Report designers can control which interactions are allowed for end-users (viewers) once a report is published to the Power BI Service and viewed in view mode.
Introduction to Interaction settings
It’s important to highlight that interactions applied by the end users won’t affect the report for others, meaning only the specific user will see the changes they make.
All Zebra BI visuals have a particular section under the global Settings named “Interaction” which is turned ON by default but can be turned OFF globally to prevent end users from making any changes.
However, each visual has its specific settings related to its capabilities and features. Let’s take a look at the interaction settings and their explanations for each visual below.
Zebra BI Tables
First, we’ll look at settings for the fastest and most powerful matrix visual – Zebra BI Tables.
Change chart – OFF will eliminate the option to change a chart type on any column of the visual
Chart slider – OFF will limit the visual to only the view set up by the report designer, the end user won’t have the option to press on the chart slider arrow on the right-hand side.
Toggle variance display – OFF won’t allow users to change the variance display in case the integrated variance chart is selected.
Sorting – OFF disables the option to change the sort order of any column.
Expand / Collapse rows – OFF won’t allow the end users to use expand/collapse arrows in case the visual includes a hierarchy on rows.
Expand / Collapse columns – OFF won’t allow the end users to use expand/collapse arrows in case the visual includes a hierarchy on groups.
Column order – OFF disables the option to change the position of columns
Column renaming and design – OFF removes the column menu on the drop-down arrow and disables access to any setting there.
Hiding and adding columns – OFF omits options “Add column(+)” and “Hide column” from the visual
Column resize – OFF withdraws the option to resize any column within the visual
Interactive comment box – OFF disables access to the comment box settings
Zebra BI Charts
The most versatile visual Zebra BI Charts has some similar interaction settings to the Zebra BI Tables mentioned above but also has some distinctive settings referring to this visual specifically. Why don’t we review the settings below:
Chart slider – OFF limits the visual to that particular view, without an option to use the chart slider arrow
Change variance calculation – OFF doesn’t allow the user to change data labels variance calculation
Change difference highlight – OFF the deviation label cannot be switched by the user
Axis break – OFF disables the option to break the y-axis scale
Enable stacked chart/multiples switch icon – OFF removes the icon to switch to the stacked chart option directly from small multiples view
Zebra BI Cards
Last but not least is the most flexible KPI visual – Zebra BI Cards, which is a must-have on every overview dashboard. With many formatting options and features, the interaction settings are also extensive.
Show global toolbar – OFF – disables the access to global formatting settings
Show card toolbar – OFF – hides the individual card options (focus mode, scale groups, drill through) at the top right corner
All three of these icons can also be individually hidden
Show focus mode – OFF – the user won’t be able to access the focus mode of a card
Show drill-through – OFF – the user won’t get the option to drill-through from the card to a drill-through page
Scale groups – OFF – the user can’t access or edit scaled groups (these are usually edited by the report designer)
Show focus mode toolbar – OFF – removes the formatting options toolbar on the focus mode of a card
Value toggle – OFF – blocks the option to change the period calculation on cards
Change variance calculation – OFF – doesn’t allow the user to change data labels variance calculation
Chart slider – OFF – limits the visual to that particular view, without an option to use the chart slider arrow
Resize cards – OFF – prevents the user from changing the size of any card
Move cards – OFF – doesn’t allow the user to reposition any individual card within the visual
Conclusion
The comprehensive interaction settings available for Zebra BI visuals empower report designers to fine-tune the user experience, ensuring that end-users can interact with reports in ways that align with organizational standards and goals. By selectively enabling or disabling various settings, designers can strike the perfect balance between interactivity and control, providing a tailored viewing experience that enhances data comprehension without compromising the integrity of the report.