Tableau Desktop is a data visualization software. Researchers use it to create static or interactive infographic views of datasets, present and share them in different ways: in print, via social media, and embed in blog and website.

Getting Tableau software

 Tableau Public is a free limited version of Tableau Desktop for users to create and share visualization online. As soon as a workbook is published to Tableau Public, the visualization is accessible by anyone on the internet, so be sure to only use data that is suitable for a public audience. 

SFU services and support for Tableau and visual analytics

The SFU Library Research Commons offers an introductory workshop that orients users to Tableau. If you are interested in booking a workshop for your class or research group, please email research-commons@sfu.ca.

Tableau consultations are typically 30 - 60 minutes and are available to researchers from any discipline. To book a consultation, please email research-commons@sfu.ca. 

Upcoming workshops and registration

Resources for learning Tableau

Resources from Tableau

• Tutorial with screenshots: Tableau Starter Kits
• Watch free training videos
• Register to attend live online training
• Learn best practices for different tasks and analysis topics in the Tableau Whitepapers collection
• Search the Tableau Knowledge Base for quick answers
• Ask questions on the Tableau Community Forums

Further resources

• Here is a list of ebooks on Tableau from the SFU Library
• Data Visualization for All is an open-access textbook that shows you how to create interactive charts and graphs for the web
• George Mason University Libraries has a comprehensive guide on data visualization
• Alberto Cairo is an experienced data visualization journalist and designer -- check out his blog.