Business Intelligence, Data Visualization, Microsoft Certification, PL-300, Power BI

Group and Layer Visuals by Using the Selection Pane (PL-300 Exam Prep)

 
This post is a part of the PL-300: Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Exam Prep Hub; and this topic falls under these sections:
Visualize and analyze the data (25–30%)
   --> Enhance reports for usability and storytelling
      --> Group and Layer Visuals by Using the Selection Pane

Note that there are 10 practice questions (with answers and explanations) at the end of each topic. Also, there are 2 practice tests with 60 questions each available on the hub below all the exam topics.

Overview

The Selection pane in Power BI is a powerful report design tool that allows you to manage visual layering, visibility, and grouping on a report page. For the PL-300: Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst exam, you are expected to understand how to use the Selection pane to organize visuals, support interactive storytelling, and improve report usability.

This topic is part of:

Visualize and analyze the data (25–30%) → Enhance reports for usability and storytelling

What Is the Selection Pane?

The Selection pane provides a structured list of all visuals, images, shapes, buttons, and text boxes on a report page. It allows you to:

  • Show or hide visuals
  • Control visual layering (front/back)
  • Group and ungroup visuals
  • Rename visuals for clarity
  • Support bookmark-based interactions

You can access it from:

View tab → Selection

Why the Selection Pane Matters (Exam Perspective)

The Selection pane is essential for:

  • Building interactive reports
  • Managing complex layouts
  • Creating bookmark-driven navigation
  • Controlling which visuals appear in different report states

For PL-300, this topic often appears in scenario-based questions related to storytelling and usability.

Grouping Visuals

What Grouping Does

Grouping allows multiple visuals to behave as a single unit. When grouped, visuals can be:

  • Moved together
  • Shown or hidden together
  • Controlled by a single bookmark action

How to Group Visuals

  1. Select multiple visuals (Ctrl + click)
  2. Right-click and choose Group
    • OR use the Selection pane options
  3. Rename the group for clarity

Common Use Cases

  • Grouping a chart with its title and background shape
  • Grouping buttons and icons for a navigation panel
  • Grouping visuals that appear/disappear together

PL-300 insight:
Grouping is frequently used in combination with bookmarks to create toggle effects.

Layering Visuals (Z-Order Control)

Layering determines which visuals appear on top of others.

Layering Capabilities

  • Bring to front
  • Send to back
  • Reorder visuals in the Selection pane list

Why Layering Is Important

  • Overlaying buttons on shapes
  • Placing transparent visuals above others
  • Creating pop-up panels or tooltips
  • Preventing visuals from blocking interactions

Exam tip:
The order in the Selection pane reflects the visual stacking order on the page.

Showing and Hiding Visuals

Each visual and group has an eye icon in the Selection pane.

  • Eye open → visible
  • Eye closed → hidden

Key Behavior to Remember

  • Hidden visuals still exist on the page
  • Hidden visuals can still be controlled by bookmarks
  • Hidden visuals do not respond to user interaction

This behavior is commonly tested in bookmark-related scenarios.

Renaming Visuals (Highly Recommended)

Renaming visuals in the Selection pane:

  • Improves readability in complex reports
  • Makes bookmark configuration easier
  • Reduces errors during report maintenance

Best practice:
Rename visuals to describe function, not visual type (e.g., Sales_Popup_Panel).

Selection Pane and Bookmarks (Critical Exam Topic)

The Selection pane works closely with bookmarks by controlling:

  • Which visuals are visible
  • Which groups are active
  • The visual state captured by the bookmark

Important:
Bookmarks capture the visibility state of visuals as defined in the Selection pane.

Limitations and Rules (Exam-Relevant)

  • Selection pane changes apply only to the current page
  • Grouping does not change filter behavior
  • Hidden visuals can still affect layout spacing
  • Layering does not control filter interactions

Best Practices for PL-300

  • Use groups for visuals that toggle together
  • Rename visuals and groups consistently
  • Manage layering for pop-ups and overlays
  • Use the Selection pane when building bookmarks
  • Avoid leaving unnecessary hidden visuals

Common PL-300 Exam Pitfalls

  • Confusing the Selection pane with visual interactions
  • Forgetting to include groups in bookmarks
  • Misunderstanding that hidden visuals still exist
  • Ignoring layering order when buttons don’t work

PL-300 Key Takeaways

You should be able to:

  • Use the Selection pane to manage visual order
  • Group visuals for unified behavior
  • Show and hide visuals intentionally
  • Support interactive storytelling with bookmarks
  • Improve report usability and maintenance

Practice Questions

Go to the Practice Questions for this topic.

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