Power BI Chart Tips : Why Do My Matrices Look Unpolished? (Readability Improvement Tips Guide 1)

"When you first input data into a Power BI matrix, it appears in its ‘Default State’—without any formatting applied. Since the table options are set to system defaults, the lack of organization in lines, spacing, and colors often results in an awkward and unfinished look."

In this article, we will pinpoint why matrices in their initial state look unrefined. We will then walk through a step-by-step transformation into a polished report by adjusting Borders, Row Padding, and Background Colors.

Improving Matrix in power BI Before vs. After

1. Why Power BI Matrices Lack a Bottom Border

The default Power BI style, 'Default,' displays only the divider lines between data rows, while the Outer Border of the visual object is turned off by default.

  • Why Power BI Matrices Lack a Bottom Border

    • Bottom of Column Headers:     A line is inserted to distinguish between headers and data.
  • • Between Data Rows: A faint line is inserted to separate individual rows.
  • • Below the Grand Total: The line is invisible because the 'Border' setting that closes the table at the very bottom is not activated.

✔ When you want to add clean Borders:

  • Format tab > Grid > Border / Section
  • Format tab > Grid > Horizontal Grid / Vertical Grid: Note that the values set here adjust the actual table lines, not just the divider lines shown in the initial diagram. Do not adjust these incorrectly.

Format tab > Grid > Border / Section in power BI Matrix to make clean borders

2. Enhancing Readability by Optimizing Row Padding

Enhancing Readability by Optimizing Row Padding in Power BI Matrix

In the default settings, row height is set very narrowly. When text is too close to the boundaries, users feel cramped as the volume of data increases, causing readability to drop sharply.

  • • The Problem: Increased visual fatigue due to the lack of whitespace between text and lines.
  • • The Solution: Secure visual breathing room by adjusting Row Padding.
  • Path: Grid > Options > Row Padding
  • Recommended Setting: 2 ~ 5 px (As the value increases, the space between rows widens, making the report look significantly more open and professional.)

Recommended Setting: 2 ~ 5 px (As the value increases, the space between rows widens, making the report look significantly more open and professional.)

3. Removing Visual Noise: Tidying Up Awkward Alternating Backgrounds

Removing Visual Noise: Tidying Up Awkward Alternating Backgrounds

By default, matrices apply an 'Alternate row color,' where white and light gray appear interchangeably.

  • • Purpose of the Feature: To help the eye follow rows when dealing with massive amounts of data.
  • • Actual Effect: When data density is low, it acts as visual noise and distracts from data focus.
  • • The Solution: Unify the background to white (One-tone) to create an environment where the focus remains solely on the data itself.
  • [Format] tab > Values > Change the 'Alternate row color' to white, matching the main background color.

Setting: [Format] tab > Values > Change the 'Alternate row color' to white, matching the main background color.

Igloo BI’s Tip: Start from "Zero-Base"!

Professionals usually do not rely on the style presets provided by Power BI. In fact, it is often faster and yields cleaner results to first reset the [Style preset] to [None], and then manually define the border and padding values as described above.

"The most perfect design is achieved not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away."

Wrapping Up

In this article, we have explored the first part of our guide to enhancing readability. The transition from a simple table to a 'Strategic Report' is determined by very small details. Instead of relying on default settings, practice boldly erasing and rebuilding. You will find that the visibility of your reports improves remarkably.

In the second part of our guide, we will dive into Values and Text settings, which determine the precision of your data.

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