topic Re: How to set default Padding = 0 and turn off Background in Visual Format (Power BI)? in Developer

How to set default Padding = 0 and turn off Background in Visual Format (Power BI)?

DavidAnthony — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 02:38:48 GMT

Hi everyone,

I'm currently developing a custom visual for Power BI, and I want to configure the default settings for the visual when it's added to a report.

Specifically, I want to:

Set the default Padding (under format > general > padding) to 0 px on all sides.

Set the default Background (under format > effects > background) to Off by default.

I’m looking for a way to override the default format panel values when the visual is first inserted.

Is there a way to control these defaults in a custom visual?

Any guidance or example on how to set these initial values (via capabilities.json, visual.ts, or other metadata) would be greatly appreciated.

I've attached screenshots of the settings I'm trying to control.

Thanks in advance!

Re: How to set default Padding = 0 and turn off Background in Visual Format (Power BI)?

v-tejrama — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 10:12:53 GMT

Hi @DavidAnthony ,
Thanks for reaching out to the Microsoft Fabric Community forum.

It seems you are trying to build a custom Power BI visual and wants to control the default formatting settings that appear in the visual’s format pane when it's first inserted into a report. Specifically, you are trying to set all padding values to 0 px and turn off the background by default.

You are looking for a way to define these initial format defaults either through capabilities.json, visual.ts, or other config which is the right way, so the visual loads with their preferred formatting without the user needing to change it manually.

In order to achieve this you can go through the below documents:
About format pane and formatting model in Power BI custom visuals - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

Capabilities and properties of Power BI visuals - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

Add formatting options to a Power BI custom visual - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

Customize the format pane in Power BI custom visuals - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

Thank you.

Re: How to set default Padding = 0 and turn off Background in Visual Format (Power BI)?

dm-p — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 21:48:05 GMT

Hi @DavidAnthony,

The main window owns the common visual container properties (everything in the 'General' menu) and cannot be accessed by the visual (either reading or writing). Custom visuals only have access to two properties under the general object: filter and formatString (which have specific use cases).

The only way to override these is to create a report JSON theme with the appropriate defaults.

If you want these available to custom visuals, I suggest making a feature request.

Regards,

Daniel

Re: How to set default Padding = 0 and turn off Background in Visual Format (Power BI)?

v-tejrama — Sat, 12 Jul 2025 04:51:41 GMT

Hi @DavidAnthony ,

I wanted to check if you had the opportunity to review the information provided. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.

Thank you.

Re: How to set default Padding = 0 and turn off Background in Visual Format (Power BI)?

v-tejrama — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 08:50:41 GMT

Hi @DavidAnthony ,

I wanted to follow up and see if you had a chance to review the information shared. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, feel free to reach out.

Thank you.

Re: How to set default Padding = 0 and turn off Background in Visual Format (Power BI)?

v-tejrama — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 10:04:00 GMT

Hi @DavidAnthony ,

Just checking in have you been able to resolve this issue? If so, it would be greatly appreciated if you could mark the most helpful reply accordingly. This helps other community members quickly find relevant solutions.

Thank you.