Column Description when user hovers over it.

[itsmeanuj]

Hi Guys,

Is it possible to show in PBI the definition/description of each column name in the table visual if the User hovers over the column name?

Thanks,
Anuj

[mahenkj2]

Hi @itsmeanuj 

I just tried doing it and it looks like Power BI latest versions have a feature which can somewhat help you without much hassles. It may be less than perfect becuase it will list all the columns, and not the only one over which cursor hovers. 

1. Create a report page listing all column names and description. This will be used as a report tool tip

2. Select the visual.

3. In format secion, go to General/Header Icons/ Icons and there enable 'Help tooltip'  option

 

5. Here you select the page which is created in step 1.

6.This will create a ? symbol over the visual. If you over there, you can see that page.

Good thing is, you can even keep more information about that visual in report page create, so a small properly created report can be used.

Downside is, you have to create mjultiple reports tooltip, if you want to use for several visuals and each visual have different column names, but for critical visuals this may still be easier to implement.

Hope it helps!

[Greg_Deckler]

@itsmeanuj Hmm... Well, I vaguely remember this coming up a while ago. One solution, although not great, was to layer a blank button over top of the column header. You could then turn on Action and then Tooltip and use the tooltip to display the description.

[AndrewPF]

How about this?  Not ideal, but it may suffice. 

Create a custom legend (see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLON1j2SUK0 for details). 

Remove all other formatting in the new custom legend, and add the column description to the tooltips. 

This assumes that the column description is in a separate field.  If not, you will have to create a new table with just the column and column description. 

Then place the custom legend next to the table. 

[itsmeanuj]

@Greg_Deckler - If its not possible, then any other suggestion where user can see the definition of the column easily?