Download and Install Tableau

This is a guide to installing and running Tableau Desktop on your personal computer. Please note that all workstations in the Digital Studio (on the second floor of O'Neill Library) already have Tableau Desktop installed.

Tableau has versions for both Windows and Mac. Detailed system requirements for Tableau here: https://public.tableau.com/en-us/s/download.

Tableau Desktop is a visualization software used to create data visualizations and interactive dashboards. If you are a student, instructor, or researcher, you can request a free, renewable, one-year license for Tableau Desktop through Tableau Academic Program. For instructor and researcher, the individual license is valid for one year and can be renewed each year if you are teaching Tableau in the classroom or conducting non-commercial academic research; The student license expires after one year; you can request a new license each year as a full-time student.

If you are a member of the public, please consider using Tableau Public instead, which is the free version of Tableau Desktop.

Here are the steps for students: (Installation process for instructors and researchers is similar. Just follow the instructions on the screen.)

Step 1: Go to https://www.tableau.com/academic/students (Here is the link for instructors.)

Tableau Student

Step 2: Click on Get Tableau for Free.

Step 3: A web form will pop up. Complete all of the requested information, using your official BC email address when you fill out the form.

Step 4: Next, click on Verify Student Status.

Step 5: You will receive an email with a product key and link to download the software.

Step 6: Click on Download Tableau Desktop from your email and copy the product key.

Step 7: Follow the installation instructions to install Tableau to your computer.

Step 8: Activate your Tableau with your license key.

For instructor and researcher, click on Request Individual License on the screen.

The pop up request form is similar to the student one described above, but additionally asks "I plan to use Tableau Desktop for..." Under that popup, you can select "Teaching only," "Noncommercial academic research only," or both. Select the option that fits your needs best. You do not need to be an instructor to get a Tableau copy.

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Tableau Public

Following are the general steps to download Tableau Public:

1. Go to Tableau Public Download Page: public.tableau.com ​

2. Enter your email address and click "Download the App".

3. Once the installation file has been downloaded to your computer, run it and follow the prompts to install Tableau on your Mac or PC.

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