Having explored using Shapes in Tableau to create a Polar Area Diagram (Sunburst / Rose / Coxcomb Chart), a Bar Bump Chart, and my infographic resume this year as a continuation from last year, I will like to conclude 2023 with 5 things I have learnt on working with Shapes on Tableau. This is not an exhaustive and completely new list, but a collection of my learning for newbies. If you need more info on Custom Shapes in Tableau, start by clicking on the image above to go to Tableau's official webpage on the subject.
1. Shapes in Tableau Size Up and Down based on Area
As noted in my posts on using Shapes above, one of the design elements of Shape is that it grows in size in all directions and not just in length or breadth. Hence, resizing your shape is not like dragging the 8 points of an image in PowerPoint. This is something to note when using Shapes in Tableau. Sometimes when the object is circular, it makes sense to expand the shape in all directions like an Onion Chart. Other times, if the object is meant to be a rectangle and measured breadth-side or length-side, then the sizing will affect the optics. To overcome this problem, I have decided to use a shape with a transparent hole in the middle to cover the side that is not meant to grow. Through this method, a bar chart can remain a bar chart instead of turning into a Marimekko chart.
2. Tableau Shapes Allow Transparent Background
Creating a shape in Tableau by yourself is easy as long as you can get your shape to have a transparent background. This can be done easily by having a transparent square in PowerPoint first. Start by inserting a square shape in PowerPoint and choose 'no colours' for 'fill' and 'line'. Then you can place the custom shape you want in the centre of this transparent. Press Ctrl+A then save the selection as PNG in your Tableau Repository for Shapes.
3. Know the Midpoint
Building on the about point, knowing the midpoint of the transparent square allows more possibilities. By putting your icon on a certain side of the transparent square, a semi-circle or quarter-circle can be created. Putting a few of them together allows the creation of a Proportional Area Chart (Half Circle) and a Polar Diagram.
4. Place the '0' Pill in Rows to Make the Bigger
To make the shape bigger, place the '0' pill into Rows instead of Columns.
5. Use Shapes and URL Action to Create Links to Websites
To learn how to create a URL Action using a Shape go here. You will notice that Tableau advises you to create a dummy Calculated Field. This can be reduced into a single step with by double-clicking on Rows to see a text field appear. Type in 'Dummy' or any text with quotation marks. You will get the same effect.
Conclusion
All in all, Shapes in Tableau can do quite a lot that helps anyone having trouble with Calculated Fields and Polygons, despite some limitations at first glance.