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

[ldwf]

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?

[Natarajan_M]

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

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[Kedar_Pande · Accepted solution]

@ldwf 

Fix: turn the live connection into a composite model. That unlocks adding your Fabric table and keeps your dashboard intact.

If this answer helped, please click 👍 or Accept as Solution.
-Kedar
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kedar-pande

[parry2k]

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

What is the compatibility level of your model?

[parry2k]

@ldwf are you using power bi project file to use tmdl? PBIP?

[ldwf]

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