In Power BI, you can create a Power BI Matrix with color coding to highlight certain values or trends to help the audience better understand and identify patterns and draw conclusions from the data.
Furthermore, color coding makes it easier to identify outliers or areas that need attention in the visualization. For example, using red and green colors to highlight both negative and positive values.
In this article, you will learn how to create a Power BI Matrix with color coding.
Let’s get started.
Introduction: How to Create Power BI Matrix With Color Coding
Follow these steps to create a matrix table with color coding:
Create a Matrix table
To start with, you need to create a matrix table. To do that, open your Power BI Desktop and go to the Home tab. Then click on Matrix under the Visualizations section.
Drag and drop the fields you want to display in the matrix into the Rows and Columns sections.
After this, add the field you want to use for color coding in the Values section.
(This is what mine looks like)
Conditional Formatting
The next thing to do is to apply the color coding. To do that, click on the drop-down arrow next to the field you added in the Values section, and select Conditional formatting.
In the Conditional Formatting dialog box, select the type of formatting you want to apply (Background color, Font color, Data bars, Icons, or Web URL).
I will explain each of them subsequently.
Background color
When you select the type of conditional formatting you want to use, you will automatically see the Conditional Formatting window, where you will set the conditions under which you want the formatting to be applied.
(e.g., if the value is greater than a certain number, if it falls within a certain range, etc.)
(Here is what mine looks like: I chose background color)
After setting the format, click OK to apply the formatting.
(This is what mine looks like after setting the conditional format)
Font color
Follow the same steps as for background color, but select Font color in the Conditional formatting window.
Then choose a color for the font, and set the rules for when the formatting should be applied.
(Here is what mine looks like)
Data bars
Follow the same steps as for the background color, but select the Data bars tab in the Conditional formatting dialog box.
Choose a color for the data bars, and set the rules for when the data bars should be displayed and what values they should represent.
(Here is what mine looks like)
Icons
Follow the same steps as for background color, but select the Icons tab in the Conditional formatting dialog box.
Choose the type of icon you want to use, such as an arrow or a stoplight. Set the rules for when the icons should be displayed and what values they should represent.
Here is what mine looks like.
Web URL
Follow the same steps as for the background color, but select the Web URL tab in the Conditional formatting dialog box.
Enter the URL you want to link to in the URL field. Then set the rules for when the link should be displayed.
By adding conditional formatting with URLs, you can create a hyperlink to a specific web location, such as additional information about a subject or a report about the data.
For instance, if you wish to link each city name to a corresponding webpage, you will need to create a measure or calculate column providing the URL of the webpage.
NB: You can further customize your matrix by changing the font, color, and style of the text, as well as adding additional formatting options. Once you are satisfied with your matrix, you can save it and share it with others.
FAQs
What is color coding in Power BI Matrix?
Color coding in Power BI Matrix refers to assigning colors to specific data values or ranges to help highlight important information or trends.
Why should you use color coding in Power BI Matrix?
Color coding can help highlight important information or trends in your data, which makes it easier to identify outliers or areas that need attention.
It can also make your data more understandable to a wider audience and can help to drive better decision-making within your organization.
Can you customize the colors used for color coding in Power BI Matrix?
Yes, you can.
Power BI allows you to choose from a range of built-in color palettes or create your own custom color scheme to match your organization’s branding or preferences.
Conclusion: How to Create Power BI Matrix With Color Coding
By following these steps, you can create an appealing matrix table with color coding to visually represent your data and better communicate your data insights.
NB: The steps outlined above may vary slightly depending on the version of Power BI you are using.
Thanks for reading.
Happy analyzing!