How to format Column Header when using Display Parameter

[mbudiman]

Hello,

I am using "Display Parameter" to dynamically display Measures only when it contains value (not blank) in the Matrix table. I need to set different font color, font background, bold the font for the Measure column. When using "Display Parameter", all Measure columns are combined as 1 column when using PowerBI 'Specific Column' formatting. 

What is the solution to achieve the following desired result ? There are 2 column hiearchy in the Matrix column : Fiscal_Qtr and 'Display Measure' created using Display parameter.

1. To dynamically set background color to yellow for current Fiscal Qtr (condition : Qtr_Seq_No = 0)

2. To set Variant Qty with yellow background, red and bold font

3. To set Forecast and Forecast Amount in green and bold font

Here is my pbix sample. Display Parameter format.pbix

How

[v-veshwara-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @mbudiman ,
Just wanted to check if the responses provided were helpful. If further assistance is needed, please reach out.

Also if you have submitted an idea in the Ideas Portal, please feel free to share the link here so others in the community can upvote it. With enough support, Microsoft may consider it for future implementation.

Thank you.

[mbudiman]

hi Veshwara,

Thank you for checking out. I have no further question since the feature is not supported. 

[v-veshwara-msft]

Hi @mbudiman ,

Thanks for reaching out to Microsoft Fabric Community.

As @Ritaf1983  mentioned, Power BI currently does not support individual formatting for column headers in a matrix visual.

All formatting applied to the column header is uniform because the measures are combined into a single column element.

As an alternative, you can create separate measures for each value you want to display instead of using a Display Parameter. Add these measures individually to the matrix, which allows you to format each measure’s header independently using the Format pane’s Specific Column option, including background color, font color, or text colour. 

Another option is to use external or custom visuals, such as Inforiver Matrix, which offer more flexible header and cell formatting.

Similar discussion: Conditional formatting on column header in a matri... - Microsoft Fabric Community

You can also support by upvoting the existing community idea on conditional formatting for column headers or create a new idea if needed.

Existing Ideas: Epic idea: Row and column headers enhancements - Microsoft Fabric Community

Conditional formatting in column header matrix - Microsoft Fabric Community

Thanks @Ritaf1983 for providing your valuable suggestions.

Hope this helps. Please reach out for further assistance.

Thank you.

[mbudiman]

hi @Ritaf1983 

Thank you for your reply. I am using color to highlight exception or kpi needing attention. My example pbix (thats it is called example) is not the actual visual to be presented for actual work. I am seeking advise on various techniques to set colum header when using Conditional Parameters, such as bold, background color, font color.

[Ritaf1983]

Hi again 🙂
The UX aspect is entirely up to you. I shared an explanation, tips, and an example—you can take it on board or not.
From the technical side, as I mentioned earlier, it’s currently not possible to combine Display Parameters with different formatting (bold, background, font color) for column headers in a matrix. The alternatives (community idea and external visuals) were already included in my previous reply.

If this post helps, then please consider Accepting it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly

[Ritaf1983]

Hi @mbudiman 

Technically, the functionality you are asking for does not exist in Power BI at the moment.
Because when using a display parameter the measures are combined into a single column header element inside Columns, both filtering and formatting of individual headers are not possible. Any formatting applied to the header is uniform.

There are a few alternatives you could explore:

You can support the community idea here and vote for it:

https://community.fabric.microsoft.com/t5/Fabric-Ideas/Conditional-formatting-in-column-header-matri...

You can also look at paid third-party visuals that offer much more flexible table styling, such as:

Inforiver Matrix

Zebra BI Tables

From a UX perspective:
In your screenshot, the matrix uses around six different colors. This creates very high cognitive load for the reader. On top of that, the logic of the colors is not self-explanatory, so they don’t really add value. Eventually, every extra element like colors, bold fonts, repeated dollar signs, etc. consumes attention and creates real eye strain.

I strongly recommend testing a cleaner approach:

Use light gray fonts for values.

Black or bold gray only for subtotal/summary headers.

Reserve strong colors only for the critical KPI (for example, highlight negative results in red).

Below is an example I prepared for one of my talks, showing how a busy, colorful table can be simplified into a clean version. I suggest you make the same experiment yourself—compare both versions and check in which one you can more quickly identify the issues that need attention. You may find that the clean approach is far more effective.

If this post helps, then please consider Accepting it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly