In scenarios where control operations rely on label matching (mask, tag etc.) utilizing aliases now boosts data-linking capabilities. Essentially, an alias is an alternative name tied to a recognized control label, allowing operations to be carried out using either. Aliases are very useful for:
using image bundles;
using multilanguage datasets or similar datasets with mismatched labels;
connecting controls and widgets from external sources and many more cases.
How to use aliases
Having a dashboard in EDIT mode, pick a control and go to the settings pane on the left. Aliases are the part of the control setting menu.
Enter alternate labels next to the actual ones.
Now any time the aliases are present among variables, they will be recognized and applied when the according control position is chosen.
A multilanguage example
We have two datasets of one survey: in English and in Spanish. The same variables have different labels, but we need to show data from both datasets simultaneously. We can join charts from different sources, but we still need 2 controls - one with English and one with Spanish labels. Now in case when we need to use mask assignment, we create one control in one language and add aliases in another.
Here this one control masks data by labels from both datasets.
Note, that this possible only in situation where controls do not queries the database and operate by labels. In case you need to use them as filters or to put on row/column, you still need to create both controls and synchronize them.
An image bundle example
Images in a bundle are connected to a control by tags. Previously tags must be the same as control options, but with aliases it easier to avoid changing tags. The most common situation is using logos/flags alongside the data on a dashboard. Here is how it works with countries signs displayed
Matching aliases is case-insensitive and space-tolerant.