Power BI Dynamic Chart Tiles Using Bookmarks and Buttons
Table of Contents
Introduction
Today’s dashboard is no longer a static report; it is an interactive storytelling platform. One of the best methods to add interactivity to Microsoft Power BI is by creating Dynamic Chart Tiles using Bookmarks and Buttons.
Power BI dynamic chart tiles make it possible for users to switch between various views (such as Revenue and Profit) without having to switch the pages of the report. In this blog, you will learn how to create dynamic chart tiles using bookmarks, actions, and navigation buttons.
For more insights on enhancing Power BI interactivity and training ChatGPT on your Power BI data model, check out our blog: How to Train ChatGPT on Your Power BI Data Model Using DAX Studio
What Are Dynamic Chart Tiles
Dynamic Chart Tiles are interactive objects that make it possible for users to switch between various views of a report (for example, Revenue and Profit) using buttons. Instead of displaying multiple objects on multiple pages, you create a seamless navigation experience.
This method is widely used for:
- Switching between KPIs (Revenue, Profit, Sales, Cost).
- Switching between charts.
- Tab-style navigation.
- Simplifying the dashboard.
Dataset Used
For this demonstration, we are using a simple sales dataset that contains:
- Products.
- Revenue.
- Profit.
- Category (optional).
- Revenue represents the total sales generated by each product.
- Profits represent net earnings after deducting costs.
This dataset allows us to compare financial performance by product and dynamically switch between Revenue and Profit metrics.
What We Are Building
We will build:
- A bar chart showing values by Product.
- A KPI card displaying total Revenue or Profit.
- Two buttons:
- Revenue.
- Profit.
- Bookmark-based navigation to switch views.
When a user clicks:
- Revenue→ The chart updates to show Revenue by Product.
- Profit→ The chart updates to show Profit by Product.
This creates a seamless toggle effect without duplicating visuals.
Want to learn more about Bookmarks? Check out our blog: Everything You Need to Know About Power BI Bookmarks
Step-by-Step: Creating Dynamic Chart Tiles
Step 1: Create Bookmarks
To set Dynamic Chart Tiles:
- Download and open the Power BI file (Dynamic Chart) from the link provided below and follow the step-by-step instructions to practice.
- Click on the View Tab from the Ribbon Menu.
- Open the Revenue page.
- Click on Bookmarks from the Show Panes Section.
- In the Bookmarks Pane, click Add.
- Rename Bookmark to Revenue.
- Click on Profit from the Pages Tab at the bottom.
- Click Add again in the Bookmark pane.
- Rename Bookmark to Profit.
- Close the Bookmark Pane.
At this point, you have created two saved states:
- Revenue view
- Profit view
Step 2: Assign Bookmark Actions to Buttons
11. Click on the Revenue from the Pages Tab.
12. Select the Revenue Button, Turn on the Actions toggle.
13. From the Type dropdown menu, select Bookmark.
An option for a bookmark is displayed.
14. In the Bookmark dropdown menu, select Revenue.
15. Select the Profit button and turn on the Actions toggle. Select Bookmark from the Type dropdown.
16. From the Bookmark dropdown, select Profit.
Figure 4: Dashboard opens with Revenue view by default; with profit button you can instantly switch to Profit page using bookmark-driven actions in a clean and modern layout.
Step 3: Add a Back Button (Optional Navigation)
17. Now Click the Profit page in the Pages Tab.
18. Click on the Insert Tab in the Ribbon Menu.
19. Choose Buttons→ Click Back.
20. Navigate back to the Revenue Page.
21. To test on desktop, hold Ctrl + Click on the button.
Now your dashboard behaves dynamically, clicking Revenue or Profit switches views instantly.
Why Use Dynamic Chart Tiles
- Cleaner Dashboards
Instead of duplicating visuals, you toggle between states.
- Better User Experience
Users can explore insights without switching pages manually.
- Professional Report Design
It gives your dashboard a tab-style layout like web apps.
- Reduced Visual Clutter
You avoid overcrowding one page with too many visuals.
Best Practices for Dynamic Tiles
- Keep bookmark names clear (Revenue_View, Profit_View).
- Disable “Data” option in bookmarks if you don’t want filters saved.
- Use consistent button styling.
- Add visual indicators (colour change for active tab).
- Group related visuals before creating bookmarks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to update bookmark after changes.
- Saving unwanted filters inside bookmarks.
- Not testing with Ctrl + Click.
- Overusing bookmarks makes the report complex.
When Should You Use This Technique
Dynamic chart tiles are ideal when:
- You want a KPI toggle (Revenue vs Profit vs Sales).
- You need interactive dashboards for executives.
- You want to minimize report pages.
- You are building a professional portfolio project.
Advanced Enhancement Ideas
You can enhance dynamic tiles by:
- Using selection pane for layered visuals.
- Adding animations using fade transitions.
- Combining with conditional formatting.
- Creating metric comparison toggles (Actual vs Target).
Conclusion
Dynamic Chart Tiles in Microsoft Power BI help turn static dashboards into dynamic analysis tools. With the help of bookmarks and button clicks, you can achieve seamless KPI transitions, declutter your reports, and create professional app-style dashboards.
This method is most effective for executive dashboards and performance analysis reports. When working on advanced dashboards, learning about bookmarks and dynamic interactions is a crucial skill to possess.
FAQs
A Bookmark saves the current state of a report page including visuals, filters, and visibility settings.
In Power BI Desktop, buttons require Ctrl + Click to trigger actions. In Power BI Service, a normal click works.
Yes. You can layer visuals and use bookmarks to show/hide them on a single page.
Yes, if the “Data” option is enabled in the bookmark settings.
Extended Learning & References
For more in-depth learning and advanced Power BI training, enrol in
- Microsoft 365 Copilot Training Courses – Practical Learning for Modern Work
- Power BI Advanced Training Course.
- Power BI Report Design
- Power BI Essentials
- Power BI DAX Essentials
- Power BI Service Course
Here, you can access detailed courses and resources designed to enhance your Power BI skills and take your reporting capabilities to the next level.
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