Solved: Re: Power BI Desktop projects (PREVIEW)

ArchStanton · ‎02-24-2026

Hi,

I've been reading about Power BI Desktop projects (PREVIEW) and its way above my level of understanding, so I'm seeking advice on whether I need to do anything now before its too late?

I currently have a number of pbix files that I save down and copy at the end of each FY, I then rename the pbix and use it for the new FY year which I publish to a new workspace (FY 2026/27) which I have yet to create.
The old published version is switched off so i have a snapshot of what my data looks like at the end of the FY.

So apart from occasional updates and modifications to the report, I rarely need to re-publish into service, I may do so 5-6 times throughout the year.

Based on what I have said here, can I continue as I have been thus far or do I need to change my process?

Thanks

KarinSzilagyi · ‎02-24-2026

Hi @ArchStanton, could you explain in a bit more detail what exactly you're worried about?

Power BI Projects (PBIP) is a format that breaks the single, binary Power BI File (=PBIX) into multiple, readable text files, which makes it easier to use version control, compare changes, and collaborate in teams. It doesn't replace PBIX, it's just an additional format to enable collaboration and better version control, so there isn't any "before it's too late" to worry about.

Could it be that you mixed up "Power BI Projects" (PBIP) and "Power BI enhanced report format" (PBIR)?
PBIR is an enhanced report definition/layout format, and will be the new default underlying format in PBIX and PBIP files (starting with the March Power BI Desktop release, unless it gets delayed).

PBIR is just a change in the underlying mechanics on how the report layout/definition is stored, by storing it as readable (JSON) text files instead of hiding everything inside a single binary PBIX file. When PBIR reaches General Availability (GA), all reports will automatically convert to the PBIR format when edited and saved (whether in the Power BI Service or Power BI Desktop).

https://powerbi.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/pbir-will-become-the-default-power-bi-report-format-get-rea...

Did I answer your question? If so, please consider marking my response as the ‘Accepted Solution’ - it helps others with the same issue find the answer more easily!

View solution in original post

KarinSzilagyi · ‎02-24-2026

Hi @ArchStanton, could you explain in a bit more detail what exactly you're worried about?

Power BI Projects (PBIP) is a format that breaks the single, binary Power BI File (=PBIX) into multiple, readable text files, which makes it easier to use version control, compare changes, and collaborate in teams. It doesn't replace PBIX, it's just an additional format to enable collaboration and better version control, so there isn't any "before it's too late" to worry about.

Could it be that you mixed up "Power BI Projects" (PBIP) and "Power BI enhanced report format" (PBIR)?
PBIR is an enhanced report definition/layout format, and will be the new default underlying format in PBIX and PBIP files (starting with the March Power BI Desktop release, unless it gets delayed).

PBIR is just a change in the underlying mechanics on how the report layout/definition is stored, by storing it as readable (JSON) text files instead of hiding everything inside a single binary PBIX file. When PBIR reaches General Availability (GA), all reports will automatically convert to the PBIR format when edited and saved (whether in the Power BI Service or Power BI Desktop).

https://powerbi.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/pbir-will-become-the-default-power-bi-report-format-get-rea...

Did I answer your question? If so, please consider marking my response as the ‘Accepted Solution’ - it helps others with the same issue find the answer more easily!