Forum Discussion
Control Individual Data Labels in Power BI May 2025 Version?
Hi Anonymous,
You are absolutely right on several key points like power BI doesn’t let you add multiple independent series directly to a scatter plot like you would in a line or bar chart, the scatter plot requires a single X and Y axis field, and everything else must be grouped via "Legend" or other fields. You're also correct that calculated columns are static and won’t update based on slicers only measures respond dynamically to slicer input.
That said, you can achieve the two-series overlay effect with data labels shown only on selected points by using a combined table + measures (which is slicer compatible).
First add a column to your table to identify “Label Me” points. You can use this either manually or based on logic (e.g., "Top 5", selected category, etc.). Like "ShowLabel = IF('Table'[Category] IN VALUES('LabelSelector'[Category]), 1, 0)", this assumes you have a slicer table (LabelSelector) that lets users pick which categories to label.
Now create two measures for X and Y axes. One for all points (unlabeled), one for just labeled points.
X_All = MAX('Table'[X])
Y_All = MAX('Table'[Y])X_Label = IF(MAX('Table'[ShowLabel]) = 1, MAX('Table'[X]), BLANK())
Y_Label = IF(MAX('Table'[ShowLabel]) = 1, MAX('Table'[Y]), BLANK())Now use a combined table visual trick. Add a scatter plot using X_All and Y_All, and turn off labels. Then overlay a second scatter plot using X_Label and Y_Label, and turn on data labels for this series.
You’ll need to create two separate scatter visuals, then layer them (align carefully using the Format pane -> General -> Position & Size).
Then use a slicer to control labeling. Hook up your slicer to control which values are flagged in the ShowLabel column. Since that drives the X_Label and Y_Label measures, only selected points will appear with labels in the overlay visual.
Try this method as it works well visually and keeps the interaction dynamic slicer selections update the labeled points in real time.
Best Regards,
Hammad.
Hi Anonymous,
Thanks for reaching out to the Microsoft fabric community forum.
As of the May 2025 version of Power BI, scatter plots still do not support selectively enabling data labels per point through built-in controls or conditional logic. The Data label toggle is at the series level, so it's either all points or none.
Unfortunately, things like conditional formatting, calculated columns/measures, or slicers currently don’t influence individual data label visibility in scatter plots. We know it seems like a simple feature, and many users (like yourself) expect it to be available.
That said, here’s a workaround that might help achieve a similar effect. Create a second series in your scatter plot that only includes the points you want to label now add both series to the scatter plot, one for the full dataset without labels and one for just the selected points with labels turned on. Npw use a calculated table or DAX logic to split the data into these two groups, based on your selection criteria (you could even make this dynamic with a slicer).
This gives you visual control over which points have labels, even if it’s technically through multiple series rather than per-point label toggles.
If you’ve seen older videos with what looks like this functionality, chances are they used this or a similar method, or a custom visual with different capabilities.
I would also take a moment to thank ToddChitt, for actively participating in the community forum and for the solutions you’ve been sharing in the community forum. Your contributions make a real difference.
If I misunderstand your needs or you still have problems on it, please feel free to let us know.
Best Regards,
Hammad.
Community Support Team
If this post helps then please mark it as a solution, so that other members find it more quickly.
Thank you.
Hi Anonymous,
As we haven’t heard back from you, so just following up to our previous message. I'd like to confirm if you've successfully resolved this issue or if you need further help.
If yes, you are welcome to share your workaround and mark it as a solution so that other users can benefit as well. If you find a reply particularly helpful to you, you can also mark it as a solution.
If you still have any questions or need more support, please feel free to let us know. We are more than happy to continue to help you.
Thank you for your patience and look forward to hearing from you.