Question

How do I create a paginated report that dynamically adjusts based on user selections?

I need to create a Power BI paginated report that dynamically adjusts to reflect user selections such as filters or slicers. The report should update the data displayed and adjust the layout to accommodate different selections, like varying row counts or categories. What is the best approach to ensure that the paginated report adapts to dynamic user inputs?

Answer 1

To create a dynamic Power BI paginated report that adjusts based on user selections (e.g., filters or slicers), follow these steps:

1. Set Up Parameters:

   • Create parameters in Power BI Report Builder for user inputs like region or date range. These parameters can be multi-value or single-value, and users will select them when running the report.

   • Use the parameters in your dataset queries to filter data (e.g., WHERE Region IN (@Region)).

2. Adjust Layout:

   • Use tables or matrices, which automatically adjust row counts based on the filtered data.

   • Set conditional visibility for elements to show or hide based on parameter values (e.g., hide a chart if no category is selected).

3. Apply Filters:

   • Apply filters directly to tables, charts, or matrixes based on the parameters. For example, use expressions to filter data between a selected date range.

4. Handle Pagination:

   • Insert page breaks for different sections (e.g., categories) using group properties to ensure proper layout.

   • Adjust dynamic page layouts by using expressions to change the size or visibility of report elements based on data size.

5. Test and Deploy:

   • Preview the report to ensure it behaves as expected with different user selections.

   • Deploy the report to Power BI Service or Report Server for user interaction.