How do I open my .twbx in xmetric?
Choose your .twbx file. It opens in the xmetric app in this browser and is processed locally; nothing is uploaded.
Choose or drop your file here.
How does xmetric compare with Tableau Reader?
xmetric opens supported .twbx content in your browser, while Tableau Reader provides its native desktop workflow. Compare the product facts and source links below before choosing.
| xmetric | Tableau Reader | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Free in your browser. No account needed to open a file. source | Free desktop app for Windows and Mac that opens and interacts with workbooks shared as local files. source |
| Runs on | Any modern browser on Mac, Windows or Linux. Nothing to install. source | Windows and Mac. source |
| Reading a .twbx | Opens .twbx and .twb in the browser app with dashboards, quick filters and filter actions working, plus sheets, data sources, formulas and packaged extracts. source | Yes, native format. Opens in Tableau Desktop or Tableau Reader. source |
| Where your file is processed | In your browser. Files are not uploaded. source | Tableau Cloud: hosted and managed by Tableau. Tableau Server: managed by the customer. Desktop/Reader: local files. source |
| To edit the workbook | Saving a workbook online and sharing a link need a free account. source | Not confirmed on the vendor's site (checked 2026-10-17) |
Tableau Reader facts are taken from Tableau's own pages and were checked on 2026-10-18. Each cell links to its source.
When should I choose Tableau Reader?
Choose Tableau Reader when native compatibility and its original rendering or interactions are essential. xmetric supports the workbook features described here but can differ from the original.
- Vendor rendering and interactions. Tableau Reader is the reference for viewing a packaged workbook as its author built it. xmetric renders supported dashboards and worksheets, but some layouts, filters and highlighting can differ.
- Workbook compatibility. Use Tableau Reader when you need Tableau’s own handling of extracts and workbook features. xmetric supports packaged data, including supported Hyper extracts, but compatibility depends on the workbook.
- It's free and made by Tableau. Free desktop app for Windows and Mac that opens and interacts with workbooks shared as local files. source If you're on Windows or Mac and allowed to install it, it's the most faithful view.
- Editing, for free. Tableau Desktop Free Edition: full Desktop analytics for one person, stored locally; no publishing, online sharing or sharing packaged workbooks. source
When should I choose xmetric?
Choose xmetric to open a supported .twbx locally in a browser without installing the original desktop application.
- No install, no admin rights. Works on Linux, Chromebooks and locked-down laptops, where Reader isn't available.
- Keep the workbook’s logic. Open supported sheets and calculations rather than rebuilding a dashboard from an exported CSV.
- Explore your file. Navigate supported dashboards and worksheets and use filters in the xmetric app.
- Nothing leaves your computer. The workbook is read in the browser tab. No upload, no account.
How do I open a .twbx sent by email?
Choose the .twbx file to open supported dashboards and worksheets in xmetric, then use supported filters and check important results against the source workbook.
- Choose your
.twbxin the box above. - Open its dashboards and worksheets in xmetric.
- Use supported filters to explore the workbook’s data.
- Check important numbers and interactions against the original; some workbook features may differ.
Why might my Tableau workbook need more data?
A workbook that references a live database or a missing external file may not contain the data needed to render. Supply a supported packaged extract or use the original Tableau environment.
A packaged workbook can contain CSV, Excel or Hyper data. xmetric loads supported packaged data, but a live database connection or missing external file may need data supplied separately. Unsupported calculations, visual features and interactions can affect the result.
Is Tableau Reader still available?
Yes. Tableau's product page describes it as Free desktop app for Windows and Mac that opens and interacts with workbooks shared as local files. (checked 2026-10-18).
Can I open a .twbx on Linux?
Yes. Choose your .twbx above to open supported dashboards and worksheets in xmetric in your Linux browser. Some workbook features can differ from Tableau.
Is it safe to drop a confidential workbook here?
The file is read by code running in your browser tab and is not uploaded. You can load the page, disconnect from the network, and then open the file.
Open your .twbx now, or read how to open a .twbx on a Mac.
Which sources support these product comparisons?
Facts checked 2026-10-18. Prices and features of Tableau on this page come from the sources below. Prices change; the vendor's page is the final word.
- https://www.tableau.com/pricing
- https://www.tableau.com/pricing/cloud
- https://help.tableau.com/current/desktopdeploy/en-us/desktop_deploy_intro.htm
- https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/save_savework_packagedworkbooks.htm
- https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/migrate_server_to_cloud_overview.htm
- https://help.tableau.com/current/pro/desktop/en-us/publish_workbooks_tableaupublic.htm
- https://www.tableau.com/products/reader
- https://help.tableau.com/current/desktopdeploy/en-us/desktop_deploy_download_and_install.htm
- https://github.com/tableau/tableau-mcp/tree/main/docs/docs/tools/workbooks
- https://github.com/tableau/tableau-mcp
xmetric is an independent project, not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Salesforce, Inc. Tableau is a trademark of Salesforce, Inc. The name is used only to identify the product being compared.