Contributor & Author: Tiffany Spaulding
Pro-Tip #1: Increase the Font Size in the Calculator Editor:
When
we start writing calculations into Tableau Calculation editor window (Right
click in data window --> Create Calculated Field), Tableau defaults to a
font size around 10pt. The font size is sufficient as we design sitting close
to our PC screen, however it appears small when we project in front of a larger
audience. Have no fear; we can increase the font size. This was very intuitive
in 8.1; however in versions 8.2 and 8.3, it became a bit more difficult if you
didn't have a numeric keypad on your keyboard. Now, 9.0 brought back the
intuitive options 8.1 had (high five to whatever developer at Tableau heard my
plea!).
Tableau Desktop 8.1:
Option 1: Hold CTRL key and then roll the
scroll wheel on your mouse.
Option 2: Hold CTRL key and then use [+] or [-] on 10 key pad.
Note: CTRL + [+] or [-] on a regular keyboard does not work.
Option 2: Hold CTRL key and then use [+] or [-] on 10 key pad.
Note: CTRL + [+] or [-] on a regular keyboard does not work.
Tableau Desktop 8.2 & 8.3:
The
ability to utilize CTRL plus the scroll wheel was removed from 8.2 and 8.3. The
only option to zoom in on the text is to utilize the CTRL key plus [+] and [-]
from the num key pad. CTRL plus [-] on the regular keyboard will still decrease
the font size, however if you try CTRL with [+], you'll end up with [=] in your
code.
Tableau Desktop 9.0:
Option1: Hold CTRL key and then roll the scroll
wheel on your mouse.
Option 2: Hold CTRL key and then use [+] or [-] on keyboard or on 10 key pad.
Option 2: Hold CTRL key and then use [+] or [-] on keyboard or on 10 key pad.
I
go back and forth between all four versions each week depending on what version
a client is using. To keep it easy, here is a cheat sheet to remember how to
zoom in each version of the tool.
Increasing Font in Calculation Editor in Tableau Desktop:
Version
|
Increase Font
|
Decrease Font
|
8.1
|
CTRL + Scroll forward
or
CTRL + [+] <--Num
keypad only
|
CTRL + Scroll backward
or
CTRL + [-] <--Num
keypad only
|
8.2
|
CTRL + [+] <--Num
keypad only
|
CTRL + [-]
|
8.3
|
CTRL + [+] <--Num
keypad only
|
CTRL + [-]
|
9.0
|
CTRL + Scroll forward
or
CTRL + [+]
|
CTRL + Scroll backward
or
CTRL + [-]
|
Pro-Tip #2: Annotate Your Calculation Code to Explain the Logic
to Others:
As
we design in Tableau Desktop, we become intimately familiar with the data set
and logic behind each calculation. Eventually we share our work with others
though. Pass on the logic you used to build each calculation by adding
annotations inside the code of your calculation. Any line of code in the calc
editor that begins with a // will appear in a faded teal font and not be
considered when Tableau computes the calculation. You can annotate anywhere in
the calc, including in line with other arguments in the code. To end the
annotation, press return and you are back to normal coding.
Pro-Tip #3: Add Comments to the Field:
Each
of the previous two Pro-Tips still require going into the Calculated Field
Editor (right click on calculated field in data window --> Edit Calculated
Field). To save time for both you and future editors of the workbook, you can
copy the code of the calculation and paste it as a comment of the field. When
you hover your mouse over the field in the data window, you'll be able to see
the calculation logic and annotations without having to enter the calc editor.
To
begin, open your calculated field and copy the code:
- Right click on the calculated
field in the data window --> Edit Calculated Field.
- Highlight over the code.
- CTRL + C to copy the code.
Next,
add the code as a comment to the field:
4. Right click
on the calculated field in the data window --> Default Properties -->
Comment.
5. CTRL + V to paste the formula into the Comment Editor.
6. Press OK to close the Comment Editor.
7. To check your work, hover your mouse over the calculated field in the data window. The comment should appear the same way a tooltip appears for a mark in view.
5. CTRL + V to paste the formula into the Comment Editor.
6. Press OK to close the Comment Editor.
7. To check your work, hover your mouse over the calculated field in the data window. The comment should appear the same way a tooltip appears for a mark in view.
Take
it one step further and clean up your code (remove //). You can even color
encode the text to still pass on the logic of function, field, and parameter by
coloring with blue, orange, and purple respectively. If you will be presenting
to a larger room, I recommend increasing the font size as well.