# Dashboard size, layout containers and floating items

*Tableau Data Analyst Study Guide · Create Content · Last updated October 29, 2026 · https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/tableau-data-analyst/create-content/dashboard-size-layout-containers-and-floating-items*

Combine sheets into a dashboard that resizes predictably: pick the size setting for tiled or floating designs, group items in horizontal and vertical layout containers, place and layer floating items with the Layout pane, make sheets transparent, and swap or copy dashboard items without losing work.

- Certification: Salesforce Tableau Data Analyst
- Exam section: Create Content
- Study guide: https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/tableau-data-analyst

**Official exam objective:**

> Create dashboards and stories: Combine sheets into a dashboard by using containers and layout options; Add objects (containers, images, text); Create stories using story points.

## What the exam expects

- Choose Fixed size, Range or Automatic for a dashboard given how it will be viewed and whether it uses floating items.
- Combine sheets in horizontal or vertical layout containers, distribute them evenly, make related sheets resize on selection, and remove a container.
- Place floating items by pixel position in the Layout pane, change their layering in the Item hierarchy, and make sheets transparent over a background image.
- Replace a sheet with Swap Sheets and reuse objects with Copy Dashboard Item, knowing what cannot be copied.

Key terms:
- **Layout container:** a Horizontal or Vertical object that groups items so they resize together.
- **Tiled item:** part of a single-layer grid that resizes with the dashboard (the default).
- **Floating item:** an item layered over other objects at its own size and position.
- **Item hierarchy:** the Layout pane list that sets grouping and front-to-back order.
- **Swap Sheets:** replaces a sheet on a dashboard in place.

## Key facts

| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Default dashboard size | Fixed size | [Size and lay out](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/dashboards_organize_floatingandtiled.htm) |
| Floating items | Best with fixed size and position on a fixed size dashboard | [Size and lay out](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/dashboards_organize_floatingandtiled.htm) |
| Distribute Evenly | Applies to current items and items added later | [Size and lay out](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/dashboards_organize_floatingandtiled.htm) |
| Collapse on clear | Exclude all values collapses target sheets under their titles | [Size and lay out](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/dashboards_organize_floatingandtiled.htm) |
| Position x and y | Whole-number pixel offsets from the dashboard's top-left corner | [Size and lay out](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/dashboards_organize_floatingandtiled.htm) |
| Item hierarchy order | Top of the list in front, bottom behind | [Size and lay out](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/dashboards_organize_floatingandtiled.htm) |
| Transparent sheet | Format > Shading > Worksheet background None | [Size and lay out](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/dashboards_organize_floatingandtiled.htm) |
| Swap Sheets | Keeps padding, border and background color | [Create a Dashboard](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/dashboards_create.htm) |
| Cannot copy | Sheets, sheet-bound filters, parameters and legends, dashboard titles | [Create a Dashboard](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/dashboards_create.htm) |

## Check yourself

- Why can an Automatic size dashboard look different from one screen to another?
- Why does a swapped-in sheet look like the one it replaced?
- Which floating items are transparent by default?
- Which dashboard items can Copy Dashboard Item not copy?

## Sources

- [Size and Lay Out Your Dashboard](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/dashboards_organize_floatingandtiled.htm)
- [Create a Dashboard](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/dashboards_create.htm)
- [Best Practices for Effective Dashboards](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/dashboards_best_practices.htm)
- [Create a Story](https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/story_create.htm)

## About the full unit

The "Core concepts", "Exam traps" and "Worked scenario" sections of this unit, its 9 linked practice questions, and unlimited timed mock exams are included with the Tableau Data Analyst pack (USD $19): https://www.certifyforce.com/practice-exams