Custom visuals provide the user with the opportunity to turn data into compelling insights in ways that perfectly suit the task at hand.
Let’s dive deep into the process of using custom visuals in Power BI, and why they’re incredibly useful.
What Are Custom Visuals?
Custom visuals are unique, non-standard visualizations that you can use for specific data analysis tasks. Microsoft Power BI comes with a set of standard visuals like bar charts, pie charts, line graphs, etc. However, it also provides the capability to import non-standard visuals or custom visuals for more tailored analytics. You can generate these visuals by using open source technologies like D3.js or R script.
Advantages of using custom visuals
There are several advantages to using custom visuals in Power BI, including:
- They provide unique ways of visualizing data which might not be possible with standard Power BI visuals.
- They enable us to implement unique business requirements that need a particular type of visualization.
- It helps to make reports and dashboards more compelling and user-friendly.
How to use custom visuals
The use of custom visuals involves a three-step process: finding the visual, importing it, and then using it.
- Finding the visual: You can find custom visuals in Power BI’s in-app marketplace, known as AppSource. Alternatively, you can download custom visuals from the Power BI visuals gallery.
- Importing the visual: Once you’ve found the visual that you want to use, you can import it into your Power BI report. To do this, click on the three ellipses (…) in the “Visualizations” pane and select “Import from file”. Browse to the location of the *.pbiviz file, select it and click “Open”.
- Using the visual: After successfully importing a custom visual, it will appear in the “Visualizations” pane like any other visual. Now, you can use it like any other standard visual within your report by selecting it and dragging and dropping your fields as needed.
In relation to the PL-300 Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst exam, understanding custom visuals would require knowledge around finding the right visual, its importance, and how it can add value to data storytelling.
An Example of Using a Custom Visual
Now, we’ll walk through an example, using Word Cloud which is a popular non-standard custom visual.
- Find and download: Navigate to AppSource through Power BI and search for “Word Cloud”.
- Import: After downloading, go to your report, click the ellipses in the “Visualizations” pane and select “Import from file”. Navigate to the location of the word cloud file and import it.
- Use the visual: After import, the Word Cloud icon appears in the Visualization pane. Drag and drop your desired fields onto the Word Cloud visual. This will create a word cloud, where the size of each word represents its frequency or importance.
Remember, not all custom visuals will require the same fields or have the same number of field wells. You should always check the details of a custom visual to understand its requirements better and make the most of its functionalities.
Custom visuals offer a unique and powerful way to explore your data in Power BI. They can enhance the appearance and effectiveness of your reports, delivering insights in the most suitable way.
By mastering how to use custom visuals, you can stand out in the Power BI space, especially when it comes to your PL-300 Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst exam. So, get exploring the vast array of custom visuals available, and start turning your data into truly compelling insights.
Practice Test
True or False: Custom visuals allow you to add additional visualization capabilities to your Power BI reports.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Power BI custom visuals are all about allowing additional data visualization capabilities. These allow users to find visuals from outside sources, or create their own.
You can use R scripts to create custom visuals in Power BI. Is this statement true or false?
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, you can use R scripts to create custom visuals in Power BI. This provides a lot of flexibility to the user to customize the visualization according to the requirements.
Custom visuals are stored in _____?
- A. Power BI service
- B. Power BI Desktop
- C. SharePoint
- D. Both a and b
Answer: D. Both a and b
Explanation: Custom visuals can be stored in both, Power BI service and Power BI Desktop.
Which of the following is not possible with a Power BI Custom Visual?
- A. Create Animated visuals
- B. Visualize data real-time
- C. Share visuals with others
- D. Extract Data out of Power BI
Answer: D. Extract Data out of Power BI
Explanation: Power BI Custom visuals are used for visualizing and understanding data – not extracting it.
Which language/framework can be used to develop custom visuals in Power BI?
- A. JavaScript
- B. TypeScript
- C. Python
- D. Both A and B
Answer: D. Both A and B
Explanation: TypeScript and JavaScript can be used for developing custom visuals in Power BI.
True or False: Custom visuals are always free to use.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Although many custom visuals are free, some are premium visuals which may require a license or purchase.
You can use Djs to create custom visuals in Power BI. Is this statement true or false?
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Djs (Data-Driven Documents) is a powerful library for creating data visualizations with web standards, and it can be used to create custom visuals in Power BI.
When adding a custom visual to a report, the custom visual is saved with the report. Is this statement true or false?
