7 Best Resources to Learn Tableau [2024]

1. Official Tableau Training Resources

This is one of the more obvious and effective Tableau resources available. Tableau’s online training resources perfectly compile learning material to take your learning journey forward from day one. This option is excellent for those looking to get the most out of the tool, providing a host of support resources, training videos, and even a community to engage with, allowing you to learn in multiple ways to get the most out of your experience with Tableau. This resource is broken down into four primary sections:

• Video Tutorials: Gain access to various training videos that range from content creation to managing data effectively. What makes this better is that all of these videos are free.
• eLearning Courses: This section provides access to many self-paced learning courses and reading material. The access is unlimited and runs for an entire year.
• Getting Started Instructions: This section will depend on your role, from creation or exploring to being an admin managing and configuring the server, providing tips and guides to utilize the platform better.
• On-demand webinars: Apart from video tutorials, an additional section of hosted webinars provides more in-depth looks into the tool’s functionality and efficiency, giving you a better understanding of it.

2. Learning Through Youtube

If the Tableau learning resources and videos don’t quite cut it for you, there’s always the prospect of learning via YouTube. If you’re unaware, YouTube is home to many knowledge sources. Conducting a simple search will reveal a variety of channels dedicated to teaching everything you’ll need to know about Tableau, from beginner to intermediate topics.

Most of these channels are managed by independent users with years of industry experience. Many are bloggers who often host podcasts and interviews and provide the latest tool-related updates to keep you engaged and, more importantly, constantly learning.

3. Tableau Online Training

Sometimes, the best option is the more traditional route. Enrolling in a Tableau online training program can provide a more dedicated and organized learning environment at an affordable cost. Courses are a mainstay for those looking to make a positive impact in their careers.

What makes this prospect even more enticing is that organizations today always look for certified professionals who can add value to their workflow. Getting certified in Tableau Desktop is a great way to advance your career in data analytics. Most of these courses will cover the fundamentals, allowing you to learn how to build visualizations, organize data, and design and manage dashboards so that you can make more meaningful business decisions.

4. Informative Blogs

There’s certainly no shortage of bite-sized reading material available online. The Tableau community is vast, and you’ll likely find some excellent Tableau learning resources from publications or even independent authors. What’s great about this option is that it allows you to find resources dedicated to any particular challenge.

Most of the resources available can range from the more basic topics covering the difference between Excel and Tableau and some simple tips to keep in mind when starting with Tableau to more complex ones like data visualization examples and the different data types you typically encounter when using the platform. Regardless, the options available are limitless.

5. Books to Support

Books are invaluable for mastering Tableau, offering structured guidance and practical insights. Often containing step-by-step instructions, real-world examples, and expert tips, these Tableau resources provide a comprehensive approach to learning the platform’s features and functionalities, allowing you to enhance your data visualization skills and effectively communicate insights through impactful visualizations. If you’re serious about mastering Tableau and the fundamentals, here’s a list of a few books to consider:

• "Tableau Your Data!" by Dan Murray and Christian Chabot

A comprehensive guide perfect for beginners and intermediate users, offering a step-by-step approach to mastering Tableau's features and functionalities.

• "Learning Tableau" by Joshua N. Milligan

This book, geared towards beginners and intermediate users, offers practical exercises and real-world examples to help readers further understand Tableau and improve their data visualization skills.

• "Communicating Data with Tableau" by Ben Jones

Designed for intermediate to more advanced users, this book focuses on effectively communicating insights through data visualization using Tableau, covering design principles, storytelling techniques, and creating impactful visualizations.

6. Hands-on Practice Sessions

Additionally, exercises and sessions based on real-world scenarios are available to help you build your skill set and learn new and unique ways to engage with Tableau’s platform. Some include:

• Tableau Public:

Tableau Public allows users to create and share visualizations online for free. It provides access to an extensive gallery of public visualizations, offering inspiration and opportunities for professionals to explore.

• Makeover Monday:

This weekly social data project repository aims to improve data visualization skills. Participants receive a new weekly dataset to visualize using Tableau, allowing for practical application and community feedback.

• Viz of the Day:

A segment within Tableau Public it showcases exemplary visualizations created by Tableau users worldwide. Browsing through these visualizations provides exposure to diverse techniques, styles, and data visualization best practices.

7. Google

To say that everyone is overly reliant on Google would be an understatement. While many Tableau learning resources are available, many people sometimes forget that Google can also be an immediate answer to challenges. 

If you ever find yourself at an impasse when working on Tableau, simply type in the challenge you’re facing or what you wish to achieve so it can give a plethora of potential solutions. Another pro tip is copying over whatever error messages you see on the platform, and the search engine will provide you with the best possible explanation or solution. The searches can sometimes lead you to Tableau forums, which are often a source for any solution needed.

Tableau is a very compelling platform. Relying on the Tableau resources here can be a good starting point. Ensure you practice regularly, set realistic learning goals, and seek proper feedback. Making sense of chaos in data can be challenging, but with the right amount of dedication, you’ll be on your way to mastering this visualization tool in no time.

If you’re interested in mastering the art of visualization, enrolling in a Tableau certification course can be the first step toward taking your professional career to the next level.

FAQs

1. What is Tableau used for?

Tableau is a powerful data visualization tool used to analyze and present data visually compellingly. It helps users to gain insights, make data-driven decisions, and communicate findings effectively.

2. What are the three elements of Tableau?

Tableau's three main elements are Data Sources, Worksheets, and a Dashboard. A Data Source connects to the underlying data, Worksheets create visualizations, and a Dashboard combines multiple visualizations for a comprehensive view.

3. How can I practice Tableau for free?

You can practice Tableau for free by using Tableau Public, accessing official training videos from Tableau, participating in projects like Makeover Monday, and exploring exemplary visualizations in Viz of the Day.

4. Which is better: PowerBI or Tableau?

The choice between PowerBI and Tableau depends on your needs and preferences. Both tools have their strengths and weaknesses. Tableau is known for its intuitive interface and ease of use, while PowerBI offers seamless integration with other Microsoft products and services.

5. What are some must-read books for learning Tableau?

Some must-read books for learning Tableau include "Tableau Your Data!" by Dan Murray and Christian Chabot, "Learning Tableau" by Joshua N. Milligan, and "Communicating Data with Tableau" by Ben Jones.