.twb, .twbx, .tde…Tableau offers quite a range of files, and that can be confusing as a beginner. What is the difference between Tableau Workbook File and Packaged Tableau Workbook File? Can I share a Tableau extract with users who don’t have access to the original data source? We are going to break it all down for you in this blog post!
This blog post is structured as reference material, and the main information is stored in the table below. You can bookmark this post and come back to it whenever you have doubts about Tableau files.
Find the file type that suits your needs
In the first tab of our table you will find Tableau file types’ full name next to their respective extension. Each of them has a set of features: some file types contain the original data source, while others only serve the purpose of creating a shortcut to the data source, but cannot be used without a connection to it, whether local or through the cloud. In the same way, some file types save the changes made to the data, such as groups, calculated fields, and sets; whereas others include changes made to worksheets, dashboards and stories.
You can use this first tab to search for a file type that fits your needs. Are you searching for a file type that saves changes made to your dashboard and can be shared with users who don’t have access to the original data source? Go ahead and select YES under the filter “Does it save changes in worksheets/dashboards/stories” and again YES under the filter “Is it usable without access to the data source”….et voilà! You will have a list of one or more file types that fit your criteria!
Navigate to the second tab for an overview
If you would like to refresh your memory on Tableau file types, click on the button to navigate to the second tab. Here you will find a short description for each file type, as well as a suggestion as to when to use them. Click on the button under the title if you wish to return to the first tab.
Reference material and extra links
Still having doubts? Here are some you can visit to continue your search. Happy learning!
- Read more about .tds it here
- Read more about .tdsx it here
- Read more about .twb it here
- Read more about .twbx it here
- Read more about .tde it here
- Read more about .tbm it here
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