Getting Started with Tableau: Creating Simple Bar Chart

Here's a step-by-step tutorial for beginners and intermediate Tableau users. In this tutorial, we'll cover the basics of creating a simple bar chart using sample data. We'll also discuss data visualization techniques, dashboard creation, and some basic calculations.

Step 1: Install Tableau (If Not Already Installed). 

If you haven't already, download and install Tableau Desktop. You can get a free trial version from the Tableau website. Tableau Desktop is coming with 14 days trial. You can install Tableau Public , which free version for learning purpose.

Step 2: Launch Tableau Desktop

Open Tableau Desktop.

Step 3: Connect to Data

Click on "Connect to Data" to open the data source selection window.

Choose a data source. For this tutorial, you can use the sample data provided by Tableau, which includes the "Sample - Superstore" dataset. Select it and click "Open."

Step 4: Explore the Data

In the Data Source tab, you'll see the dataset's tables. You can click on a table to see its fields and data.

Step 5: Create a Simple Bar Chart

Go to a new worksheet by clicking the "Worksheet" tab.

On the left-hand side, you'll see "Dimensions" and "Measures." Drag a dimension (e.g., "Category") to the Rows shelf and a measure (e.g., "Sales") to the Columns shelf.

Tableau will automatically create a bar chart for you. You can customize it by clicking on the "Show Me" menu and selecting different chart types or by adding more dimensions and measures to the view. 

You can add 'Region' to the column self.

Click on show mark Label.

Step 6: Customize Your Bar Chart

You can customize the chart further by adjusting the formatting, labels, and titles. For example, you can:

Add a title to your chart by double-clicking the "Sheet1" shelf and entering a title.

Format the axis labels, colors, and fonts by right-clicking on various elements and selecting "Format."

Step 7: Create a Dashboard

To create a dashboard, go to the "Dashboard" tab.

Drag your worksheet into the dashboard workspace.

You can add more sheets, images, or web content to your dashboard by dragging items from the Objects pane on the left.

Arrange and resize the objects on your dashboard as desired.

Step 8: Add Interactivity (Optional)

You can make your dashboard interactive by adding filters, actions, and parameters. For example, you can create a filter to allow users to select a specific date range or category.

Step 9: Save and Publish

Save your Tableau workbook by clicking "File" > "Save" or "Save As."

If you want to share your visualization, you can publish it to Tableau Server or Tableau Public, depending on your licensing and privacy preferences.

Step 10: Share Your Dashboard

Share your published dashboard with others by providing them with the appropriate URL or embedding it on a website or blog.

That's it! You've created a simple bar chart, learned some data visualization techniques, and created a basic dashboard in Tableau. This tutorial should help beginners and intermediate users get started with Tableau's core features. Feel free to explore more advanced features and calculations as you become more comfortable with the tool.