Tableau simplifies the implementation of filters and parameters, making it easy to create dynamic dashboards. However, resetting these views to their original state can be surprisingly complex. While tableau does have a built in reset on filters, they must be individually clicked filter by filter. And the feature is lacking on parameters. The capability to reset all filters is not currently built in to Tableau. Below, we'll explore how to design a universal reset button that effectively clears both filters and parameters across your dashboard.
Below we have a dashboard that allows you to search through products in the superstore data, as well as refine the search by year. Download the workbook here.
In order to reset the view there are a couple things we have to do.
- Create a reset button
- In a calculated field called Reset write '', this blank string will trigger the parameter action to reset the filters and parameters. Place the calculated field on text.
- In a separate sheet create a reset button by putting the Avg(1) on rows. Create a calculated field called reset image that contains the text ‘Reset’ and place it on text. Change the text alignment to middle center.
- Build your dashboard and add the reset button. Floating above the reset button float the sheet that contains the empty string. Users will actually be clicking the sheet that contains the empty string, the reset button is hidden below to indicate to click here. Turn the background off on the sheet that contains the empty string.
- Fix the highlight function on the reset button
- You’ll notice that when you click the reset button it’ll highlight itself blue and you’ll need to click it twice in order to actually make it work. In order to get around this create a boolean parameter called Dont Select.
- Add a parameter action for the highlight
- Add it for the filter as well
- Add the parameter action and filter action that are activated by clicking on the sheet
You now have a functional reset button!
