Tableau Public has a great tool embedded into the software called Show Me (or the Show Me button). This tool is an expression of Tableau Software's vision of self-service analysis because it allows largely nontechnical users to develop useful graphs and charts based on their data. The Show Me button is at the top right-hand side of the Tableau Public interface. Clicking on this button opens the Show Me dialog box (with 24 chart type icons in Tableau Public 9.x), as seen in the following screenshot:
The Show Me tool suggests graph types based on the view that the user has created and/or the fields that the user has selected from the Data window or the shelf areas.
The Show Me tool also tells you which additional field types you need to select in order to create a specific visualization, which is a great way to learn.
To use the Show Me tool, select one or more dimensions or measures from the Data window and then click on the Show Me button in the upper right of the Tableau window to see the suggestions in the Show Me dialog box. The following are some examples:
- Selecting a continuous date field will prompt the suggestion of a line graph
- Selecting a geographical field will prompt the selection of a map
In addition to creating new visualizations using the Show Me card, you can modify the existing graph. When you select a new graph type from one of the highlighted buttons, Tableau Public will change your visualization for you, and by doing so, it might remove fields on the visualization that aren't part of the new one.
Show Me contains 24 chart types in Tableau Public 9.x, but many more advanced or customized charts can also be created by adding different data elements and tweaking the existing chart that you have built. Items that help users better understand the data include tool tips, trend lines, color indicators, row separators, and reference lines. We will explore these additions in detail later in the chapter.