standard order in table visual?

[mostho]

I use a a table visual with data from just one table. the columns have different types like text, percentage, integers, dates, .... I do not use an explicit order, i just tried different positions of the columns of the datatable in the visual.

now i have seen that my records in the visual are always sorted after one specific column (which is an integer-column) regardless of the position of the column in the visual. If I sort explicitly after another column it works as expected, but if I remove this order my records are again sorted after this one specifice column.

Is there a setting for this behaviour (which i didnt found already) or is there a description/documentation for the "standard order" of a table visual? my searches didnt give me the right resullts (maybe my search words were wrong), can someone guide me in the right direction?

[marcelsmaglhaes · Accepted solution]

Hi @mostho 

The behavior you're observing with the Power BI table visual is related to the default sorting behavior that Power BI applies when there is no explicit sorting order set by the user. By default, Power BI often tries to sort by integer or key columns, alphabetical or natural order, and even the column order in the data model.

As you mentioned, you can customize the sorting behavior by selecting a specific column. However, there is no explicit documentation detailing a "standard order" for Power BI tables. We have a guide for visualization developers, which provides insights into custom sorting and how to control it effectively.

Sorting options for Power BI visuals - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

[marcelsmaglhaes · Accepted solution]

Hi @mostho 

The behavior you're observing with the Power BI table visual is related to the default sorting behavior that Power BI applies when there is no explicit sorting order set by the user. By default, Power BI often tries to sort by integer or key columns, alphabetical or natural order, and even the column order in the data model.

As you mentioned, you can customize the sorting behavior by selecting a specific column. However, there is no explicit documentation detailing a "standard order" for Power BI tables. We have a guide for visualization developers, which provides insights into custom sorting and how to control it effectively.

Sorting options for Power BI visuals - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

[Ritaf1983]

Hi @mostho 

The question isn't very clear. You can sort the tables by any column you want, and the sorting is retained based on the last sort that was performed.

If the question is whether there is an option to generically set a table to be sorted by a specific column, the answer is - no.

If it's something else - maybe it's worth demonstrating with pictures or something like that so we can understand what you're trying to achieve and for what purpose

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

[mostho]

1. Take a table visual
2. Put some columns of (any) table of your model in this visual
3. Do not define a sort order
   
   
   

Question: In which order do you see the records in the table visual?

My observation is that the records are sorted in a specific order although i did not define a sort order. And i want to understand this bahaviour.

[Ritaf1983 · Accepted solution]

Hi @mostho  

When you drag the fields into a table visualization, the initial sorting is done according to the KEY / whole number column. The reason for this is an attempt to create some sort of logical order from the perspective of the 'engine. 

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