How do R script visuals encode characters in Power BI Online Services?

[Anonymous]

I'm having trouble with an R visual which correctly displays a pound sign, "£", when on my desktop. BUT, after publishing the report online all of the £ signs become "A£" (where the A has an accent).

I have tried using the unicode for £ sign "\u00A3" but the problem persists.

So my question is how does Power BI Online services envode characters from R scripts?

Bonus round:

 Why is it different from desktop?

 Does anyone have a solution?

Thanks,

Will

[v-shex-msft]

Hi @Anonymous,

Based on your description, I think you have stored currency as text, right?
If this is a case, please check below link to know if you have used any unsupported libraries.

R packages in the Power BI service

In addition, you can also take a look at below document which told about how to create the r visual.

Creating R visuals in the Power BI service

Regards,

Xiaoxin Sheng

[Anonymous]

Hi,

Thanks for your reply, sorry I missed it until now. It looks like the package I am using, 'scales' is supported by Power BI. I'm using the function dollar_format(prefix = "£") to set the pound sign. Alas I haven't found any details in the documentation. 

This is a very frustrating issue! might just settle on GBP 😞

Thanks for your help,

Will

[v-shex-msft]

Hi @Anonymous,

I haven't found an effective solution to work through your issue, maybe you can try to submit a ticket for this or contact to power bi team...

Regards,

Xiaoxin Sheng

[Anonymous]

Might be a good idea, do you know how I raise a ticket / get in contact?

Thanks,

Will

[v-shex-msft]

HI @Anonymous,

>>Might be a good idea, do you know how I raise a ticket / get in contact?

You can check below link:

Power bi Support

Regards,

Xiaoxin Sheng

[benalexkeen]

Hey @Anonymous, did you end up getting a response or work-around for this? I'm having this same issue.

EDIT: https://community.powerbi.com/t5/Issues/R-script-visual-quot-quot-sign-error-only-after-publishing/idi-p/287838

[Anonymous]

Hi there,

I'm afraid I was never given a solution but it actually started working out of the blue one day..

I know that's not very helpful but I can let you know exactly what I'm using.

library(scales)

Currency <- "\u00A3"

Format <- dollar_format(prefix = Currency)

Formatted_Value <- Format(number)

and now that is working. Hope it helps,

Will