Build an Accelerator for the Tableau Exchange
Tableau Accelerators are pre-built dashboards that help users jumpstart their analysis in Tableau. With an Accelerator, users can connect their own data to a robust dashboard that is designed specifically for their industry or application and use it to investigate their data.
Accelerators are available for download on the Tableau Exchange and can also be accessed from Tableau Desktop and, in a limited subset, from Tableau Cloud. For information about using an Accelerator, see Use Accelerators to Quickly Visualize Data.
Build your Accelerator
Only managed partners who belong to the Tableau Partner Network can contribute Accelerators to the Tableau Exchange. If you aren't a partner, you can still create a workbook that functions like an Accelerator and publish it on Tableau Public, but you aren't eligible to have it included on the Tableau Exchange.
If you are partner, this guide will help you ensure that your Accelerator meets the requirements for the Tableau Exchange. A good Accelerator tells a story that provides insight into business problems and helps users answer questions about their data. When you design an Accelerator, keep your focus on the problems that you are helping users solve.
You will work with a partner account manager from the Tableau Partner Network to get your Accelerator ready for the Tableau Exchange. Verify that your Accelerator follows the guidance listed below before submitting it for review.
Data model
Your Accelerator should feature a data set that is easy for users to replace with their own data. Pre-designed schemas for cloud platforms, such as Salesforce, ServiceNow, or Shopify, provide users with a uniform way to connect to their data.
The data model you build should be realistic, clearly labeled, and keep dimension and fact tables separate. For more information about data models, see The Tableau Data Model.
De-identified data
The data for your Accelerator should be de-identified, containing no personally identifiable information. Users should not be able to draw any real-world conclusions from the names or places in your data set. Use popular name lists to replace references to people, and use public destinations, such as golf courses or ski towns, to replace references to places.
Data packaging
Create a flat extract of your data and package it as part of the TWBX file for your Accelerator. For more information, see Packaged Workbooks. Before you package the data, hide unused fields and exclude data in ranges not relevant to the Accelerator.
Calculations
Give calculated fields self-explanatory names, and add comments to complex calculated fields that explain the calculation and how to use it. For more information, see Add comments to a calculation.
Minimize the use of table calculations. If you do include them, make sure that they persist when users add their own data to the Accelerator.
Date range
Set the date range relative to today using the function (DATEADD('day', DATEDIFF('day', #max-date#, today()),[date-field])), where max-date is the maximum date in your data set in MM/DD/YYYY format and date-field is the primary date field. For more information, see Date Functions.
Predictions
Use only functionality native to Tableau to make predictions. Do not load predictions from an external data source.
Security
To ensure that your Accelerator doesn’t pose a security risk, do not include URL actions or links in your dashboard, and do not use dashboard extensions or connectors. No native connection information should be included with the Accelerator.
Design
Your Accelerator should have a consistent, easy-to-read layout that follows best practices for dashboard design. For more information, see Visual Best Practices. Dashboard components should be interactive and allow users to select different dimensions to filter and to analyze data over time.
Make sure that the color palette is colorblind friendly, and use different color palettes for different dimensions. For more information about accessibility, see Build Accessible Dashboards.
In addition to following general best practices for dashboard design, you must format your dashboard according to the following standards for the Tableau Exchange.
- Set maximum dashboard width to 1000 pixels
- Use the font Tableau Book for all text
- Header text: 18 pt or larger
- Sub-header text: 12 pt
- Titles: 10 or 12 pt
- Mark labels: 8 to 10 pt
- Tooltips: 9 to 12 pt
Submit your Accelerator
As a member of the Tableau Partner Network, you will submit your Accelerator to the Tableau Exchange with the help of your partner account manager. Make sure that you have all the required submission materials prepared for your Accelerator before you submit it.
Submission materials
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Tableau Exchange Agreement | We will send you a copy of the Tableau Exchange Agreement to sign through ServiceNow. |
| Accelerator | The packaged workbook with extracted and de-identified data sources |
| Icon | 280 x 280 pixel logo in PNG, JPEG, GIF, or SVG format |
| Description | Describe what your Accelerator does, the value it provides, and who should use it.
Template: |
| Terms of Service | PDF or URL. Include your own terms if you don’t want to use the Tableau Terms of Service. |
| Privacy Policy | PDF or URL |
| Support URL | Website where users can get troubleshooting help |
| Landing page for the Accelerator on your website | A page that explains why and for whom you built the Accelerator, real-world outcomes using the Accelerator, and instructions for mapping data to the Accelerator |