Hidden controls

Hidden controls are control elements saved in hidden workbook pages. You can use them to restrict users' ability to interact with controls and accessing unauthorized data.

This document provides information about using hidden controls for data security in shared or embedded workbooks. For information about hidden workbook pages, see Manage workbook page visibility.

Understanding hidden controls

A hidden control is inaccessible to all or select users (depending on the page visibility setting) when the workbook is open in View or Explore mode, or when the workbook content is displayed in an embed. The restricted access can add a level of data security by preventing users from modifying the control value and


This enables you to restrict users' ability to interact with the control in shared and embedded workbooks.


when the workbook is open in View or Explore mode, or when the workbook content is displayed in an embed.

You can create a hidden control by adding or moving a control element to a hidden page, or you can change the visibility of the page containing an existing control element. When the control element is hidden correctly,

Important considerations when using hidden controls

Page visibility settings apply in View and Explore mode only. The workbook owner and any user granted Can edit permission for the particular workbook can access all pages in Edit mode, regardless of page visibility settings.

Therefore, hidden controls are accessible to any user with the ability to edit the workbook. Confirm workbook permissions to ensure the control is restricted as intended.



Hidden control elements

You can add any control element to a hidden page, with one limitation.

Hidden control limitation for data element filters

Hidden pages do not fully hide control elements created from data element filters (filters created directly on visualizations, tables, and pivot tables). Users with Can Explore and Can View access to the workbook can access and manipulate data element filters, giving them indirect access to any associated control element.

Because of this, if you intend to completely hide a control from non-creators, you must store the control's parent element on the hidden page.

Hide a control

  1. If you are not already in Edit mode, click Edit.
  2. Add a new page to your workbook and hide it, or open an existing hidden page.
  3. Place the control on the hidden page. If the control was created from an element filter, both the control and the element must be stored on the hidden page. Alternatively, you can create the control directly from the ELEMENT editor panel.