How do I Format flag columns as Yes/No value strings?

[Shelley]

I use Flag columns all the time with 1 and 0 (1=Yes and 0=No). In this helpful blog post https://powerbi.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/best-practice-rules-to-improve-your-models-performance/ one of the best practices in the formatting section says: Format flag columns as Yes/No value strings. 

How exactly do I do this? I see a True/false option under Data type, but I do not see Yes/No here or in the Format drop-down.

 

[PhilipTreacy · Accepted solution]

Hi @Shelley 

What that article means is have a column of strings (Data Type : Text) and use either "Yes" or "No".

You'll need to amend your flag to output the text "Yes" or "No" rather than 1 or 0.

Creating a column containing "Yes" or "No" will automatically make it a Text (String) data type.

regards

Phil

[Shelley]

Thanks, @PhilipTreacy  Traditionally, we've always been taught integers process better and faster than text. Is this no longer the case with Yes/No in Power BI?

[PhilipTreacy]

Hi @Shelley 

Actually I'm with you. I think on re-reading that article I have mis-understood what they meant.  It doesn't explicitly say that flag columns should be integer but that makes sense for the reason you state.  I think they mean that you should use a custom format to display 1 and 0 and Yes and No.

In which case you can do this by using this Custom Format String on your Whole Number Flag column.

"Yes"; ;"No";

Sorry for the confusion.

Regards

Phil

[ChrisMendoza]

My assumption is the author meant True/false however you should also respond to the blog post with your question.

[ChrisMendoza]

Glad you posted in the original blog post. I hope the author expands on this.