Overview
This lecture explains how to publish your Tableau dashboard to the public Tableau server, including creating data extracts, setting privacy options, and sharing your published dashboard online.
Publishing Options
- Dashboards can be published either on a public Tableau server or an internal company Tableau server.
- In this tutorial, the focus is on publishing to the public Tableau server due to access limitations.
Steps to Publish a Dashboard
- Click on "Server" > "Publish Workbook" in Tableau.
- Enter the public Tableau server URL: https://public.tableau.com.
- Sign in using your Tableau Public account (usually your email and a password).
- If you don't have an account, create a free one through the provided prompts.
Handling Data Extracts
- Tableau workbooks do not automatically include your data files.
- An error message will request a "data extract" when publishing.
- To create a data extract: Click "Data" > select your data source > click "Extract Data" > choose extract options > click "Extract" and then "Save."
- The extract creation time depends on the size of your data.
Finalizing and Sharing Your Dashboard
- After the extract, return to "Server" and publish the workbook again.
- Choose a name for the workbook and click "Save."
- Tableau uploads both the workbook and data extract to the server.
- The published dashboard opens in your web browser.
Privacy and Metadata Settings
- Click "Edit Details" to modify the title, add a description, and adjust privacy settings.
- Decide if others can view underlying worksheets (show sheets as tabs) or download/copy the workbook and data.
- Uncheck boxes as needed to restrict access and then click "Save."
Sharing the Published Dashboard
- Use the "Share" icon (three bubbles) to get a URL link for your dashboard.
- Share this link through email or social media as needed.
- Anyone with the link can interact with the dashboard, subject to your set restrictions.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Tableau Public Server — A free web service for publishing and sharing Tableau visualizations with anyone online.
- Data Extract — A snapshot of your underlying dataset saved with the workbook to enable sharing.
- Metadata — Information about your dashboard, like title and description, plus access settings.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Create a Tableau Public account if you don't have one.
- Generate and attach a data extract before publishing.
- Set appropriate privacy and sharing settings when publishing your dashboard.
- Share your dashboard’s link as needed for assignments or presentations.