Tableau is a powerful data visualization software used for transforming and analyzing data for better insights and decision making. As an analytics professional, you need to work with data of different types, such as string date, numbers, Boolean, and so on. To successfully work with different data types, it is important to understand how to change the data types in Tableau.
In this guide, we will walk through the step-by-step process of how to change data types in Tableau.
Requirements
To change data types in Tableau, you will need the following:
- Access to your desired Tableau version
- A data set that you want to work with
Step 1: Connect your data to Tableau
Before you can change the data types in Tableau, connect your desired data set to Tableau. In Tableau, connect the data to your database. Once the connection is established, extract the data file into Tableau.
Step 2: Display the data in Tableau
Once the data is extracted, you can view the data in Tableau. To view the data, simply double-click on the sheet title. This will open the Data Source tab and display the data for you to view.
Step 3: Change the data types
Once you have viewed the data, it’s time to change the data types. To change a data type, simply click on the data field in the Data Source tab. A popup window will appear, where you can select the desired data type and click OK. Tableau will automatically change the data type and you will see the changes reflected in the Data Source tab.
Step 4: Make sure the changes are reflected
After you change the data type, you will need to ensure that the changes are reflected in the data set. To do this, simply click on the Refresh button and then click OK in the popup window. Tableau will then refresh the data set and you should see the changes in the Data Source tab.
Step 5: Publish the data
Once the changes have been made, you can go ahead and publish the data to Tableau Public, Tableau Server, or to a variety of other data sources. To do so, simply click on the Publish button located at the top of the Tableau window. Tableau will then prompt you to select the data source, format, and destination for the data. Select the appropriate options, and then click Publish. Tableau will then publish the data for you to view, analyze, and use.
FAQ
How do I change data types in Tableau?
To change the data types in Tableau, you need to open the Data Source tab and select the field you want to change. A popup window will appear, where you can select the desired data type and click OK. Tableau will automatically change the data type and you will see the changes reflected in the Data Source tab.
Is it possible to change multiple data types in Tableau?
Yes, it is possible to change multiple data types in Tableau. To do so, simply open the Data Source tab, select the desired fields, and then select the desired data type for each field. Tableau will automatically change the data type for all the fields and you will see the changes reflected in the Data Source tab.
Can I publish the data set with changed data types?
Yes, it is possible to publish the data set with the changed data types in Tableau. To do so, simply click on the Publish button located at the top of the Tableau window. Tableau will then prompt you to select the data source, format, and destination for the data. Select the appropriate options, and then click Publish. Tableau will then publish the data for you to view, analyze, and use.
What options are available for publishing the data set with changed data types?
You can publish the data set with changed data types to Tableau Public, Tableau Server, or to a variety of other data sources. To do so, simply click on the Publish button located at the top of the Tableau window. Tableau will then prompt you to select the data source, format, and destination for the data. Select the appropriate options, and then click Publish. Tableau will then publish the data for you to view, analyze, and use.
Is it possible to revert the data types changes?
Yes, it is possible to revert the data types changes in Tableau. To do so, simply open the Data Source tab, select the desired field, and select the original data type of the data. Tableau will then automatically change the data type back to its original form and you will see the changes reflected in the Data Source tab.
Conclusion
Changing data types in Tableau is a simple and straightforward process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly and easily change the data types in Tableau. Additionally, you can also publish the data set with the changed data types to a variety of different data sources.
Related Links
Tableau Official Documentation: https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/datafields_datatypes.htm
Tableau Forums: https://community.tableau.com/
Tableau Blogs: https://www.tableau.com/about/blog
Tableau Tutorial Videos: https://www.youtube.com/user/TableauSoftware/videos