Data visualization tools : Tableau public vs Tableau desktop

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May 25, 2023

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Data visualization has become an integral part of decision-making in various industries. Tableau is a popular software tool that enables users to create interactive and insightful visualizations of their data. However, there are two versions of Tableau that you can use: Tableau Public and Tableau Desktop. In this article, we'll discuss the differences between Tableau Public and Tableau Desktop and help you determine which one you should choose.

Tableau public

Tableau Public is a free data visualization software that allows users to create interactive visualizations and publish them on the web. Here are some of the key features and benefits of Tableau Public:

  • Data connections: Tableau Public allows you to connect to a wide range of data sources, including spreadsheets, cloud-based data platforms, and web-based data. You can connect to multiple data sources and blend them together to create a more comprehensive view of your data.
  • Drag-and-drop interface: Tableau Public provides a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface that enables you to create interactive dashboards and visualizations without requiring any programming skills. You can quickly drag and drop data fields, select visualizations, and format your views with just a few clicks.
  • Visualizations: Tableau Public provides a wide range of visualization options, including bar charts, line charts, scatter plots, maps, treemaps, heat maps, and box plots. You can also create custom visualizations using Tableau Public's extensive library of visualization types.
  • Collaboration: Tableau Public enables you to publish and share your visualizations on the web, allowing you to collaborate with other users and share your work with a wider audience. You can also embed your visualizations in web pages or share them via email or social media.
  • Public data: Tableau Public provides access to a large collection of public data sources, allowing you to explore and analyze data from a variety of fields and industries.
  • Community: Tableau Public has a vibrant community of users who share their visualizations, insights, and best practices. You can access the Tableau Public Gallery to view and explore thousands of visualizations created by other users.
  • Mobile compatibility: Tableau Public provides a mobile app that enables you to access and interact with your visualizations on the go. You can also create mobile-optimized views using Tableau Public's device designer.

Tableau desktop

Tableau Desktop is an advanced data visualization software that provides powerful functionality for data analysis and visualization. It is a paid software that offers a plethora of features that enable users to extract insights from their data, create compelling visualizations, and share them with others. Here are some of the key features and benefits of Tableau Desktop:

  • Data connections: Tableau Desktop allows you to connect to a wide range of data sources, including spreadsheets, cloud-based data platforms, and web-based data. You can connect to multiple data sources and blend them together to create a more comprehensive view of your data.
  • Drag-and-drop interface: Tableau Desktop provides a drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy to create interactive dashboards and visualizations without requiring any programming skills. You can quickly drag and drop data fields, select visualizations, and format your views with just a few clicks.
  • Advanced analytics: Tableau Desktop provides advanced analytics and modeling capabilities, including forecasting, clustering, and regression analysis. You can also create complex calculations and custom data models using Tableau Desktop's advanced formula language.
  • Visualizations: Tableau Desktop provides a wide range of visualization options, including bar charts, line charts, scatter plots, maps, treemaps, heat maps, and box plots. You can also create custom visualizations using Tableau Desktop's extensive library of visualization types.
  • Collaboration: Tableau Desktop enables you to publish and share visualizations to Tableau Server or Tableau Online, allowing you to collaborate with other users and share your visualizations with a wider audience. You can also share your visualizations via email, and social media, or embed them in web pages.
  • Security: Tableau Desktop provides enterprise-grade security features, including encryption and user authentication, to ensure that your data is secure. You can also control access to your data and visualizations using Tableau Desktop's security settings.
  • Customization: Tableau Desktop allows you to customize your visualizations and dashboards using a wide range of formatting and design options. You can also create custom themes and templates to make your visualizations look more professional and consistent.
  • Mobile compatibility: Tableau Desktop provides a mobile app that enables you to access and interact with your visualizations on the go. You can also create mobile-optimized views using Tableau Desktop's device designer.

Comparison of Tableau public and Tableau desktop

Here are some key differences between Tableau Public and Tableau Desktop:

Feature Tableau Public Tableau Desktop
Price Free Paid
Data sources Limited Wide range
Data blending Not available Available
Export data Limited Unlimited
Advanced analytics Limited Advanced
Sharing visualizations Public Only Public and Private

Choosing between Tableau Public and Tableau Desktop largely depends on your data visualization needs. If you need basic data visualization functionality and want to share your visualizations with a large audience, Tableau Public may be the right choice for you.

On the other hand, if you require advanced functionality for data analysis and visualization and need to collaborate with a team, Tableau Desktop may be the better choice.

FAQs : Frequently asked questions

Is Tableau Public free to use?

Yes, Tableau Public is free to use and allows you to create interactive visualizations and publish them on the web without any cost

Can I connect Tableau Public to multiple data sources?

Yes, Tableau Public allows you to connect to various data sources such as spreadsheets, cloud-based platforms, and web-based data, enabling you to blend multiple data sources together for comprehensive insights.

What are the key advantages of Tableau Desktop over Tableau Public?

Tableau Desktop offers advanced analytics, data blending, unlimited data export, enhanced security features, and the ability to share visualizations publicly and privately, making it suitable for more complex data analysis and collaboration.

Can I collaborate with others using Tableau Public?

Yes, Tableau Public facilitates collaboration by allowing you to publish and share your visualizations on the web. You can also embed them in web pages, share via email or social media, and benefit from the Tableau Public community.

Does Tableau Public provide mobile compatibility?

Yes, Tableau Public provides a mobile app that allows you to access and interact with your visualizations on the go. Additionally, you can create mobile-optimized views using the device designer feature.

What are the main differences in pricing between Tableau Public and Tableau Desktop?

Tableau Public is free to use, while Tableau Desktop is a paid software. Tableau Desktop offers more advanced features and functionalities but requires a license fee for usage.

 

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