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: When the custom visual is added to a report, it becomes a part of the report and is saved along with it.
Custom visuals are able to access external databases or APIs. Is this statement true or false?
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: For security reasons, custom visuals in Power BI are sandboxed and can’t access external databases or APIs.
Can custom visuals be shared with the Power BI community?
- A. Yes
- B. No
Answer: A. Yes
Explanation: You can share your custom visuals with the Power BI community by publishing them to AppSource.
Can you use Python to develop custom visuals in Power BI?
- A. Yes
- B. No
Answer: B. No
Explanation: Currently, you can’t use Python to develop custom visuals in Power BI. It solely supports JavaScript and TypeScript for this purpose.
Can you import custom visuals from Power BI into Excel?
- A. Yes
- B. No
Answer: A. Yes
Explanation: Selected visuals created in Power BI can be imported into Excel for further optimization and usage.
What format are Power BI custom visuals downloaded in?
- A. .pbix
- B. .pbi
- C. .pbiviz
- D. .pbiw
Answer: C. .pbiviz
Explanation: Custom visuals are downloaded in .pbiviz format, which can be then imported into Power BI Desktop or Power BI service.
True or False: Power BI custom visuals can be debugged using Microsoft Dev Tools.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Microsoft Dev Tools can be used to debug custom visuals locally by creating a debugging environment.
In which marketplace can you find certified Power BI visuals?
- A. Microsoft Store
- B. Google Play Store
- C. Apple App Store
- D. Microsoft AppSource
Answer: D. Microsoft AppSource
Explanation: Certified Power BI visuals are available for download in Microsoft AppSource.
Interview Questions
What is the purpose of using a custom visual in Power BI?
Custom visuals in Power BI allow you to bring interesting and unique visuals or visualizations that are not available in the default visuals list. These can help you present your data in unique ways and provide fresh insights.
How do you import a custom visual into Power BI?
To import a custom visual in Power BI, go to the Home tab, then the Visualizations pane, and select the Import from file option. You then select your custom visual file to upload it to Power BI.
How can you update a custom visual in Power BI?
If you want to update a custom visual, you have to import the new version. Power BI does not automatically update custom visuals.
Can you use R or Python scripts to create visuals in Power BI?
Yes, Power BI supports the use of R and Python scripts to create custom visuals. You can run your scripts right in the Power BI interface, making it a flexible tool for data visualization.
Are custom visuals in Power BI accessible on all platforms?
Yes, custom visuals can be viewed across all platforms including Power BI Desktop, Power BI service, and Power BI Mobile.
Is it possible to share custom visuals in Power BI?
Yes, you can share custom visuals among your organization’s users. You will need to enable the custom visuals setting in the Admin Portal and then users can use the organizational custom visuals option to access them.
How can you ensure the security of your data while using custom visuals in Power BI?
Microsoft validates all custom visuals on AppSource, which includes checks for use of external services or libraries. Nonetheless, always review custom visuals from untrusted sources carefully.
What files are involved in creating a Power BI custom visual?
Creating a Power BI custom visual involves several files including but not limited to package.json (metadata for the visual), pbiviz.json (configuration settings), .ts (TypeScript) files for visuals, .LESS (styles), and capabilities.json (object definition for data).
What is the role of D3.js in creating custom visuals in Power BI?
D3.js is a JavaScript library widely used in creating custom visuals in Power BI. It allows you to manipulate the DOM based on your data, making it a powerful tool for creating interactive and dynamic data visualizations.
Can custom visuals in Power BI be themed?
Yes, Power BI custom visuals support theming. They can adopt the color settings from the applied report theme, making it easy to match your custom visuals to the rest of your report.
How can I ensure that my Power BI reports with custom visuals render correctly across different devices?
Power BI provides a ‘View’ option in the top menu for checking how your report will look on different devices. Always test your report across multiple devices to ensure visuals render correctly.
How would you remove a custom visual from a Power BI report?
To remove a custom visual from a Power BI report, simply click to select it and then press the ‘Delete’ key on your keyboard.
Can custom visuals be used in Power BI embedded reports?
Yes, Custom visuals can be used in Power BI embedded reports. The process of using them is the same as in standard Power BI reports.
Do custom visuals support tooltips in Power BI?
Yes, some custom visuals in Power BI do support tooltips. The specific level of support depends on the individual visual.
Can you export and share your custom visuals outside Power BI?
Yes, you can export your custom visuals as individual files (.pbiviz) and then share them outside Power BI.