Forum Discussion
Power BI Report Builder - Tabular model data source (Questions)
Hi 101Mathew ,
Thank you for staying engaged and sharing your concerns.I understand that this issue might require a more detailed, hands on approach. While we've covered several possible solutions, I recommend reaching out to a certified Power BI partner for support tailored to your specific needs.
Power BI Partners – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/products/power-bi/partners#
Regards,
Yugandhar.
Hi 101Mathew ,
Totally get the frustration. Report Builder has a bit of a learning curve, especially when you're coming from Power BI Desktop and working with tabular models. Let me try to help with your questions one by one:
1. Using Hidden Fields from Tabular Models
Unfortunately, Report Builder does not expose hidden fields or measures from the tabular model. If a field is marked as hidden in the model, it won’t show up in the metadata browser.
Workaround:
If you have access to the model, you can temporarily unhide the fields you need, build your report, and then hide them again. Not ideal, but it works.
2. Parameters with "Select All" by Default
This is a common ask. To set a parameter to default to "All":
- In the Parameter Properties, go to Default Values
- Choose Get values from a query
- Use the same dataset as the available values
- This will pre-select all values by default when the report loads
Make sure the dataset returns all possible values for that parameter.
3. Recreating Hidden Measures in Report Builder
Yes, you can recreate logic using calculated fields in your dataset queries (DAX or MDX depending on your source).
But keep in mind:
- You won’t get the same performance or reusability as model-defined measures
- If the logic is complex, it’s better to expose it in the model itself
4. Good Tutorials
There aren’t many modern tutorials, but here are a few solid starting points:
- Microsoft Learn - Paginated Reports
- Guy in a Cube on YouTube has some great walkthroughs
- SQLBI also has some advanced content if you're working with DAX-based models
Let me know which part you'd like to dive deeper into. Happy to help walk through a specific example if needed.
If my response resolved your query, kindly mark it as the Accepted Solution to assist others. Additionally, I would be grateful for a 'Kudos' if you found my response helpful.
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Thank kindly for the reply - I've spent so much time trying to figure these issues out, without much in the way of support.
1. Using Hidden Fields from Tabular Models
That is very annoying, and interesting that if it's unhidden you can add it then hide it again, and still works
2. Parameters with "Select All" by Default
Parameter on selecting it's properties, under default values, in the dataset section have that match the field that is being used as the parameter?!? see Fig 1
Fig 1
note it shows up in the dataset as AccountExec - also the query designer Fig 2:
Fig 2
3. Recreating Hidden Measures in Report Builder
So Define it in here - like I would within Dax Studio - FYI - I tried formatting this query using DAX formatter, which made it so much easier to read, but broke the query on parameters oddly which is annoying, as I don't understand the reason why, and dealing with a lump of code is rather fustrating
