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Using Tableau Public
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  1. Overview
  2. Using Tableau

Using Tableau

To use Tableau Public, you'll need to first start by importing and configuring data. Then you'll be able to display your data in meaningful visualizations that can be used for course work. Select a how-to option in the menu to get started.

There are many advanced features within Tableau Public; this section will only cover the basics to get users started.

Note: For more guidance, go to the Additional Resources Page.

How to Import and Configure Data in Tableau Public

Before you create visuals in Tableau Public, you'll need to import and configure your data. Tableau Public allows you to import data in the following file formats:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Text
  • JSON
  • Microsoft Access
  • PDF
  • Spatial
  • Statistical

This guide will discuss importing Excel file types.


Visit the Additional Resources Page for more help!

Step 1

Open Tableau Desktop Public Edition

Process to open the Tableau Public app after installation, open the windows search and type Tableau in search bar arrowed and outlined, labeled 1, click on the application or click open outlined and arrowed, labeled 2

If you haven't already, open the Tableau Public app in your Start or Search bar:

  1. Open the search bar from the Windows toolbar, and type Tableau into the search bar.
  2. Select Tableau Public or Open.

Step 2

Import Data

Tableau Public Desktop Edition open screen under Connect, Microsoft Excel outlined and arrowed to

You'll see the application home screen; from this area, you can import data files as well as open saved workbooks. Select the appropriate file type from the menu. This will open your device's local file explorer.

Step 3

Select File

Select file of .xlxs type to import data, with file outlined and Open button outlined and arrowed to

Locate and select the Excel file, and then select Open to import the file.

Step 4

Dataset

Tableau Public Desktop Excel data imported outlined with arrow to data in workspace

Each sheet from the Microsoft Excel file will appear as an option to manipulate. Drag the sheet to the right to see a preview of the dataset. Drag the option back to the left to remove it from the data map.

Step 5

Data Relationship

Data relationship between two data filed outlined with relationship arrowed to

You can combine multiple datasets by establishing their relationship in Tableau. Relationships do not join columns of data together; instead, the data from both sheets is always available.

Once you have one sheet in the data map, you can drag another one into the same area. A line between the two datasets will automatically appear.

You'll be prompted to edit the relationship between the two datasets; Tableau will automatically find related fields, but you can choose your own as well.

Note: Another way to connect datasets includes Joins and Unions. However, Tableau Public suggests utilizing relationships instead of joins or unions because they are more dynamic and flexible.

Step 6

Configured

Once you've gotten all the datasets configured, you can begin making visualizations. Navigate to the Create Visualizations area of this page to continue.

How to Create Data Visualizations in Tableau Public

Visualizations, often referred to as 'viz' by Tableau, use visual elements like charts, graphs, and maps to make data easier to interpret. Several visualizations can be combined to make a dashboard.

Note: This can only be done after you've completed the Import & Configure Data section.

Step 1

Select Sheet

In Tableau Public Desktop select the sheet outlined and arrowed to that you want to visualize

From the same window where you configured the data source, select Sheet 1. This will open a workspace to begin making your visualization.

In Tableau Public Desktop select the sheet outlined and arrowed to that you want to visualize Note: You can select the icons (located next to Sheet 1) to create a new worksheet , dashboard , or story .

Step 2

Dataset Fields

Dataset selected in Tableau Public desktop outlined with data fields either created or autocreated based on your dataset also outlined

Note that the data includes the two sets you configured in Tableau; you can always revisit the relation under the Data Source. The columns from each dataset are available to add to the visualizations. Tableau will also auto-generate data measures (such as longitude and latitude) based on your data set.

Step 3

Manipulate Data

Datafield selected and outlined arrowed to the corresponding datafield in the visualization

Click and drag a data dimension or measure available into the workspace.

Data dimensions or measures can be dropped in the following areas:

  • Pages: You can break a view into a series of pages so you can better analyze how a specific field affects the rest of the data in a view.
  • Filters: Specify which data to include and exclude
  • Marks: Adjust the visual elements of your visualization, including the color, size, shape, text, and details of a data point.
  • Columns & Rows: Create columns and rows with specific data measures.
    • Note: To generate a map, place Longitude in the Column area and Latitude in the Row area. Then you'll be able to add data points to the map by dragging the measures to the Marks card.

Step 4

Save Progress

Tableau Public Desktop File button outlined select Save to Tableau Public as button outlined

Be sure to save your work; Tableau does not automatically save your progress, so save the file frequently to ensure no work is lost.

Select File > Save to Tableau Public As...

You may be prompted to sign into your Tableau Public account; use the same email you entered to download the Tableau Public desktop app. If this is the first time you are signing in, you may also be prompted to set up your password.

Step 5

Title Workbook

Save your workbook after giving the workbook a Title outlined then select Save arrowed to

Name your workbook and select Save.

Note: Saving in Tableau Public will make your data available to other Tableau Public users. Be sure you do not publish sensitive data outside the course-approved datasets.

Step 6

Open Saved Workbook

Tableau Public Desktop Launch Screen with newly saved workbook available for selection outlined and arrowed to

Once you've saved your workbook, you will see it available for selection each time you log in to the Tableau Public desktop application.

Sharing Your Tableau Work

Once you've used Tableau Public to create visualizations, dashboards, stories, etc., you may need to submit your work directly in Canvas or use charges from Tableau for your assignments. Use the steps below to share your Tableau work.

Step 1

Go to Tableau Public

Navigate to Tableau Public and sign into your Tableau Public account.

Note: Your Tableau Public account is the email address you used to download the Tableau Public desktop app. If this is the first time you try to log in, it may prompt you to set up your password.

Step 2

My Profile

Hover over Profile icon outlined and select My Profile outlined and arrowed to

Hover over your profile icon and select My Profile.

Step 3

Choose Visualization

On your Profile hover over the visualization you want to share and select View outlined and arrowed

Any visualizations (viz) you have made will be available to view. Hover over the visualization you want to share and select View.

Step 4

Share Visualization

Select share icon outlined and arrowed to

Select the icon.

Note: You can also download the Tableau workbook by selecting the icon.

Step 5

Share Link

Select preferred sharing method, for canvas, copy and paste the link outlined and arrowed to

Copy a link or embed code for either the current view (if you've changed anything within the browser) or the original view. The link is ideal for Canvas submission.

Note: Check your Canvas course for specifics about how you should submit your Tableau work.

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This page was last updated May 12, 2025