Forum Discussion

ldwf's avatar
ldwf
Helper V
2 months ago
Solved

Converting to Direct Query from Import to integrate with Power Apps and Fabric

I have a PBI dashboard built by connecting to published semantic model.  The storage mode is import.  I need to integrate this dashboard with a table in Fabric as well with a Power App form.  I can't confirm, but it appears that since the .pbix file is in import mode pointing to a published semantic model, I cannot read in a table from Fabric to integrate this with Power Apps form unless I convert to direct query.  I tried to convert this from import to direct query, but it doesn't let me.  I read that you can use TMDL to do the conversion, but the TMDL icon doesn't appear for me, and I think it's because the .pbix file is in import mode since for other .pbix files that don't use semantic models I see the TMDL icon.  I'm trying to avoid having to rebuild my dashboard from scratch using direct query.  Is there any way to do this?

Need Help

5 Replies

    • ldwf's avatar
      ldwf
      Helper V
      2 months ago

      Sorry I'm not following.  I do see the TMDL for other .pbix files (dashboards), but not for this one.  I assume it's because this is using a semantic model as the source instead of raw SQL statements

  • parry2k's avatar
    parry2k
    Super User
    2 months ago

    ldwf is this an old model? Maybe the compatibility level is below the required level.

     

    What is the compatibility level of your model?

     

     

  • Natarajan_M's avatar
    Natarajan_M
    Super User
    2 months ago

    Hi ldwf : 

    when you connect to the already published semantic model it will be in the live mode


    If you need to add new tables then it will become composite model 

    e.g. go to get data -> semantic model  
    you will get the below prompt "Add a Local Model"




    Once you select the tables to include in the local model and add the second source then the connection will become direct query 




    this is how it will look in the model view :


    Connecting Fabric server

     

    added a table :


    The storage mode will be direct query and the model in technical terms called as "Composite model"

    Check the compatability level :


    also the tmdl view should be visible to you 

     



    Thanks!

    Natarajan Manivasagan

    If you found this helpful, please consider giving it a Kudos and marking it as the accepted solution — it goes a long way in helping others facing the same issue.

     

    🏆Best Solution for Enterprise BI — 2026 Microsoft Fabric Semantic Link Developer Experience Challenge
    👉Microsoft announcement · View the winning notebook

     

    For more Power BI tips and discussions, let's connect on LinkedIn.

     

    Cheers!