Power View is an interactive data visualization feature in Microsoft Excel that enables users to create dynamic reports and dashboards. It allows data to be represented through charts, tables, cards, and maps for better analysis and insights.
Power View was mainly available in Excel 2013 and select Excel 2016 editions. It has been deprecated and is not supported in modern Microsoft 365 versions.
Steps to Create a Power View Report
Step 1: Prepare the Dataset
Assume a dataset containing festival data across different regions. This dataset will be used to create a Power View dashboard.
Step 2: Insert Power View
Select the dataset, go to the Insert tab, and click on Power View in the Power View group.
Step 3: Generate the Report
A Power View report is created within the same worksheet. The layout may take a few moments to load, after which the report interface becomes visible.
Analyzing Data with Matrix Visualization
A matrix is a table-like visualization made of rows and columns that can be expanded or collapsed by rows or columns. It supports drill up/down for hierarchical data and can display totals and subtotals for both rows and columns.
Step 1: Select the table in the Power View report. Go to the DESIGN tab.
Step 2: Choose Matrix from the Switch Visualization group.
Analyzing Data with Card Visualization
A Card visualization consists of a sequence of snapshots that display data from each row in the table, arranged out like index cards.
Step 1: Select the table in the Power View report.
Step 2: Go to the DESIGN tab.
Step 3: Choose Card from the Switch Visualization group.
The table is converted into a card visualization.
Analyzing Data with Chart Visualization
Power View offers multiple interactive chart options for data visualization. These charts work in presentation mode, allowing dynamic highlighting of insights. They can handle multiple numerical variables and series, with options to show or hide labels, legends, and titles.
Step 1: Select the table in the Power View report.
Step 2: Go to the DESIGN tab.
Step 3: Choose a chart type from the Switch Visualization group (e.g., Pie Chart).
The table is displayed as a chart.
Analyzing Data with Map Visualization
We can use maps to present our data in a geographical context. Power View Maps employ Bing Map Tiles, so one can zoom and pan it like other Bing maps. Power View uses Bing Maps for geocoding and visualization through an internet connection.
Step 1: Select the table in the Power View report.
Step 2: Go to the DESIGN tab.
Step 3: Select Map from the Switch Visualization group
The table is converted into a map visualization.
Filtering Power View
Step 1: Select the table and click the filter icon in the top-right corner.
Step 2: The filter pane opens. Define the required filter condition.
Step 3: Apply the filter (e.g., show values where Days ≥ 4). The report updates to display only the filtered data.
Features of Power View
- Interactive Visualizations: Supports charts, tables, cards, and maps for dynamic data analysis.
- Data Exploration: Enables quick filtering, sorting, and highlighting of data.
- Multiple Visualization Options: Allows switching between different visual formats easily.
- Geographical Mapping: Uses Bing Maps to represent location-based data.
- User-Friendly Interface: Provides a simple and intuitive environment for creating reports.