URL actions in Tableau - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a URL action in Tableau?

A URL action in Tableau is a feature that lets you open a web page or another resource by clicking on a mark or dashboard element. It connects your dashboard to external websites or files.

beginner

How do URL actions improve dashboard interactivity?

URL actions let users click on parts of the dashboard to open related web pages or reports, making the dashboard more interactive and connected to external information.

beginner

Which Tableau element can trigger a URL action?

A URL action can be triggered by clicking on marks in a worksheet, buttons, or dashboard objects that support actions.

intermediate

What is the purpose of using parameters in URL actions?

Parameters let you pass dynamic values from your dashboard, like selected data points, into the URL. This customizes the web page or resource opened based on user choices.

intermediate

Can URL actions open files stored locally on your computer?

No, URL actions generally open web URLs or network locations accessible by the browser. Opening local files depends on browser security and is usually restricted.

What happens when you click a mark with a URL action in Tableau?

A It opens a web page or resource specified by the URL.

B It filters the data in the dashboard.

C It exports the dashboard as a PDF.

D It refreshes the data source.

Clicking a mark with a URL action opens the web page or resource linked by the URL.

Which of these can you include in a URL action to make it dynamic?

A Dashboard filter values

B Tableau version number

C Only the dashboard title

D Static text only

You can include dashboard filter values or field values to make the URL dynamic.

Where do you configure URL actions in Tableau?

A In the Data pane

B In the Dashboard menu under Actions

C In the Worksheet formatting options

D In the Data Source tab

URL actions are set up in the Dashboard menu under Actions.

Can URL actions open a new browser tab or window?

A Only on mobile devices.

B No, it always opens in the same tab.

C Only if you use a special browser plugin.

D Yes, you can choose to open in a new tab or window.

Tableau lets you choose to open URL actions in a new browser tab or window.

What is a common use case for URL actions?

A To create calculated fields.

B To change the dashboard layout.

C To link to detailed reports or websites related to the data.

D To refresh the data source.

URL actions commonly link dashboards to detailed reports or external websites.

Explain how URL actions enhance user experience in Tableau dashboards.

Think about clicking on dashboard parts to open web pages.

Describe the steps to create a URL action in a Tableau dashboard.

Focus on the menu path and options to set up the action.

Practice

1. What is the primary purpose of URL actions in Tableau dashboards?

easy

A. To export dashboard data to Excel files

B. To link dashboard elements to external web pages or resources

C. To filter data within the dashboard automatically

D. To change the color of dashboard charts dynamically

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand URL actions functionality

   URL actions allow dashboard elements to open web pages or external resources when triggered.

2. Step 2: Compare other options

   Changing colors or filtering data are done by other Tableau features, not URL actions.

3. Final Answer:

   To link dashboard elements to external web pages or resources -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   URL actions = link to web pages [OK]

Hint: URL actions connect dashboards to websites or files [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing URL actions with filters
• Thinking URL actions change dashboard visuals
• Assuming URL actions export data

2. Which of the following is the correct syntax to insert a field value into a URL action in Tableau?

easy

A. http://example.com/product=[Product ID]

B. http://example.com/product=<[Product ID]>

C. http://example.com/product=<Product ID>

D. http://example.com/product=Product ID

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify Tableau field insertion syntax

   Tableau uses angle brackets around the exact field name without brackets inside, like <Product ID>.

2. Step 2: Check options for correct syntax

   http://example.com/product=<Product ID> correctly uses <Product ID> without extra brackets or symbols.

3. Final Answer:

   http://example.com/product=<Product ID> -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Field insertion = <Field Name> [OK]

Hint: Use <Field Name> exactly to insert field values in URLs [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Adding extra brackets inside angle brackets
• Using square brackets inside URL
• Forgetting angle brackets around field name

3. Given a URL action set as http://sales.com/details?region=<Region>&product=<Product>, what URL will open when a user clicks on a data point with Region = 'West' and Product = 'Shoes'?

medium

A. http://sales.com/details?region=<Region>&product=<Product>

B. http://sales.com/details?region=West&product=

C. http://sales.com/details?region=Shoes&product=West

D. http://sales.com/details?region=West&product=Shoes

Solution

1. Step 1: Substitute field values into URL

   Replace <Region> with 'West' and <Product> with 'Shoes' in the URL template.

2. Step 2: Verify correct order and values

   The URL becomes http://sales.com/details?region=West&product=Shoes exactly as in http://sales.com/details?region=West&product=Shoes.

3. Final Answer:

   http://sales.com/details?region=West&product=Shoes -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Field values replace placeholders correctly [OK]

Hint: Replace placeholders with actual field values in URL [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Mixing up field values order
• Not replacing placeholders
• Leaving placeholders unchanged

4. You created a URL action but clicking it does nothing. Which of the following is the most likely cause?

medium

A. The URL contains incorrect field syntax like missing angle brackets

B. The dashboard filter is not applied

C. The data source is not refreshed

D. The worksheet has no filters

Solution

1. Step 1: Check URL action syntax

   If the URL syntax is wrong, such as missing < and > around fields, Tableau cannot build the URL properly.

2. Step 2: Understand other options

   Filters or data refresh issues do not prevent URL actions from triggering clicks.

3. Final Answer:

   The URL contains incorrect field syntax like missing angle brackets -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Incorrect syntax blocks URL action [OK]

Hint: Check angle brackets around fields in URL [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Ignoring syntax errors in URL
• Blaming filters for URL action failure
• Not testing URL outside Tableau

5. You want to create a URL action that opens a Google search for the selected product name. Which URL template should you use to make the search dynamic?

hard

A. https://www.google.com/search?q=<Product Name>

B. https://www.google.com/search?q=Product Name

C. https://www.google.com/search?q=[Product Name]

D. https://www.google.com/search?q={Product Name}

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify correct field insertion syntax

   Tableau requires angle brackets around the exact field name to insert dynamic values, so <Product Name> is correct.

2. Step 2: Check URL format for Google search

   The URL https://www.google.com/search?q= followed by the field value creates a dynamic search link.

3. Final Answer:

   https://www.google.com/search?q=<Product Name> -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Dynamic URL uses <Field Name> syntax [OK]

Hint: Use <Field Name> to insert dynamic values in URLs [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using brackets other than angle brackets
• Hardcoding field names as text
• Forgetting to include query parameter 'q='