Microsoft Power BI is known for its amazing data visualization options that help the user extract valuable insights from random data. With the addition of the Analytics pane to the Power BI visualization elements, it now allows users to add dynamic reference lines to visuals for focusing on the more important areas of the displayed data such as trends or insights.

Here’s how usersshould beusing the Analytics pane in Power BI desktop for better results:

Using the pane, the users can create the below-listed dynamics reference lines:

• Y-Axis constant line

• Percentile line

• X-Axis constant line

• Average line

• Median line

• Symmetry shading

• Min& Max line

To view the dynamic reference lines,the userhas to do the following:

• Select or create the desired visual followed by selecting the Analytics option found in the Visualization area.

• Select the desired type of line to have more number of choices. Here, the user should click on the option ‘Average line’.

• For creating another line, select the option + Add and then they can name the line as desired by double-tapping the content box.

By doing the above, the user has all the available options for lines for which they can specify the color, transparency percentage, style, position, and data label. For specifying the visual measure to base the line upon, the user should click the Measure drop-down list. 

• If they wish to have any data label appear, they have to change the ‘Data label’ from Off to On, getting multiple additional options for the label.

• The number that’s displayed by the Average line in the pane indicates the dynamic lines that the user has on their visual and their types. If the user includes a Max line for the data displayed, the Analytics pane displays a Max line reference line connected to that visual.

• If in case the selected visual cannot accommodate any dynamic reference, the user sees the message suggesting the same on the Analytics sheet.

The user gets access to an extensive range of options to create reference lines that make Power BI Visualizations a handy feature for reporting and data analysis.

Applying Forecasting

The forecasting features of the pane can be applied if the user has time data on their data source. There are multiple options to calibrateaspects such as the Confidence interval, Forecast length, and others.

Limitations of Power BI Analytics Pane

The scope of using dynamic reference lines is determined by the visual type desired by the user. The following summation explains the limitations of using dynamic lines.

The x-axis and y-axis constant lines, and symmetry shading can be used onthe Scatter chart visual.

It’s possible to access the total utilization of the dynamic lines on the following visuals:

• Diffuse graph

• Line graph

• Zone graph

• Bunched column and bar graph

Only a constant line can be utilized in the visuals listed below

• Stacked Area chart

• 100% Stacked bar chart

• Stacked column chart

• Waterfall chart

• 100% Stacked column chart

• Stacked bar chart

At present, dynamic lines can’t be appliedto visuals including:

• Line and clustered column chart

• Ribbon chart

• Funnel

• Line and stacked column chart

• Non-Cartesian visuals (like Matrix, Pie chart, Donut chart, Gauge, and Table)

A smart application of the Analytics pane in Power BI visualization helps in effectively highlightingthe salient portions of the displayed data. The above-listed tips would help the user get the best out of the plethora of Analytics pane features.