Show Me panel for recommendations in Tableau - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

The Show Me panel in Tableau helps you quickly choose the best chart type for your data. It suggests visualizations based on the fields you select, making it easier to create clear and effective charts without guessing.

When you have selected some data fields and want Tableau to suggest the best chart types automatically.

When you are unsure which chart type will best show your data story.

When you want to explore different visualization options quickly without manually changing chart types.

When you want to save time by using Tableau’s recommendations instead of building charts from scratch.

When you want to learn which chart types work well with your data structure.

Steps

Step 1: Open your Tableau workbook and connect to your data source

- Tableau Desktop main window

Your data fields appear in the Data pane on the left side

Step 2: Select one or more fields (dimensions or measures) in the Data pane

- Data pane on the left

Selected fields are highlighted and ready for visualization

Step 3: Click the Show Me button

- Top right corner of the Tableau interface

The Show Me panel opens, displaying recommended chart types based on your selected fields

Step 4: Hover over each chart icon in the Show Me panel

- Show Me panel

A tooltip appears explaining the chart type and when to use it

Step 5: Click a chart type icon in the Show Me panel

- Show Me panel

Tableau creates the selected chart on the worksheet using your chosen fields

Step 6: Adjust the chart as needed by dragging fields to Rows, Columns, or Marks cards

- Worksheet area and shelves

The visualization updates to reflect your changes

Before vs After

Before

Worksheet is blank with no chart displayed

After

Worksheet shows a chart type recommended by Show Me using the selected data fields

Settings Reference

Show Me panel

📍 Top right corner of Tableau Desktop interface

Provides recommended chart types based on selected data fields

Default: Hidden until clicked

Field selection

📍 Data pane on the left

Determines which chart types Show Me will recommend

Default: No fields selected

Common Mistakes

Selecting too many or incompatible fields before opening Show Me

Show Me cannot recommend charts if the selected fields do not fit common visualization types

Select only relevant dimensions and measures that logically combine before clicking Show Me

Ignoring the tooltip descriptions when choosing a chart

You might pick a chart that does not clearly communicate your data story

Read the tooltip for each chart type to understand its best use case

Summary

Show Me panel suggests the best chart types based on your selected data fields.

It helps beginners quickly create effective visualizations without guessing.

Remember to select appropriate fields first to get useful recommendations.