In this article, we’ll explore the key benefits of using text columns in Zebra BI Tables and provide practical tips for optimizing these tables for better data interpretation and storytelling. This option is most commonly used when you want to display an additional attribute in the same row.
How to add text columns
To achieve this, simply drop an attribute field into the Values placeholder below all other values. Make sure that the field is formatted as Text; otherwise, it will be recognized as a value, and Power BI will create an implicit measure – aggregation from it.
Examples of usage
You can add multiple text columns to display more attributes if needed. A company that operates with products usually has different identifiers for products that serve different purposes within the business process.
It’s also possible to insert a field with an uneven mapping number (1:N, N:1); for example, when a particular salesperson works with multiple clients, the salesperson’s name will repeat across several rows.
How to sort text columns
Sorting by text columns can be applied by clicking on More options (…) > Sort by. Text columns will always be sorted in alphabetical order unless you enforce the “Sort by column” by a numeric sequence in the model. You can check how to set this up here.
As with other value columns, text columns can be repositioned anywhere from the second column position to the rightmost position.
Text columns in hierarchies
It’s possible to use text columns even when the hierarchy is already in place. If you want the text in the column to refer to only the lowest level of the hierarchy, then you can drop a field in the bucket, and the information will display for only these rows.
If you want to have a more advanced setup where items on each level display their own IDs, you can create a measure and use the ISINSCOPE function, which helps determine IDs for each level.
The measure used in this example goes as follows:
Category ID =
IF(
ISINSCOPE(Customers[Customer]), SELECTEDVALUE(Customers[CustomerID]), --top level
IF(
ISINSCOPE(BusinessUnits[Business Unit]), SELECTEDVALUE(BusinessUnits[BusinessUnitID]), --bottom level
BLANK()
)
)Conclusion
Text columns give Zebra BI Tables another visual advantage, allowing them to be displayed in a detailed, easy-to-understand format. Whether you’re showcasing descriptive information, providing granular details, or offering users the ability to filter and explore data interactively, text columns help fill the gap between raw data and insightful analysis.