Mastering DirectQuery in Power BI: A Deep Dive into Performance Optimization – Part 2

In the first part of this series, we explored the essentials of Power BI’s DirectQuery mode. We discussed its core components and initial steps towards optimization. We touched on the topic of formula engine and the storage engine in Power BI, the importance of a well-structured data source, and the basics of optimizing Power BI … Read more

Exploring the model pane in Power BI Desktop: A Hands-on guide

❕ Note – The new model explorer is currently in preview as part of Power BI Desktop October 2023 release. To enable the preview feature go to File -> Options and settings -> Options -> Preview features and enable “Model explorer and Calculation group authoring” The Model Pane feature is showcased here as part of … Read more

Dynamic shading in Power BI native line charts: Comparing values

Image of a native line chart in Power BI using error bands to display positive vs negative sales vs previous year

Power BI is rich with features for data visualization, one of which is the capability for dynamic shading in Power BI native line charts. In this guide, we’ll explore how to compare current year sales to previous year sales by shading the area between the two lines in a line chart using the error bars … Read more

Mastering DirectQuery in Power BI: A Deep Dive into Performance Optimization – Part 1

Working with Power BI DirectQuery datasets, you might sometimes find that performance issues can feel inevitable. Especially with larger datasets where many moving parts can cause potential complications. In this series, I will guide you towards mastering DirectQuery in Power BI, starting with an overview to help you understand the aspects of DirectQuery performance and … Read more

Unlocking Power BI: A Deep Dive into Import vs DirectQuery Storage Modes

When building datasets in Power BI, you have different options on how to connect and store the data in your dataset. There are two main Power BI storage modes to choose from when querying data from your data source. These are import mode and DirectQuery mode. Import mode in Power BI allows you to import … Read more

Finding the Highest and Lowest Values Across Many Columns in Power BI using DAX

When working with data in Power BI, sometimes you need to find the highest (maximum) and lowest (minimum) values across several columns. This task is straightforward in programs like Excel where you can just use the MAX and MIN functions with multiple arguments like so: MAX(columnA, columnB, columnC). However, in Power BI, using DAX (Data … Read more

Dimensional modeling for Power BI: The purpose of data modeling

Data modeling techniques and methodologies are a common discussion topic when working on BI or data warehouse projects. There are multiple practices of data modeling and different reporting tools support different ways to handle data. If you have past experience of working in the data area, chances are you have come across Kimball dimensional modeling, … Read more

Power BI data types in relationships – Does it matter?

If you have a background in traditional database development you might have learned that using integer over e.g. string has a performance benefit in for example indexes and joins. You might have brought this knowledge with you into the world of Power BI or tabular development. Perhaps you are enforcing the use of integer columns … Read more

Level up your Power BI model using DAX Studio – Part 2

Welcome back to part two of how to level up your workflow and Power BI model using DAX Studio! I’m showing you my go to scenarios on when to use Power BI together with DAX Studio. In the first part of this post I started with an introduction to what DAX Studio is. I discussed … Read more