Making Power BI Visuals Dynamic with Field Parameters

In Power BI, Field Parameters enable users to choose how they want to view the data, eliminating the need to build multiple separate visuals. Instead of creating different charts for Region, Department, or Category, you can create one smart visual where users can easily switch what they want to analyze.

This tutorial demonstrates how to create a dynamic bar chart that allows users to select whether they want to view Sales by Region, department, or product category with a single click.

Here’s how you do it — step-by-step:

Step 1: Create a Field Parameter

• Go to the Modeling tab in Power BI Desktop.

• Click New Parameter and choose Fields.

• In the parameter creation window, you:

  • Name the parameter, for example, Parameter.

  • Add the fields you want users to pick from:➔ Category_Name (from Category)➔ Department (from Managers)➔ Region_Name (from Regions)
    

    

    Insert New Parameter > Fields

• Also check the box Add slicer to this page so the slicer is ready immediately.

• Then click Create.
  

  

  Define which columns you will use.

  
  

✅ Result: You have now created a new table called Parameter in your data model.

Step 2: Understand the Parameter Table

• The new Parameter table is straightforward.

• It contains:

  • The names of the fields (Category_Name, Department, Region_Name)

  • Their field reference (so Power BI knows where to find the real data)

  • Their order (0, 1, 2)

    
    

✅ Tip: You don’t need to change this table. Power BI utilises it in the background to switch fields based on the user's selection.

Created parameter table

Step 3: Add the Parameter Slicer to Your Report

• On your report page, there is now a slicer with three options:➔ Category_Name➔ Department➔ Region_Name

• Users can click one of these options to change the visuals dynamically.

  
  

✅ Tip: You can format the slicer if you want (for example, use a dropdown).

Add a parameter field to your chart

Step 4: Connect the Parameter to Your Visuals

Now you connect the Parameter to your bar charts to make them dynamic. You can have a different views, in a legend field or as small multiples.

4.1 Use Parameter as Legend

• Drag the Parameter field into the Legend area of your chart.

• This means the color split in the bar chart will change depending on what the user selects.

• Example:

  • If the user selects Region_Name, colors show different regions.

  • If they select Department, colors show different departments.

Using the parameter as legend field (1)

Using the parameter as legend field (2)

✅ Result: Your colour grouping is now dynamic.

4.1 Use Parameter as Small Multiples

• Alternatively, drag the Parameter into the Small multiples section.

• This splits your bar chart into mini charts for each value, creating a small multiples view.

• Example:

  • When selecting Region_Name, you see separate charts for Africa, Asia, Europe, and other regions.

  • When selecting a Department, you see separate charts for each department.

Using the parameter as small multiples (1)

Using the parameters as small multiples (2)

✅ Result: You can create separate small charts dynamically with the parameter.

Step 5: See the Parameter in Action

• Now, when you change the slicer (select Region, Department, or Category), the bar chart updates automatically.

• The Y-axis (Sales) remains the same, but the split, grouping, and labels adapt instantly.

• You get one flexible visual that can serve multiple views, without duplicating charts or creating complex measures.

Edited parameters (used as a filter in the chart)

✅ End result: ➔ Fewer charts to manage. ➔ Reports are more flexible. ➔ End users have complete control.

Last but not least...Why You Should Use Field Parameters

• Dynamic experience: Users choose what they want to analyze.

• It can be applied to every visual!

• Cleaner reports: No need for extra visuals cluttering the page.

• Easier maintenance: One visual instead of three or four.

• Built-in and easy: No need for DAX tricks or bookmarks — parameters are fully supported.