Easy Tech TutsHow to Create a Popup Window in Power BI (Bookmark Technique) Easily 2026
By Impran M N
A popup window is a good way to surface extra detail in Power BI without permanently taking up dashboard space, and the bookmark technique makes it possible without any custom code. This guide covers setting up bookmarks, buttons, and the popup effect step by step. It's a useful addition for reports that need to balance simplicity with depth.
01Set up your first bookmark
Create a bookmark that captures the report state with the popup content visible, ready to be triggered later.
02Configure buttons for interaction
Add buttons that let users open and close the popup, linking each to the appropriate bookmark state.
03Design the popup content
Build out the visuals or details that will appear inside the popup window, keeping the content focused and relevant.
04Apply popups to business use cases
Use the popup for something practical, like showing detailed product insights on top of a quarterly sales dashboard.
05Follow best practices and automation tips
Combine the popup technique with automated data refreshes so the extra detail it reveals always stays current.
Frequently asked questions
Is the bookmark technique the standard way to build popups in Power BI?
Yes, bookmarks combined with buttons are the most common no-code way to simulate a popup window in Power BI.
Can I use popups across different industries like finance or marketing?
Yes, popups are flexible enough to work in various industries, wherever extra context needs to be shown without permanent space on the dashboard.
Will the popup slow down my report's performance?
Not significantly, since it relies on bookmark states rather than loading new data, though very complex popup content could add some overhead.
Can I close the popup with a separate button?
Yes, it's common to use one button to open the popup and another, or the same button toggled, to close it.
Is this technique beginner-friendly?
Yes, while it takes a few more steps than a simple visual, it's built entirely from standard Power BI features that beginners can learn.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.
