Vizible Difference

After writing Embedding Powerpoint in a Dashboard, I figure that we can embed Excel in Tableau too.

The technique presented here gives the widely used Excel a new twist within Tableau framework. So, you can imagine that your Tableau charts and Excel charts cohabit side by side.

The key is to use Google Docs/Sheets as a proxy. Namely,

- upload your Excel file to Google Docs

- extract the file widget URL (for publishing or for collaboration)

- add the URL to a web object in dashboard

Note that, depending on your purpose, the URL is different for publishing or for collaboration. Publishing is for the whole world to see. In collaboration mode, you can set up permissions to allow only a few of your trusted parties to view or even edit.

I have long sought to embed hi-res pictures in a dashboard without much success. The first try was a bit awkward. I even created a feature request asking for it. In the beginning, all I wanted was to create a picture slide show.

The epiphany took place a few days ago, that is, embedding a Slideshare widget in Tableau. Yes, that means, we can embed a PowerPoint in any Tableau dashboard via Slideshare, if that adds to the expressiveness of your data stories.