Cross highlighting is a visual interaction where selecting data in one visual highlights related data in another visual.
Cross Highlighting
Cross highlighting is a Power BI interaction where selecting data in one visual highlights related data in another visual.
Quick facts about cross highlighting
Visual interaction
Cross highlighting happens when one visual affects how related data appears in another visual on the same report page.
Keeps full context
Unlike cross filtering, cross highlighting often keeps the full visual visible while emphasizing the selected data.
Shows relationships
Cross highlighting helps users see how one selected category or segment relates to the rest of the data.
Supports exploration
It makes Power BI reports more interactive by helping users compare selected data against the full picture.
How cross highlighting works
Cross highlighting helps users explore relationships between visuals without removing the broader context. When a user selects a value in one chart, another visual can highlight the related portion while still showing the remaining data. Common examples of cross highlighting include:
- Selecting a product category to highlight its share of total sales.
- Selecting a region to highlight related revenue in a bar chart.
- Selecting a campaign type to highlight its contribution to conversions.
- Selecting a customer segment to highlight its behavior across other visuals.
This makes cross highlighting useful when users need comparison rather than isolation. Instead of only seeing the selected data, users can understand how that selection sits within the larger dataset.
Why cross highlighting matters in shared reports
Cross highlighting can make Power BI reports easier to understand because it keeps context visible. A user can select one part of a visual and still compare it with the full chart, which is useful when the goal is to understand contribution, share or relative performance.
This matters when reports are shared beyond a small analyst group. Customers, partners and internal teams may not use Power BI every day, so visual interactions need to feel intuitive. A report with clear cross highlighting can help users explore data without losing sight of the overall picture.
Skald BI helps organizations share existing Power BI reports through a secure branded portal. When reports include interactive features such as cross highlighting, Skald BI supports the delivery experience around them, giving each audience a clearer and more controlled way to access the insights meant for them.
Use cases
See how different types of organisations use Skald BI to share Power BI securely with employees, customers and partners.
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Frequently asked questions
What is cross highlighting in Power BI?
What is an example of cross highlighting?
If a user selects one product category in a chart, another chart can highlight the part of its data connected to that category while still showing the full chart.
What is the difference between cross highlighting and cross filtering?
Cross highlighting keeps the broader visual context visible and emphasizes the selected data. Cross filtering usually removes unrelated data from the affected visual.
Why is cross highlighting useful?
Cross highlighting helps users compare selected data with the full dataset. It is useful when users need to understand contribution, share or relative performance.
How does cross highlighting relate to Skald BI?