A parameter is a named runtime input. Its definition supplies a data type, an allowed-value source, and a default value. A Parameter Controller changes the current value while a report is open; it does not change the parameter's saved default value.

Choose the scope

Scope	Where to manage it	Availability	How it is saved
Global Parameter	Tools > Parameters	Stored centrally for the current tenant and selectable in reports.	Save in the parameter editor writes the definition immediately.
Report Parameter	The report designer's parameter management action	Stored only in the current report.	Save updates the report draft; click the report-level Save to persist it.

Use a Global Parameter when reports should share one definition. Use a Report Parameter for report-specific logic or when the report must remain self-contained.

Avoid using the same name in both scopes. Parameter references contain a name but no scope, so duplicate names make the intended definition unclear.

Create a Global Parameter

1. Open Tools > Parameters.
2. Click New.
3. Complete the parameter fields described below.
4. Click Save.

Create a Report Parameter

1. Open the report in the report designer.
2. Open the toolbar overflow menu (...) and select Parameters management.
3. Click New, complete the parameter fields, and click Save.
4. Close the Parameters window and click the report-level Save.

The first Save adds the definition to the current report draft. The report-level Save writes that draft to the report file.

Configure the definition

Field	What to enter
Name	Use a stable, descriptive name. Existing names are read-only. Names cannot contain [ ] + / \ ? % # & = < > ' ".
Description	State the business meaning, expected unit, and intended use.
Type	Select Text, Numeric, or Date. Use Numeric for arithmetic in a calculated measure.
Suggested values	The options depend on Type: Numeric supports Any value, SQL, and List of values; Text supports SQL and List of values; Date uses Any value.
Default value	Set the persisted starting value. This field is required.

The value-source options behave as follows:

Suggested values	Configuration	Typical controller
Any value	Enter the default directly; there is no candidate list.	Numeric Slider for a Numeric parameter.
SQL	Select a connection, enter the query, and run Execute query. The first result column becomes the candidate list.	List/Dropdown or Button.
List of values	Add the allowed values manually. Duplicate values are removed when the definition is saved.	List/Dropdown or Button.

Add a Parameter Controller

In the report designer, open Components > Parameters and add a compatible controller:

Controller	Compatible parameter definition
Numeric Slider	Numeric + Any value
List/Dropdown	Text or Numeric + SQL or List of values
Button	Text or Numeric + SQL or List of values

Text + Any value and Date parameters created in the current editor are not compatible with the current controller set. See Parameter Controllers for binding, selection, search, slider, and troubleshooting guidance.

Use a parameter

Use	Syntax or guide
Calculated measure	ParamRef("ParameterName") — see Using Parameters in Calculated Measures.
Component title	${ParameterName} — see Using Parameters in Component Titles.
Scenario input	See What-if Analysis.
Embedded report URL	See Pass parameters through URL.
Tab switching	See Parameter-Driven Tab Switching.

Common issues

Symptom	Check
A parameter is missing from a controller's picker.	Confirm the controller and definition match the compatibility table above.
A controller selection does not become the next default.	Edit Default value. The current runtime value and the saved default are different states.
An SQL parameter has no choices.	Run Execute query and verify that the first result column contains the intended values.
You need to rename a parameter.	Names are read-only after creation. Create the replacement, update every controller, title, and formula, then remove the old definition.
You plan to delete a parameter.	Check all reports first. Deleting a Global Parameter does not rewrite reports, and deleting a Report Parameter is not guaranteed to repair every free-text reference or controller.