02.04 Layout - Assymetry: Hiding Columns, Reordering and adding Whitespace
As we discussed previously in the section on Pivoting Across, there is a multiplying effect in the Across Axis, to control this, one sometimes needs to be able to hide unwanted columns.
Here is a video, or read below - don't forget the exercises at the bottom!
Hiding Columns
So, there is a multiplying effect in the Across Axis , when you have more than one dimension across each with more than one selection.
For example if we have these dimensions across: Year, Period and Measures.
With these members selected
“2022” and “2021” in the “Fiscal Year” dimension,
and “Period 1”, “Period 2” and “Period 3” in the “Fiscal Period” dimension
and “Actual”, “Budget” & “Variance” from the “Measures” dimension
we get the following 18 columns of value data:
By default, every combination of selected members in each of the across dimensions has its own column.
However, the likelihood, is that many of these columns are of no interest. Does the user still care what last year’s budget was, or it’s variance from last year's actual?
What you would probably want to see for the above would be:
or even
The ability to hide columns to produce an irregular, or asymmetric set of columns, is known as asymmetric reporting.
There are a number of ways of hiding columns in the across axis
Right click on the column header in the grid and select “Hide Column”
or, open the “Rows / Columns” dialog and go to the second tab. There, the user will see all the columns in the report, each of which has a “Hide” checkbox. The user can then tick the boxes for the columns they wish to hide. This is essentially the same approach as (1)
or, the third tab of the “Rows / Columns” dialog, allows the user to create rules to describe which columns should be shown. This is a little advanced to go through here, but there is more available on the topic from our in-built help system here.
Reordering Columns
The simplest way to reorder any column is to drag and drop it to the left or right in the grid.
Or use the 2nd tab of the “Rows / Columns” dialog
Down Axis Columns can also be re-ordered on the 1st tab
(An Across Axis Issue)
Reordered Across Axis columns will reset their position, if another dimension is subsequently pivoted in or out of the across axis.
For this reason, consider setting their position using the order of the items in the relevant across dimension filter, often the “Measures” dimension
Adding Whitespace
Report readability can often be enhanced through the use of whitepace columns.
These can be added by right clicking on a column and selecting "Add Whitespace" which will add a blank column to the right of the one clicked on.
The column can then be moved around, coloured and formatted just like any other.
Assymetry Exercises to come
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