What’s the difference between .twb and .twbx file extensions?

 The difference between .twb and .twbx file extensions in Tableau is as follows:

.twb (Tableau Workbook):

1. The .twb file extension stands for Tableau Workbook.
2. It is a text-based XML file that contains metadata, connections, queries, calculations, visualizations, and other workbook-specific information.
3. .twb files do not include the actual data used in the workbook. Instead, they store references to the data sources and their locations.
4. When you save a workbook as a .twb file, it is saved in a plain text format that can be opened and edited using a text editor or Tableau Desktop.
5. .twb files are typically smaller in size compared to .twbx files since they do not include the data itself.

.twbx (Tableau Packaged Workbook):

1. The .twbx file extension stands for Tableau Packaged Workbook.
2. It is a compressed file format that includes the .twb workbook file along with any external data sources, custom shapes, images, and other resources used in the workbook.
3. .twbx files are self-contained and can be shared with others or opened on different machines without the need for the original data sources or external files.
4. When you save a workbook as a .twbx file, Tableau bundles the necessary files and resources into a single compressed file.
5. .twbx files are typically larger in size compared to .twb files since they include all the required resources.

In summary, a .twb file is a text-based XML file that contains the metadata and structure of a Tableau workbook, while a .twbx file is a packaged file format that includes the .twb file along with all the necessary resources, making it easier to share and transport the workbook with its associated data and files.