A custom visual is an additional Power BI visual that extends the standard visualization options available in Power BI reports.
Custom visual
A custom visual is a Power BI visual that extends the standard chart and visualization options.
Quick facts about custom visuals
Extra visual types
Custom visuals give report creators more ways to display data beyond the standard Power BI visuals.
AppSource availability
Many custom visuals are available through Microsoft AppSource and can be added to Power BI reports.
Built by publishers
Custom visuals can be created by Microsoft, third party publishers or organizations building visuals for their own needs.
Governance consideration
Teams should review custom visuals before using them in shared reports, especially when reports reach wider audiences.
How custom visuals work
Custom visuals help teams create report experiences that standard visuals may not cover. They can support specific chart types, layouts or interaction patterns that are useful for certain business questions. Custom visuals are often used when report creators need:
- A chart type that is not available in the default visual set.
- A more specific way to show business data.
- A visual style that better fits the report audience.
- A custom experience for internal or customer facing reporting.
Custom visuals can make Power BI reports more useful, but they should be chosen carefully. Teams should understand who published the visual, whether it is maintained and whether it fits the organization’s security and governance requirements.
Why custom visuals matter in shared reports
Custom visuals affect both how a report looks and how users understand the data. A well chosen visual can make a complex metric easier to read, while a poorly chosen visual can make the report harder to use. This matters even more when reports are shared with customers, partners or occasional users who may not know the report context as well as the BI team.
In Power BI, custom visuals should be part of the broader reporting governance process. Teams need to consider visual quality, support, security, consistency and the user experience before using custom visuals in reports that will be widely distributed.
Skald BI helps organizations share existing Power BI reports through a secure branded portal. When those reports include custom visuals, Skald BI supports the delivery experience around them, helping teams present Power BI content to customers, partners and internal users in a clear and controlled environment.
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 a custom visual in Power BI?
Where can I find custom visuals for Power BI?
Many custom visuals are available through Microsoft AppSource. Organizations can also build their own custom visuals for specific reporting needs.
Are custom visuals made by Microsoft?
Some visuals may be created by Microsoft, while others are created by third party publishers or organizations. Teams should review the publisher and documentation before using a custom visual.
Are custom visuals the same as certified custom visuals?
No. A certified custom visual has passed Microsoft’s certification requirements. A custom visual can be useful without being certified, but certification gives teams additional information when reviewing governance and trust.
How do custom visuals relate to Skald BI?