can matrices have heading info that isnt contained in the matrix but is in the data?

[db042190]

Hi I tried reading the article at https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/visuals/desktop-matrix-visual but it assumed i already knew what it claimed it was going to teach me.  When it comes to deciding between a pbi paginated vs pbi desktop matrix visual i get a little perplexed.  my head moves toward paginated when certain data items dont even belong in the matrix.

here is an example.  we make a Widget for Acme Corp.   The report needs to shows the steps involved in making a widget.  Step 1 might be melting the metal and that would show on row 1 with other info related to step 1.  Step 2 might be shaping the molten metal etc etc.  I might want to show "Acme" as the customer once above the matrix.  And the part name "Widget" up top as well.  I dont want either to display even once in the matrix.   this is easy in report builder.   i dont see how to do this with the matrix viz in pbi.  i wouldnt mind if the dataset repeated the customer and part.

[db042190 · Accepted solution]

yes, and i didnt even need to creatre a separate query.  somehow pbi knows or defaults in a multiple row card to showing just distinct values from your query without a hierarchy.  i created such a card and moved the entire card above the matrix.  by using the format icon, i was able to get at fonts etc separately for both the labels (they show under the values and might be called categories) and values (they may be called callouts).  pbi adds  these items horizontally to your card until it runs out of room and needs to wrap to the next line.