Date Format Query

[hackfifi]

I have a date field on X Axis of a bar graph visual with the format MMMM YYYY (March 2017). The date format was selected from the Modelling --> Format ---> Date Time.  To make the bar graph more tidy, i would like the date format to be Mar 17 or Mar-17 instead of March 2017. Is this possible? I would like to use the same DATE Field (rather than creating a new column WITH a new formatted date field as i have some relationships developed with this field and other table fields.) 

Not sure why this format (MMM YY) is not available in the dropdown below.

[Phil_Seamark · Accepted solution]

Hi @hackfifi

You can create your own format by creating a calculated column as follows

My Date = FORMAT([Date],"MMM YY")

You have access to the standard date formatting rules as the 2nd parameter of the FORMAT Function.

[hackfifi]

Thanks @Phil_Seamark - but does that mean I need to create a NEW Column, and re-link all my existing relationship to the new column? Is there no way to format the "existing" date column?

[v-huizhn-msft]

Hi @hackfifi,

Please follow the solution @Phil_Seamark posted, and mark the right reply as answer if you have resolved it.

Thanks,
Angelia

[hackfifi]

Sure Angelia. I am still testing the solution, and will reply as answer in the new year. I am currently away on a break. Thanks!

[v-huizhn-msft]

Hi @hackfifi,

Got it, please give us response if you have other issue.

Best Regards,
Angelia

[Phil_Seamark]

HI @hackfifi

You create the new column, but leave your relationships alone.  Power BI is smart enough to still work the way you expect.  Just drag this new column to your visual to see the dates formatted the way you want.  Feel free to add a few columns with long or short formatting they way you like 🙂