Forum Discussion
Power BI Report Builder
I am facing some challenges in the Power BI Report Builder . I done the connectivity the datasource and created the dataset for the same , but when I drag and drop the columns to the designer and try to run the report data is always showing empty , The same report when I export the data is displaying , this happend only in the designer and run the report
Kindly let me know any Suggestions for the same
🔍 Troubleshooting Empty Data in Power BI Report Builder Preview
It sounds like you've already successfully connected your data source and created a dataset, and the data exports correctly — but nothing shows when you run the report in the designer. This is a fairly common issue and usually relates to filters, parameters, or report design settings. Here’s a checklist to help you debug:
âś… Step-by-Step Checklist to Fix Empty Report Data
- Check Filters in Tablix/Table:
- Right-click on the Tablix (or table) > Tablix Properties > Filters tab.
- Make sure there are no filters unintentionally excluding all data. - Verify Dataset Filters:
- Go to your dataset > Dataset Properties > Filters tab.
- Again, ensure no filter is limiting data to an empty set. - Parameter Default Values:
- Check the report parameters (if any) and ensure default values are set to something that returns data.
- For example, a date parameter with no default might return empty results. - Check Visibility Settings:
- Right-click on the table rows > Row Visibility.
- Make sure rows are not hidden based on an expression that evaluates to TRUE. - Review Query Results:
- In Dataset Properties, click Query Designer > Run Query to confirm it returns results. - Use “Preview” Tab Properly:
- Always use the “Preview” tab (not just “Run”) after setting parameters to see live output. - Deployment Note:
- If your report relies on stored procedures or complex SQL logic, test that the Report Builder is executing the query correctly under the current user credentials.
đź“Ś Additional Tips
- Try simplifying the report: remove filters and reduce the dataset to a couple of rows to isolate the issue.
- Export the report to Excel or CSV from the preview to confirm that the report can retrieve data.
- If you’re using Report Builder with a Power BI semantic model (via DirectQuery), be aware that it sometimes behaves differently in design vs preview modes.
Try the above steps and let me know what you discover. If it still doesn’t work, I can walk you through checking the RDL file or DAX query structure.
✔️ If my message helped solve your issue, please mark it as Resolved!
đź‘Ť If it was helpful, consider giving it a Kudos!
- Check Filters in Tablix/Table:
5 Replies
Hi Anonymous , Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Community Forum.
This may be due to how parameters, filters or visual bindings are set up in the report and may not be an issue with your data source or query. Double-check that your dataset returns data when you run it inside the query designer. Since the export shows data, it likely does, but it’s worth confirming. Next, look at your report parameters. If your query includes parameters like @Region or @Date, make sure those parameters have valid default values or are populated correctly, missing or invalid values are a very common reason for empty previews.
Then, check that your table or matrix is connected to the correct dataset. Right-click on the visual and open the Tablix Properties to confirm that it's bound to your dataset and that each field you’re using is referencing a valid column. Also, review any filters applied, these could be at the dataset, table or group level and try removing them temporarily to see if your data appears. Even visibility rules or hidden row settings can cause data to not show in preview.
Finally, sometimes the designer itself behaves oddly due to caching or rendering issues. Try refreshing the dataset, closing and reopening Report Builder or even testing the report by deploying it to Power BI Report Server if available. Also, make sure you're using the latest version of Report Builder as updates often fix rendering bugs.
If this helped solve the issue, please consider marking it 'Accept as Solution' so others with similar queries may find it more easily. If not, please share the details, always happy to help.
Thank you.🔍 Troubleshooting Empty Data in Power BI Report Builder Preview
It sounds like you've already successfully connected your data source and created a dataset, and the data exports correctly — but nothing shows when you run the report in the designer. This is a fairly common issue and usually relates to filters, parameters, or report design settings. Here’s a checklist to help you debug:
âś… Step-by-Step Checklist to Fix Empty Report Data
- Check Filters in Tablix/Table:
- Right-click on the Tablix (or table) > Tablix Properties > Filters tab.
- Make sure there are no filters unintentionally excluding all data. - Verify Dataset Filters:
- Go to your dataset > Dataset Properties > Filters tab.
- Again, ensure no filter is limiting data to an empty set. - Parameter Default Values:
- Check the report parameters (if any) and ensure default values are set to something that returns data.
- For example, a date parameter with no default might return empty results. - Check Visibility Settings:
- Right-click on the table rows > Row Visibility.
- Make sure rows are not hidden based on an expression that evaluates to TRUE. - Review Query Results:
- In Dataset Properties, click Query Designer > Run Query to confirm it returns results. - Use “Preview” Tab Properly:
- Always use the “Preview” tab (not just “Run”) after setting parameters to see live output. - Deployment Note:
- If your report relies on stored procedures or complex SQL logic, test that the Report Builder is executing the query correctly under the current user credentials.
đź“Ś Additional Tips
- Try simplifying the report: remove filters and reduce the dataset to a couple of rows to isolate the issue.
- Export the report to Excel or CSV from the preview to confirm that the report can retrieve data.
- If you’re using Report Builder with a Power BI semantic model (via DirectQuery), be aware that it sometimes behaves differently in design vs preview modes.
Try the above steps and let me know what you discover. If it still doesn’t work, I can walk you through checking the RDL file or DAX query structure.
✔️ If my message helped solve your issue, please mark it as Resolved!
đź‘Ť If it was helpful, consider giving it a Kudos!
- Check Filters in Tablix/Table:
Hi Anonymous , Please let us know if your issue is solved. If it is, consider marking the answer that helped 'Accept as Solution', so others with similar queries can find it easily. If not, please share the details.
Thank you.Hi @AshokColan1974 , Please let us know if your issue is solved. If it is, consider marking the answer that helped 'Accept as Solution', so others with similar queries can find it easily. If not, please share the details.
Thank you.Hi @AshokColan1974 , Please let us know if your issue is solved. If it is, consider marking the answer that helped 'Accept as Solution', so others with similar queries can find it easily. If not, please share the details.
Thank you.
