Continuous increase in PBIX files over days

[MohannadSh1996]

I have a PBIX file with 7 pages, each page consist of 8-10 graphs, with ~25 tables each table would have a new 20-30 rows a day and File size is around 350MB.

I noticed that the file size increases over days that takes much time to be published to the web service with other difficulties because of the big file size.

The question is; Is this increasing because of the accumulative data in the tables over days? If so, can I split the data from the UI so the PBIX file size will stay constant if I didn't add a new visuals?

[v-alq-msft]

Hi, @MohannadSh1996 

For import connection, during the initial Get Data experience, the set of tables selected each define a query that will return a set of data. Upon load, all of the data defined by those queries will be imported into the Power BI cache.

For DirectQuery connections, during the initial Get Data experience, the source is selected. For relational sources, a set of tables are selected and each still define a query that logically returns a set of data. Upon load, no data is imported into the Power BI store. 

I'd like to suggest you refer to the blog about what makes up a pbix file. The data model file with import mode is much larger than the one in DirectQuery mode. And visuals will also increase the size.

About how to reduce the size for import mode, you may refer to the document .

Best Regards

Allan

If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

[MohannadSh1996]

I have read a lot about the DirectQuery, I noticed that there is some advantages like: Large scale dataset and not needing the data refreshment, but in the other hand there is a lot of disadvantages, such as: single data source only, data transformations are limited, modelling is limited, DAX is limited and lower speed of the reports, which I think is not good in my case.

 BTW, I'm trying now to reduce the file size AMAP by removing some unneeded parts and editing some options like disabling the Auto date time. Do you have any other suggestions? 

[harshnathani]

Hi @MohannadSh1996 ,

You can also use the  Vertipac Analyzer tool to interrogate your data model and see what's taking up space.

https://www.sqlbi.com/tools/vertipaq-analyzer/

Regards,

Harsh Nathani

[colivier]

Hi

In addition to all the excellent tools and advice given so far I'd like to suggest you take a look at PBI Spy.

https://www.sinapse.io/pbi-spy

It's a tool that analyzes your PBIX or PBIT files and identifies columns and measures in your model that are not used in your report.

This includes checking that a column or measure isn't used in relationships, measures, visualizations or filters.

Hope it helps. And I'd appreciate any feedback if you do decide to try it out.

Regards

Chris

[amitchandak]

@MohannadSh1996 , refer if these can help

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/guidance/import-modeling-data-reduction

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-ZqToc85Yc

https://www.fourmoo.com/2019/11/27/how-i-saved-40-on-my-power-bi-dataset-size/

[vanessafvg]

the only way to split the storage of the data, if i understand what you are asking is to use direct query. Obviously more data you have the bigger you pbix, visuals will obviously add to the size. In theory it sounds like you trying to cram quite a lot in.