Graph Builder guide and FAQ

Graph Builder is a Power BI custom visual for exploratory analysis directly on the report canvas. It uses fields assigned to roles such as X, Y, Value, Page, Facet, Color, and Size to build layered chart views for relationships, distributions, categories, segments, trends, and multivariate patterns. Supported layers include scatter, line, bar, heat map, histogram, box plot, trend line, and regression where the current data shape is compatible.

Graph Builder receives data after Power BI applies report filters, visual filters, bindings, and data reduction. In trial mode, Graph Builder processes up to the first 100 rows. Power BI can also collapse duplicated rows when a unique row index is not bound.

Power BI can combine rows that have identical values across the fields supplied to a visual. A unique index column gives each row a stable identity so Graph Builder can render every row needed for accurate scatter, distribution, selection, and layered chart behavior. If the dataset does not contain a unique index, add one in Power Query using Add Index Column.

Graph Builder shows some chart errors as a small red dot in the chart corner. The dot means one or more chart layers could not be drawn with the current field bindings, field classifications, aggregation, or chart settings. Open the visual in edit mode and check the chart layer settings, especially whether the selected fields are numerical or categorical in the way that layer expects.

Regression and trend views need usable numeric coordinates, while bars, heat maps, histograms, and box plots depend on chart-specific grouping or measure inputs. If the red dot appears after changing fields or settings, try removing the affected layer, changing the field Classification setting, or using a chart type that matches the current data shape.

Classification controls whether Graph Builder treats a field as categorical or numerical when building axes, chart layers, grouping, and compatible analytical views. Numerical fields can be used as either Numerical or Categorical when that better matches the analysis. Fields inferred as categorical remain categorical.

For fields inferred as numerical, Graph Builder also shows quantization controls. Quantization groups numeric values into bins so a continuous measure can be used as categories for grouping, facets, color splits, bar-style summaries, or other categorical views. Auto lets Graph Builder choose bins, Constant Bin Count uses a fixed number of bins, and Constant Bin Size uses fixed-width numeric intervals. When a numerical field is classified as Categorical, the Label Mode setting controls how those generated bins are labeled.

In edit mode, Save persists the current graph configuration to the Power BI report for report authors. The State option opens the current State JSON so a configuration can be copied, shared, or replaced with previously exported JSON; saving that dialog applies the pasted state when it is valid for the current data.

Graph Builder is designed to support interactive analysis in supported Power BI environments. Available authoring and persistence behavior can depend on user permissions, the Power BI host, report mode, tenant settings, and license.

No report data is stored on developer-controlled servers or sent to developer-controlled external services. Processing happens inside the user's Power BI visual session. Microsoft Power BI services may be used for hosting, licensing, persistence, and platform integration. See the privacy policy for details.