Do you find it annoying that when you click on a point or chart in Tableau everything else is greyed out? This blog describes how to solve that issue with False Highlight and False Filter hacks.

Method 1: False Highlight

The chart above shows an example of a false highlight which prevents the background or other points/bars in a chart to be greyed out when an object in a chart is clicked.

The procedure is simple:

1. Create a calculated field with a string. In this case I have called it 'Deselect'. After creating it, add the calculated field to details in all your chart marks

2. Create a highlight action via Worksheet > Actions > Add Action > Highlight

3. Edit the Highlight action as shown below

Since all the objects in the chart contain 'Deselected' in their details, no object will be greyed out as an item in the chart is clicked.

Method 2: False Filter

False Filter has a very similar procedure to the False Highlight method described above:

1. Create x2 calculated fields with a string. I have called them 'Deselect' and 'Select'. After creating them, add the calculated fields to details in all your chart marks. You only need to add the 'Select' calculated field to one mark.

2. Create a filter action via Worksheet > Actions > Add Action > Filter

3. Edit the Filter action as shown below

Since 'Select' will never match 'Deselect' values, no objects will be greyed out.