Power BI Table Customization: Full Control with Field Parameters ~ Luminova

Power BI offers incredible flexibility in data visualization, but one common challenge is giving report users control over table fields without modifying the report itself. Field Parameters solve this problem by enabling users to dynamically choose which fields to display in a table visual.

With this feature, users can customize tables on the fly, adding or removing columns as needed—making reports more interactive, adaptable, and user-friendly.

Why Use Field Parameters in Power BI?

🚀 Enhanced User Experience – Users can modify table visuals without editing the report.
🎯 Full Control Over Data Views – Users can select specific fields that are relevant to them.
🔄 Improved Report Adaptability – A single table visual can serve multiple purposes without needing different versions.
🔄 Custom Field Order & Labels – Users can change the order of fields or even rename them for display in the slicer.

Now, let’s go step by step through the process of creating Field Parameters and using them in a table visual.

Step 1: Creating a Field Parameter

To create a Field Parameter in Power BI:

Go to the "Modeling" Tab

Click "New Parameter" → "Fields"
This opens the Parameters window

Define the Fields for the Parameter

Give your parameter a name (e.g., "Table Fields").
Select the fields from your dataset that you want users to choose from.
Click "Add slicer to this page" (this makes selection easier for users).
Click Create.

At this stage, Power BI generates a calculated table containing the selected fields, which can now be used in visuals.

Step 2: Using the Field Parameter in a Table Visual

Add the Field Parameter to Your Table
- Insert a Table visual on your report.
- Drag the Field Parameter into the Columns section of the table.
- The table will now adjust dynamically based on the user’s selection.
Use a Slicer to Control the Table Fields
- The slicer added during setup allows users to pick which fields appear in the table.
- Users can check/uncheck fields, and the table updates accordingly.

This setup gives full customization control to the user, eliminating the need to maintain multiple reports for different data views.

Step 3: Changing Field Order & Display Labels

One of the biggest advantages of Field Parameters is that users can change the order of the fields and modify the display text in the slicer.

🔄 Changing Field Order

The order in which fields appear in the slicer is controlled by the numeric values in the parameter table.
To change the default order, modify the third argument in the DAX table, like this:

99_table_fields = {
    ("DepartmentType", NAMEOF('table'[DepartmentType]), 0),
    ("Division", NAMEOF('table'[Division]), 1),
    ("DOB", NAMEOF('table'[DOB]), 2),
    ("Engagement Score", NAMEOF('table'[Engagement Score]), 3),
    ("PayZone", NAMEOF('table'[PayZone]), 4),
    ("Title", NAMEOF('table'[Title]), 5),
    ("Trainer", NAMEOF('table'[Trainer]), 6),
    ("Training Type", NAMEOF('table'[Training Type]), 7),
    ("Work-Life Balance Score", NAMEOF('table'[Work-Life Balance Score]), 8)
}

Simply change the numbers (0, 1, 2, etc.) to control the default order.

📝 Customizing Field Labels in the Slicer

The first argument in the parameter table controls how the field appears in the slicer.
If you want a more user-friendly name, update the first argument:

Table_Fields = {
    ("Dept. Type", NAMEOF('table'[DepartmentType]), 0),
    ("Division Name", NAMEOF('table'[Division]), 1),
    ("Engagement %", NAMEOF('table'[Engagement Score]), 2),
    ("Salary Grade", NAMEOF('table'[PayZone]), 3)
}

This way, users see simplified labels in the slicer while the underlying field references remain intact.

Why This Feature Is a Game-Changer

✅ No Need for Multiple Reports – One table visual can serve many purposes dynamically.
✅ Greater Efficiency – Reduces report maintenance time and unnecessary table duplications.
✅ More Control for Users – Users can customize their table experience without technical knowledge.
✅ Improved Readability – Users can rename fields in the slicer and rearrange them for better reporting.

Instead of locking users into predefined views, Field Parameters empower them to explore data as they see fit.

Final Thoughts

Field Parameters in Power BI redefine report interactivity, giving users the ability to tailor table visuals to their needs. This approach simplifies report design, reduces clutter, and enhances user engagement.

💡 Try implementing this feature in your Power BI reports and give your users full control over their data views!

🔥 If you found this helpful, share this with others in the Power BI community! 🚀

Download the example PBIX file