Keep original format strings when using DirectQuery to AS or Power BI datasets

[mattcarter865]

We have a few main models that our team maintains on Power BI service. When using thin report that connects to one of these models using the DirectQuery to AS or Power BI datasets (preview) feature, the format strings on all the measures are all different from original model. 

Some get converted to currency format, others are just whole numbers with no thousands. Most annoyingly, those that had percentage formats are converted to decimal formats. I think it is based on the inferred data type of the measure.

I can manually change them again after the fact, but there are a LOT of measures. Sure would be nice if the original format string was just used by default instead of it defaulting to new ones based on data type.

I also noticed when I open the local model with Tabular Editor there are hidden "Format String" measures, one for each measure in the original model. I don't know what purpose those serve. 

E.g. hidden "format string" measure

EXTERNALMEASURE("_Sales FormatString", CURRENCY, "DirectQuery to AS - Transactions")

visible measure

EXTERNALMEASURE("Sales", CURRENCY, "DirectQuery to AS - Transactions")

[v-yiruan-msft]

Hi @mattcarter865 ,

Before using DirectQuery for Power BI datasets and Analysis Services, please uncheck the option "Detect column types and headers for unstructured sources" in the Options page. Then restart Power BI Desktop and connect to them. Later check if it can keep the original format...

Best Regards