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Import from Fabric

You can import a semantic model directly from a Microsoft Fabric workspace into Semantic Modeler. This is useful when you want to start managing an existing Fabric model locally, bring it under source control, or use Semantic Modeler's editing tools on a model that was originally built in the Fabric portal or Power BI Desktop.

How to Import

  1. From the Welcome screen or File menu, select Import from Fabric.
  2. Sign in with your Microsoft Entra ID account if prompted.
  3. Select the workspace containing the model you want to import.
  4. Choose the semantic model from the list.
  5. Pick a local folder to save the imported model.
  6. Semantic Modeler downloads the model definition and saves it in your chosen format (TMDL or BIM).

What Gets Imported

The import brings down the full model definition: tables, columns, measures, relationships, roles, perspectives, and partition queries. It does not copy the data itself, only the model metadata.

After Importing

Once imported, the model is a local file on your machine. You can:

  • Edit it freely without affecting the Fabric workspace
  • Put it under Git source control
  • Set up environments to point back to Fabric for publishing
  • Use Fabric Sync to keep the local copy and the workspace in sync going forward

Import vs. Fabric Sync

Importing is a one-time operation to get a copy of a model onto your machine. Fabric Sync is an ongoing two-way synchronization between your local model and the workspace. Typically you import once, then use Fabric Sync for subsequent changes.

Topic Link
Microsoft Fabric What is Microsoft Fabric?
Microsoft Entra ID Microsoft Entra ID documentation
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