Copy data vs Shortcut

[Shubham_rai955]

I am confused which to use when,, Which is more optimal way to make data ready for analytics.

[Ritaf1983 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Shubham_rai955 

The main difference is in how the data is stored and maintained.

Copy Data creates a physical copy of your dataset in a new location. Use this when you need to transform, clean, or reshape the data independently of the original source — for example, if you need to preserve a snapshot or apply heavy processing that shouldn’t affect the source.

Shortcut creates a virtual link to the existing data without duplication. It’s more efficient for analytics because it avoids storage duplication and keeps all work referencing the same single source of truth.

In short:

Use Shortcut for efficiency and consistency (shared, up-to-date data).

Use Copy Data when you must isolate or transform the data separately.

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

[v-kpoloju-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @Shubham_rai955,

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Fabric Community Forum. Also, thanks to @Ritaf1983, @GeraldGEmerick,  for his inputs on this thread.

Great question this comes up often when working in Microsoft Fabric. In simple terms, shortcuts just reference existing data (like a symbolic link), while copy data physically ingests it into your Lakehouse or warehouse.

Use shortcuts when you want to reuse existing datasets without duplicating storage for example, when multiple teams need to access the same trusted data source.

Use copy data when you need to transform, optimise, or curate the data for analytics and reporting this gives you better performance and control, especially in Power BI Direct Lake scenarios.

Many teams start by copying data for performance, then add shortcuts later to share common data across workspaces.

Refer these links:
1. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/fabric/onelake/create-onelake-shortcut 
2. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/fabric/onelake/onelake-shortcuts 

Hope this clears it up. Let us know if you have any doubts regarding this. We will be happy to help.

Thank you for using the Microsoft Fabric Community Forum.

[v-kpoloju-msft]

Hi @Shubham_rai955,

Just checking in to see if the issue has been resolved on your end. If the earlier suggestions helped, that’s great to hear! And if you’re still facing challenges, feel free to share more details happy to assist further.

Thank you.

[v-kpoloju-msft]

Hi @Shubham_rai955,

Just wanted to follow up. If the shared guidance worked for you, that’s wonderful hopefully it also helps others looking for similar answers. If there’s anything else you'd like to explore or clarify, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you.

[Ritaf1983 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Shubham_rai955 

The main difference is in how the data is stored and maintained.

Copy Data creates a physical copy of your dataset in a new location. Use this when you need to transform, clean, or reshape the data independently of the original source — for example, if you need to preserve a snapshot or apply heavy processing that shouldn’t affect the source.

Shortcut creates a virtual link to the existing data without duplication. It’s more efficient for analytics because it avoids storage duplication and keeps all work referencing the same single source of truth.

In short:

Use Shortcut for efficiency and consistency (shared, up-to-date data).

Use Copy Data when you must isolate or transform the data separately.

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

[GeraldGEmerick]

@Shubham_rai955 Depends on your optimal outcome. Making a shortcut leaves the data where it is so no duplication. However, might introduce some latency. Copying the data duplicates it but now it is stored natively and thus possibly faster.