Mastering the Advanced Dropdown in Qlik with DataPlus
- larissamiddendorf7
- Mar 11
- 3 min read
Enhancing Data Selection and Visualization in Qlik Dashboards
When working with Qlik & Data+, a well-structured interface can significantly improve the user experience. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by using the Advanced Dropdown in Qlik feature. This powerful tool allows users to make precise selections, categorize data efficiently, and enhance the clarity of dashboards. In this article, we will walk through the process of setting up an Advanced Dropdown in Qlik, including the use of a traffic light schema for better visualization.
The Challenge: Managing Priorities in Sales Data
In many business scenarios, prioritizing data is essential. For example, in a sales dashboard, users might want to classify sales positions by priority (e.g., High, Medium, Low). Without a clear and structured approach, manually sorting and filtering sales data can become inefficient and error-prone.
A simple dropdown menu that categorizes sales positions with an intuitive color-coded system can solve this challenge, making it easier to interpret and analyze data at a glance.
The Solution: Creating an Advanced Dropdown in Qlik with Data+
Step 1: Setting Up the Database Column
Before configuring the dropdown in Qlik, we need to create a dedicated database column in Data+. Here’s how:
Navigate to the management site in Qlik.
Select the table that you want to modify.
Click on the cogwheel icon to open the edit dialog.
Define a column name that meets Qlik’s naming restrictions:
At least three characters long
All lowercase letters
No white spaces
For this example, we name the column priority and save it.
Step 2: Preparing Data in the Qlik Data Load Editor
Once the column is set up, we move to the Data Load Editor to create an inline table. This table will store:
Priority levels (High, Medium, Low)
Icons for visual representation
Sorting order for correct display
Uploading Icons for a Traffic Light Schema
To ensure our dropdown is both functional and visually appealing, we integrate colored icons for each priority level:
Red for High Priority 🔴
Yellow for Medium Priority 🟡
Green for Low Priority 🟢
These icons are uploaded to the app’s content library, making them accessible within Qlik. The icon paths are stored in a dedicated Icon column in the inline table.
Step 3: Configuring the Advanced Dropdown in Qlik with Data+
After loading the data, we move to the Qlik worksheet to set up the dropdown:
Open the Properties section of the Data+ table.
Add a new Data+ column and set its type to Advanced Dropdown.
Select priority as the database column.
Define the dropdown expression to display the correct field values.
Enable additional dropdown information to show the corresponding icons.
Configure the sorting order to maintain the traffic light sequence.
The Results: A More Intuitive Sales Dashboard
With the Advanced Dropdown successfully implemented, users can now:
✔ Quickly assign and adjust priorities for sales positions
✔ Use color-coded visuals to interpret data at a glance
✔ Ensure a structured selection process without disrupting workflows
This enhancement significantly improves the usability and efficiency of Qlik dashboards, making data-driven decision-making more accessible.
The Advanced Dropdown in Qlik & Data+ is a valuable feature for anyone looking to improve dashboard usability. By integrating categorized selections and visual cues, users can interact with data more effectively.
Want to see it in action? Watch our full tutorial here:
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