Use buttons to navigate between pages in Power BI
Overview
Power BI restricts third-party applications from directly controlling page navigation. To address this limitation, there is a recommended approach that uses native Power BI buttons to achieve consistent and reliable navigation.
Buttons allow report authors to create application-style navigation in Power BI reports. Instead of relying on page tabs, users can move between report pages using clearly labeled buttons such as Home, Sales, or Finance.
This approach improves usability, supports guided workflows, and enables consistent navigation across complex Power BI applications.
This article describes how to create and configure navigation buttons step by step.
Before you begin
Ensure that:
Your report pages are clearly named
You understand which pages act as landing pages and which are detail pages
Power BI Desktop is updated to a recent version
Step 1: Organize and name report pages
In Power BI Desktop, review the Pages pane at the bottom of the report.
Rename pages using clear, user-friendly names.
Example page structure:
Home
Sales Overview
Sales Detail
Finance
Operations
Page names are used as navigation destinations and should reflect user intent.
Step 2: Insert a button
Select Insert from the ribbon.
Choose Buttons.
Select a button type (for example, Blank).
The button is added to the report canvas.
Step 3: Configure the button action
Select the button.
In the Format pane, expand Action.
Set Action to On.
Configure the following:
Type: Page navigation
Destination: Select the target page
When users click the button in reading mode, they will be navigated to the selected page.
Step 4: Add button text
With the button selected, expand Text in the Format pane.
Set Text to On.
Enter a label that matches the destination page (for example, Home or Sales).
Adjust text size, alignment, and padding as needed.
Use short, descriptive labels for clarity.
Step 5: Duplicate buttons to build navigation
Copy the button (Ctrl+C) and paste it (Ctrl+V).
Update the Action → Destination for the new button.
Update the button text.
Repeat this process to create a full navigation menu.
Tip
Use the Selection pane (View → Selection) to rename buttons and keep navigation elements organized.
Step 6: Create a Back or Home button
Power BI does not provide a global “Back” button, but you can simulate navigation using page navigation.
Create a Home button
Insert a button.
Enable Action.
Set Type to Page navigation.
Set Destination to Home.
This pattern is recommended for application-style reports.
Step 7: Apply navigation consistently across pages
To maintain a consistent experience, navigation should appear in the same location on every page.
Option 1: Copy navigation to each page
Select all navigation buttons
Group them
Copy and paste the group onto each page
Option 2: Use a template page
Create navigation on one page
Duplicate the page
Replace report visuals while keeping navigation intact
Step 8: Configure button states
Buttons support visual states that improve usability.
Select a button.
In the Format pane, configure:
Default
On hover
On press
Adjust background color, text color, or borders to indicate interactivity.
Step 9: Indicate the active page
To help users understand where they are in the report:
Use a distinct style for the button representing the current page
Apply that style only on the corresponding page
This pattern mirrors navigation behavior in Windows applications.
Step 10: Test navigation
Switch to Reading view.
Click each navigation button.
Verify that:
Navigation works as expected
Labels match destinations
Layout is consistent across pages
Best practices
Use a Home page as the primary entry point
Group related pages under a single navigation area
Avoid overcrowding navigation with too many buttons
Keep navigation placement consistent
Use visual states to confirm user interaction