Converting from DirectQuery Mode to Import Mode when pulling data from Semantic Model

[afaro]

I have a published report (report A) which is pulling data using import mode from a datasource. 

I created another report B which is pulling data from semantic model of report A. 

The data is automatically pulled in the directquery mode and there is no bar in the model view which allows me to change to import mode. 

Is this the default behaviour in this situation and is there any way to circumvent this? 

[v-linyulu-msft · Accepted solution]

Thanks for the reply from vicky_ , please allow me to provide another insight:

Hi, @afaro 
Thanks for reaching out to the Microsoft fabric community forum.

My idea is basically similar to vicky_'s.In fact, when you use the semantic model of Power BI as a data source, its connection mode is Live connection. Below is a screenshot from the official documentation:

What's the difference between live connections and DirectQuery? - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

This is my test result:

Once this connection mode is established, it cannot be directly converted to other storage modes (such as Import mode or DirectQuery mode).

The reason you believe it to be DirectQuery is that you have added other data sources to the PBIX file, transforming it into DirectQuery storage mode.

However, within a composite model, the original storage mode cannot be altered.

If you need to maintain their storage mode as Import, it is recommended that you connect the data source of Model A and select the storage mode as "Import". This will transform it into the composite model referred to by LL, which is currently the most efficient solution.

Of course, if your newly connected data sources are also in DirectQuery storage mode, then the overall storage mode will remain DirectQuery.

Of course, if you have any new discoveries or questions, please feel free to get in touch with us.
 

Best Regards,

Leroy Lu

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

[vicky_]

Yes, it is normal that you won't be able to change to import mode. However, you are able to use a composite model - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/transform-model/desktop-composite-models

basically the model from Report A can't be changed, but you will be able to import new tables, add columns etc. to those new tables. However, you cannot create calculated columns based on data from Report A (so something like CALENDARAUTO() would prevent your report from refreshing once it's published)