We can save and share data using a VARIETY of different Tableau File Types. The difference between each file type relate to the amount and type of information stored in the file. FOLLOWING are different file types:

• Tableau Workbook (twb) – tableau’s default way to save data. Information to visualize data. No source data involved. Typically this is an xml document format.
  • Key objective is to capture entire workbook which may contain one or multiple worksheets
  • This may also additionally contain dashboards
  • This may also contain the stories
  • All sheets, connection information stored. But data not stored
    
    
• Tableau data source (tds) – typically accesses frequently used data sources. It includes server address, password, other metadata related details to the data source.
  • Key objective is to store all information for connecting to a data source
  • However, it does not contain the actual data
    
    
• Tableau bookmark (tbm) – this is typically sharing worksheets from one workbook to another. It includes information to visualize and the data source provided the source workbook is a packaged workbook.
  • As the name reflects, key is to use it as a bookmark
  • Contains information for one worksheet
  • Simple and easy way to share work quickly through the bookmark if objective is to share a particular worksheet only
    
    
• Tableau data extract (tde) – it improves performance and enables more functions. It includes source data as filtered and AGGREGATED during extract.
  • Key for storing data source related information and hence users can use it to work in offline mode
    
    
• Tableau packaged workbook(twbx) – this is typically shared with all who do not have ACCESS to source data and can view entire dashboard with the help of a tableau reader.
  • Key objective is to store all information, data, local FILES, images all in a zip file format in this and share to other users who may not have access to Tableau so that they can view
  • All sheets, connection information stored. Data is also stored
  • This format takes more space since it captures data, but very useful as it stores all necessary information. Can be used best for backing up your work
    
    
• Packaged data source (tdsx) – this is typically a zip file format which contains the data source file of .tds extension and local file data sources such as .tde files, text files, excel files, MS access files etc.

Out of the above, tde and twbx files generally handle potentially large data.