Skip to main content
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

The Power BI Data Visualization World Championships is back! Get ahead of the game and start preparing now! Learn more

Reply
Spurgeon74
Frequent Visitor

Ruler in Power BI?

I have a report with several x-y charts. Is it possible to insert a movable ruler to visually compare data points?

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION
grazitti_sapna
Super User
Super User

Hi @Spurgeon74 ,

Power BI doesn't have a built-in feature for adding a movable ruler directly to visualizations like x-y charts. However, you can achieve a similar effect by using a combination of shapes and slicers. Here’s how you can create a workaround to visually compare data points:

  • Option 1: Using Shapes
    • Add a Shape:
      • Go to the Home tab, select Shapes, and choose a line or rectangle shape.
      • Draw it over your x-y chart to represent the ruler.
    • Format the Shape:
      • Adjust the thickness, color, and transparency as needed to make it look like a ruler.
    • Manual Adjustment:
      • You can manually move the shape to the desired position to compare data points. However, this won't be interactive or movable in real-time.
  • Option 2: Using Slicers and Reference Lines
    • Add a Slicer:
      • Create a slicer based on one of the numerical axes in your chart (e.g., the x-axis values).
      • This allows users to select specific values to focus on while visually comparing data points.
    • Add a Reference Line (if applicable):
      • If you’re using certain visuals (like line charts), you can add reference lines to mark specific values on your charts for easier comparison.
  • Option 3: Create a Custom Visual
    • If you're looking for more advanced functionality:
      • Look for Custom Visuals: There are custom visuals available in the Power BI marketplace that might offer ruler-like features or enhanced comparison tools.


Conclusion
While Power BI doesn’t support a movable ruler natively, using shapes or slicers can help you visually compare data points effectively. If you need more interactivity, consider exploring custom visuals in the marketplace.

If I have resolved your question, please consider marking my post as a solution🎉. Thank you!

View solution in original post

2 REPLIES 2
Idrissshatila
Super User
Super User

Hello @Spurgeon74 ,

 

what do you mean by movable ruler, can you please explain.



Did I answer your question? Mark my post as a solution! Appreciate your Kudos
Follow me on LinkedIn linkedIn
Vote for my Community Mobile App Idea

Proud to be a Super User!




grazitti_sapna
Super User
Super User

Hi @Spurgeon74 ,

Power BI doesn't have a built-in feature for adding a movable ruler directly to visualizations like x-y charts. However, you can achieve a similar effect by using a combination of shapes and slicers. Here’s how you can create a workaround to visually compare data points:

  • Option 1: Using Shapes
    • Add a Shape:
      • Go to the Home tab, select Shapes, and choose a line or rectangle shape.
      • Draw it over your x-y chart to represent the ruler.
    • Format the Shape:
      • Adjust the thickness, color, and transparency as needed to make it look like a ruler.
    • Manual Adjustment:
      • You can manually move the shape to the desired position to compare data points. However, this won't be interactive or movable in real-time.
  • Option 2: Using Slicers and Reference Lines
    • Add a Slicer:
      • Create a slicer based on one of the numerical axes in your chart (e.g., the x-axis values).
      • This allows users to select specific values to focus on while visually comparing data points.
    • Add a Reference Line (if applicable):
      • If you’re using certain visuals (like line charts), you can add reference lines to mark specific values on your charts for easier comparison.
  • Option 3: Create a Custom Visual
    • If you're looking for more advanced functionality:
      • Look for Custom Visuals: There are custom visuals available in the Power BI marketplace that might offer ruler-like features or enhanced comparison tools.


Conclusion
While Power BI doesn’t support a movable ruler natively, using shapes or slicers can help you visually compare data points effectively. If you need more interactivity, consider exploring custom visuals in the marketplace.

If I have resolved your question, please consider marking my post as a solution🎉. Thank you!

Helpful resources

Announcements
Power BI DataViz World Championships

Power BI Dataviz World Championships

The Power BI Data Visualization World Championships is back! Get ahead of the game and start preparing now!

December 2025 Power BI Update Carousel

Power BI Monthly Update - December 2025

Check out the December 2025 Power BI Holiday Recap!

FabCon Atlanta 2026 carousel

FabCon Atlanta 2026

Join us at FabCon Atlanta, March 16-20, for the ultimate Fabric, Power BI, AI and SQL community-led event. Save $200 with code FABCOMM.