Import versus Upload

[JoseAriel]

I have serveral Hugh files that get regularly update. How does one determin which is best. Do I Upload or do I Import? Taking into consideration the amount of data, which is easiest to work with in powerBI and how do I insure the files have the most recent data?

Thanks in advance

[v-jiascu-msft]

Hi @JoseAriel,

1. What's type of the files? Excel workbooks or data in Databases? Or something else? 

2. It seems you want to manipulate the dataset. I think you need to work in the PBI Desktop. Therefore, only Import and Direct Query are the options. Import mode will load all the data into the PBI Desktop file while Direct Query connects to the data source directly without storing data locally.

3. How big is the file exactly? 

Reference: powerbi-desktop-data-sources/

Best Regards!

Dale

[JoseAriel]

They are Excel files. There are about 16 of them. Anywhere beteen 1700KB And 10,573 KB.

The files will be regularly updated with new and/or more data (Historical files). The files are generated using an Access database, therefore, once I gain more knowledge, I will probably work directly from the database.

???

Thanks

[v-jiascu-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @JoseAriel,

Since they are Excel workbooks and Access DBs, the only way is Import. (I think you won't like it as Excel Online). You can import them using the Access connector. I can say all the files are a piece of cake for Power BI from both the size and the amount. Enjoy your journey of Power BI.

Best Regards!

Dale