Reader. This prevents interruptions in your work.
7. Security Settings: Ensure that your Windows security settings allow the necessary network access for data connections in Tableau Reader. Adjust firewall settings if needed to avoid connectivity issues.
8. Antivirus Exclusions: Add Tableau Reader and the folders where you store your Tableau Reader files to your antivirus exclusion list. This prevents unnecessary scanning and potential conflicts.
9. File Associations: Set Tableau Reader as the default application for opening Tableau Reader files (TWBX). This ensures that when you double-click a TWBX file, it opens directly in Tableau Reader.

How to View as an Image?

In Tableau Reader, you have the option to capture a view of your visualization and save it as an image. This can be useful for sharing specific insights or creating images for presentations or reports. Here's how you can view a visualization as an image in Tableau Reader:

1. Open the Workbook: Open the Tableau Reader workbook (.twbx file) that contains the visualization you want to capture as an image.

2. Navigate to the Visualization: Navigate to the specific worksheet or dashboard that contains the visualization you want to capture.

3. Adjust the View: If needed, adjust the view of the visualization by applying filters, sorting, or any other necessary changes to display the desired information.

4. Capture the View: Once you have the desired view of the visualization, follow these steps to capture it as an image:

   • On the top menu bar, click on the "File" menu.
   • From the dropdown menu, select "Export."
   • Choose "Image" from the submenu.

5. Configure Image Settings: A dialog box will appear where you can configure the settings for the exported image:

   • File Format: Choose the desired image format (PNG, JPEG, etc.).
   • Image Size: Select the size of the image. You can choose from options like "Actual Size," "Fit Width," or "Fit Height."
   • Resolution: Adjust the image resolution. Higher resolutions are suitable for printing, while lower resolutions are suitable for digital sharing.
   • File Name: Specify the name and location where you want to save the image file.

6. Save the Image: Once you've configured the settings, click the "Save" button. Tableau Reader will generate the image of the visualization based on your settings and save it to the specified location.

7. Access the Saved Image: Navigate to the location where you saved the image file. You can now open and share this image just like any other image file.

8. Repeat for Other Views: If you need to capture multiple views or different visualizations, repeat the above steps for each view you want to capture.

   It's important to note that when you capture a view as an image, you're creating a static image of that specific view. Any interactivity, such as filtering or drilling down, will not be preserved in the captured image.

By following these steps, you can easily capture and save a view of your visualization as an image in Tableau Reader, making it convenient to share specific insights or create visual content for various purposes.

How to Download Tableau Reader?

Downloading Tableau Reader is a straightforward process that allows you to access and interact with Tableau visualizations and dashboards created by others. Tableau Reader is a free application, making it accessible for anyone who wants to view and explore data-driven insights. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to download Tableau Reader:

1. Visit the Tableau Website: Open your web browser and navigate to the official Tableau website. You can do this by entering "Tableau Reader" in your preferred search engine or directly entering "www.tableau.com/reader."
2. Access the Tableau Reader Page: Once you're on the Tableau website, navigate to the "Products" section or search for "Tableau Reader." Look for the dedicated page for Tableau Reader, which will provide information about the tool and the download options.
3. Select the Correct Version: On the Tableau Reader page, you'll find options for both Windows and macOS versions. Choose the version that matches your operating system. Click on the corresponding download link to initiate the download process.
4. Provide Your Information (Optional): Some websites might ask you to provide your contact information before downloading Tableau Reader. This step is often optional, and you can choose to skip it if you prefer not to share your details.
5. Read and Accept the License Agreement: Before downloading Tableau Reader, you might be presented with a license agreement or terms of use. Read through the agreement to understand the terms and conditions. If you agree, click on the "Accept" or "Download" button to proceed.
6. Choose the Download Location: Your browser will prompt you to choose a download location for the Tableau Reader installer file. Select a location on your computer where you can easily find the downloaded file, such as your Downloads folder.
7. Initiate the Download: After choosing the download location, click the "Save" or "Download" button to start downloading the Tableau Reader installer. The download process duration depends on your internet connection speed.
8. Locate the Downloaded File: Once the download is complete, navigate to the location where you saved the Tableau Reader installer file. It usually has a filename that includes the version and operating system information.
9. Install Tableau Reader: Double-click on the downloaded installer file to begin the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions in the installation wizard. You might be prompted to choose installation preferences, such as the installation location.
10. Launch Tableau Reader: Once the installation is complete, you can find the Tableau Reader shortcut on your desktop or in your Start menu (Windows) or Applications folder (macOS). Double-click on the shortcut to launch Tableau Reader.
11. Get Started: With Tableau Reader now installed, you're ready to open and interact with Tableau visualizations and dashboards. Open Tableau Reader, navigate to the Tableau Reader file (TWBX) you want to view, and start exploring the insights.

By following these steps, you can easily download and install Tableau Reader, enabling you to access and interact with data-driven visualizations and dashboards without the need for a Tableau Desktop license.