Power BI Theme Customization Session

Overview

• Working session focused on customizing Power BI themes using JSON files.
• Discussed tools and approaches for editing and updating JSON files for Power BI themes.

Tools and Approaches

• JSON Editor Online Tool: Used for editing JSON files.
• Visual Studio: Found convoluted for moving around objects.
• Notepad++: Used for coding.
• Theme Generators: Power BI Tips and Theme Generator used to generate and visualize theme codes.
• Microsoft Reference JSON: Useful for understanding Power BI theme structures.

Key Changes and Strategies

• Theme Updates: Tweaking an existing theme for sandbox use and experimenting with changes.
• JSON File Management:
  • Retained old version for reference.
  • Highlighted the importance of refactoring and cleaning JSON files over time.
  • Emphasized the need to delete unnecessary visuals like card visuals.
• Commenting in JSON: Using underscores to deactivate code segments.

JSON File Editing Challenges

• Inconsistencies in JSON properties, such as capitalization issues.
• Specific issues with the tree map visualization not changing colors as expected.

Future Plans

• Create a general park cell theme leveraging PRC theme as base.
• Standardize font sizes and layout to improve report design.
• Apply changes to PRC file by April release.
• Larger community to use a standardized template for report development.

Color and Layout Decisions

• Current color palette considered fine; future changes can be easily applied.
• Theme template includes multiple color variations for flexibility.
• Emphasized consistency in button and bookmark styling across reports.

Miscellaneous Topics

• Discussed personal experiences with JSON and Power BI theme customization.
• Consideration of universal properties for various visuals.
• Emphasized importance of having a standard design template to guide report creation.

Action Items

• Refactor JSON file by removing unnecessary objects.
• Investigate and resolve issues with new card visuals, especially regarding individual card settings.
• Develop a standard template for broader use across the organization.
• Provide access to data sets for further testing and validation.

Conclusion

• The session aimed at improving the visual consistency and usability of Power BI reports, focusing on leveraging JSON files for theme customization.
• The next steps involve refining the theme, especially the card visuals, and standardizing design practices across the organization.