UNICHAR() in Power BI: Creating and Using Unichar Characters
Table of Contents
Introduction
UNICHAR() in Power BI is a powerful function used to enhance dashboards by using symbols and icons to convey more information visually. It helps make the reports easier for non-technical viewers to understand the key insights.
What is Unichar() Function?
Unichar characters enhance visualization by displaying symbols that convey more information. In Power BI, UNICHAR() function is used for displaying these symbols.
UNICHAR() in Power BI Syntax:
For example:
UNICHAR ( 10004 )
This returns ✔ (checkmark symbol).
Creating a UNICHAR Symbol
To create a star Unichar symbol, you need to follow the following steps in the exercise file provided at the end of this blogpost.
Step 1: Create a New Measure
- Right click on Sales in the Data Pane or click on three dots given on the right side.
- Click on New measure.
3. Create a new measure Star Ratings. Write the following code:
Star Ratings =
REPT ( UNICHAR ( 9733 ), AVERAGE ( Sales[User Rating] ) )
Here, following functions are used for creating Star Ratings Column:
- REPT() function repeats a specific character a specified number of times. Here, it is used to repeat the star symbol.
- UNICHAR() is used for the Unicode star (★).
- AVERAGE() is used to calculate the number of stars based on the average user rating.
Learn more about AVERGAGE() function in our blogpost: Basic DAX Functions: MIN(), MAX() and AVERAGE()
Step 2: Create a Table Visualization
4. Click on the Table visualization in the Visualizations Pane and create a table on a new blank page.
5. Drag and drop the Product Line, Product Cost from Products Table to the Table Columns. Also, drag Quantity Sold and Star Rating from Sales Table to Columns field in the Visualizations Pane.
Output Result
Notice the stars in the output.
The number of stars in the star rating column shows the average user rating for the product line.
Learn more about Tables and Matrix in our blogpost: Power BI Table vs Matrix: Which One Works Best for Your Data?
Want to learn more about Power BI and how to make reports more efficiently? Sign up for our training courses and explore our wide range of resources designed to elevate your data analytics capabilities.
Other Useful Unichar Characters
The table below lists some other unichar characters that you can use to enhance your visualisation skills.
| Code | Character | Symbol |
| 128681 | Flag | 🚩 |
| 33 | Exclamation Mark | ! |
| 11035 | Black Square | ⬛ |
| 11036 | White Square | ⬜ |
| 9899 | Black Circle | ● |
| 9898 | White Circle | ○ |
| 9680 | Half Black Circle | ◐ |
| 128200 | Chart Increasing | 📈 |
| 128201 | Chart Decreasing | 📉 |
| 128077 | Thumbs Up | 👍 |
| 128078 | Thumbs Down | 👎 |
| 128316 | Red Increasing Arrow | 🔺 |
| 128315 | Red Decreasing Arrow | 🔻 |
Tips for Using UNICHAR() in Power BI
- Conditional Symbols: When you combine conditional logic with UNICHAR(), you can show status changes or performance trends.
For instance:
Sales Trend =
IF ( Sales[Revenue] > Sales[Target], UNICHAR ( 128200 ), UNICHAR ( 128201 ) )
This code will display 📈 for targets above and 📉 for targets below.
- Dashboard Storytelling: You can use symbols in your dashboard to help the audience follow the story as they view the data.
- Interactive Visuals: You can also use UNICHAR symbols in tooltips, slicers, or custom visuals to provide interactive feedback.
Want to learn more about Conditional Formatting in Power BI? Check out our blog: Conditional Formatting in Power BI using Data Bars and Icons
Best Practices
- Make sure your font is compatible with the Unicode symbols.
- Utilize symbols in moderations to ensure clarity.
- Perform a test run of your dashboard on a non-technical person to ensure if the symbols convey the meaning.
- You can pair UNICHAR symbols with data labels and colors to improve readability.
Conclusion
Using UNICHAR() in Power BI allows you to present the rather complex data visually through everyday symbols like stars, arrows, circles, and icons. This practice not only makes your dashboard more intuitive and visually appealing but also helps in communicating insights to a non-technical stakeholder. Using Unicode characters in your dashboards and reports can make them highly engaging and easily understandable visual narratives.
FAQs
Yes, but make sure the font used in your visuals supports the symbol. Some Unicode characters may not display correctly in certain fonts.
Yes, you can use UNICHAR characters in slicers and filters to make selections visually intuitive.
Yes, UNICHAR symbols display correctly in Power BI mobile reports, but ensure the chosen symbols are supported across devices and fonts.
Further Learning and Resources
To learn more about Power BI, check out our courses here:
- Power BI Essentials
- Power BI Report Design
- Power BI Advanced
- Power BI DAX Essentials
- Power BI Service Course
- ChatGPT Essentials
Want to learn how Microsoft 365 Copilot transforms everyday work with AI? Check out our Course:
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Contact Us: Make an enquiry about our Power BI courses and find the proper training for you.
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