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Import from PBIX

You can import a semantic model from a Power BI Desktop file (.pbix) directly into Semantic Modeler. This lets you take a model built in Power BI Desktop and manage it as a standalone semantic model with full access to Semantic Modeler's editing, source control, and deployment features.

How to Import

  1. From the Welcome screen or File menu, select Import from PBIX.
  2. Browse to the .pbix file on your machine.
  3. Pick a local folder to save the imported model.
  4. Semantic Modeler extracts the model definition and saves it in your chosen format (TMDL or BIM).

What Gets Imported

The import extracts the semantic model definition from the .pbix file: tables, columns, measures, relationships, roles, perspectives, and partition queries. Report pages, visuals, and Power Query (M) mashup data are not included since those are specific to Power BI Desktop.

When to Use This

  • You have an existing Power BI report and want to manage the semantic model separately from the report.
  • You want to bring a model under Git source control.
  • You need to deploy the same model to multiple environments (dev, staging, production) using Semantic Modeler's environment system.
  • You want to collaborate on model development with a team using source control workflows.

After Importing

The imported model is independent of the original .pbix file. Changes you make in Semantic Modeler do not affect the .pbix, and changes in Power BI Desktop do not update your local model. If you need ongoing synchronization with a published version of the model, use Fabric Sync after publishing.

Topic Link
Power BI Desktop What is Power BI Desktop?
Power Query M language Power Query M formula language
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