Referencing a saved dataset as the source

[Lee_Mather]

Hello All

Im brand new to PowerBI so first off thanks in advance for any help, now and in the future.

My first question is on datasets.  We will be using the same data over and over on multiple reports, is it possible to create a data set, clean it up, merge it with other data sets and then save that as a master clean data set, then use that PowerBI dataset as the source for other datasets and reports?

I hope this makes sense, and once again ta in advance

Lee

[greggyb]

In the Power BI Service you can create new reports based on published datasets. Just click on the dataset name and you'll be taken to a blank canvas to edit a report in the browser. Alternatively, you can click the ellipsis to the right of the dataset name and choose 'Explore'.

In terms of merging datasets, not really. You can copy Power Query queries and steps between .pbix files. You'll have to do all your datasource manipulation in a single .pbix file. When you upload that file to the service, you'll be prompted to overwrite the dataset with the same name.

[Lee_Mather]

Thanks

That makes sense, create the data set, then generate multiple reports from it.

Is it possible to do this via PowerBI desktop rather than from a published dataset?

ta

Lee

[greggyb]

No, a .pbix file can have 0 or 1 reports in it (that report may have 1-N pages). Every .pbix uploaded to the service is a different dataset with the name of the .pbix file. To have multiple reports share a dataset, all reports 2-N must be authored in the browser.

Here are two relevant feature requests that you can vote on to help get more visibility to this issue:

https://ideas.powerbi.com/forums/265200-power-bi-ideas/suggestions/11193660-create-multiple-reports-...

https://ideas.powerbi.com/forums/265200-power-bi-ideas/suggestions/6935840-allow-power-bi-designer-t...