New Parameter not working/not visible (Parameters workaround?)

[agd50]

New parameter is not clickable in the ribbon - it may be due to me changing the data to be web based (not local file). Is there a workout around so that I can show different variables/values in one chart?

[v-jingzhang · Accepted solution]

Hi @agd50 

What is the data source you are connecting to? Which connection mode do you connect to it with? I guess you are using Live connection. Please check the bottom right corner of your Power BI Desktop, do you see something similar to below "Connected live to ..."? If so, this means you are connecting to a data source with Live connection mode.

With Live connection, you are not able to see the data panel anymore. You are not able to create new columns/tables/parameters either. This is by design. It is because when you use Live connection, the data and data model is hosted in the data source side. So it doesn't load data into your local drive. It doesn't allow you to modify the data model. You are only allowed to create report-level measures in the report. Only when you add visuals to a report page and do interactions with visuals, Power BI Desktop will send queries to the data source and bring necessary data to your visuals. 

If you want to use the parameter feature, you need to use Import or DirectQuery mode to connect to the data source. 

Best Regards,
Community Support Team _ Jing
If this post helps, please Accept it as Solution to help other members find it.

[agd50]

Thanks! That explains it.

Do you know how I can edit it/make changes?

[agd50]

It's only just dawned on me that the data panel isn't there anymore - just had a little heartattack