Enhance Your Tableau Public Storytelling With Free Extensions

Tableau Public has long been a unique platform for the DataFam community to explore innovative data storytelling and visualization techniques. With extensions from the Tableau Exchange, you can take your Tableau Public projects to new heights by incorporating powerful extensions that unlock a world of advanced functionality and customization. These extensions offer unique interactive components, new visualization types, and powerful integrations that go beyond Tableau's standard features. Despite their potential, many in the community are still unaware of these enhancements. That's why Tableau has introduced a new integration between Tableau Public and Tableau Exchange—to help you discover, learn, and stay updated on the latest extensions, empowering you to elevate your data storytelling like never before.

What are Tableau Exchange Extensions?

Tableau Extensions are powerful add-ons developed using JavaScript and Tableau’s API. This open framework empowers Tableau and partner developers to create innovative and customized experiences within the platform. By incorporating these extensions, users can transform Tableau Public into a truly composable analytics environment, adding unique functionalities to their workbooks and exploring new ways to present data insights.

Currently, over 30 extensions are approved for use on the Tableau Public platform, with plans to expand this selection in the future. These extensions are completely free to use and offer an exciting opportunity to enrich your Tableau Public portfolios, enhancing the depth and creativity of your data storytelling.

Dashboard Extensions

Dashboard Extensions empower users to embed custom components directly into their dashboards. This feature is especially valuable for adding interactive components, widgets, or even integrating external applications to present data in new and engaging ways.

Adding a Dashboard Extension is straightforward — simply drag the “Extension” object into your dashboard, and filter by “Works with Tableau Public”. Then, select the extension you want to add. 

Viz Extensions

Viz Extensions open up a world of new visualization possibilities within your Tableau Public worksheets, whether you're looking to introduce new chart types or enhance your data exploration capabilities, Viz Extensions provide the tools to push the boundaries of what you can visualize.

Adding a Viz Extension is as simple as selecting it from the Marks Card in your worksheet.

Integrating Tableau Exchange in Tableau Public

We're thrilled to introduce a new spotlight feature on the Tableau Public homepage which highlights popular extensions. This integration makes it easier than ever for users to explore and learn about the available extensions that can elevate their data storytelling. By showcasing these powerful tools, we aim to inspire the Tableau Public community to push the boundaries of what’s possible and continue shaping best data storytelling practices with innovative analytics features and tools.

What’s beyond the horizon?

We remain committed to launching new extensions that will drive innovation within our community, while also expanding access to existing extensions for Tableau Public users. Additionally, we're exploring options to make it easier for the DataFam to contribute to Tableau Exchange without needing to become an official Tableau partner.

Interested in learning more about extensions?

• Use Dashboard Extensions
• Add Viz Extensions to Your Worksheet
• Trailhead: Discover Viz Extensions