Create a Set Parameter Data Action for a Button Bar

You can create a Set Parameter data action that doesn't require data so you can assign it to a button in a button bar. This way, when consumers click the button and invoke the data action, they're actually updating the corresponding parameter values anywhere the parameter is used in the workbook.

To use a Set Parameter data action for this purpose, you need to set the Requires Data option to Off. This means the data action doesn't require data and you can use it in a button bar.

For information about how to combine a Set Parameter data action with a button bar, see Use a Button Bar to Pass Parameter Values.

Before you begin, you need to create a parameter. Follow the steps in Create a Parameter and don’t assign an initial value.

  1. On your home page, hover over a workbook, click Actions, and select Open.
  2. In the Data panel, click Actions Data Actions icon.
  3. In the Actions pane, click Create Action.
  4. In the Name field, give your data action a meaningful name.
  5. In the Type field, select Set Parameter.
  6. In the Requires Data field, click On to turn it to Off.
  7. In the Parameter field, click None, then select your parameter.
  8. Leave the Value field empty.
  9. Click Create.