- Go to your 'Documents' folder on your device and open 'My Tableau Repository'.
- From the list of folders, open the 'Shapes' folder.
- Create a new folder where you can store your custom shapes.
- Save your custom shapes here. Make sure your files are in 'PNG format' and have a transparent background.
- Open Tableau, then on your worksheet change the mark type to 'Shape' in the Marks card.
- On the Marks card, choose 'Shape' and click 'More Shapes'.
- The Edit Shape dialog box will appear. Under 'Select Shape Palette', open the dropdown list, choose 'Custom shapes', and click 'OK'.
- Select the custom shape you want to use, then click 'OK'.
- Your worksheet will now display the chart using your custom shapes.
How to Add Custom Shapes in Tableau
Use this interactive demo to learn how to add custom shapes in Tableau.
📌 Why this matters
Custom shapes transform generic data points into meaningful visual elements that instantly communicate your message. Instead of relying on standard circles or squares, you can use icons that represent your actual data—planes for flight routes, buildings for real estate, or product logos for sales analysis. This visual encoding reduces cognitive load for viewers, making patterns and insights immediately recognizable. Your dashboards become self-explanatory storytelling tools rather than abstract charts requiring interpretation, leading to faster decision-making and stronger audience engagement.
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