Referencing a saved dataset as the source

Question

Hello All&nbsp;Im brand new to PowerBI so first off thanks in advance for any help, now and in the future.&nbsp;My first question is on datasets.&nbsp; 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?&nbsp;I hope this makes sense, and once again ta in advance&nbsp;Lee

greggyb · Answer

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'.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;

lee_mather · Answer

Thanks&nbsp;That makes sense, create the data set, then generate multiple reports from it.&nbsp;Is it possible to do this via PowerBI desktop rather than from a&nbsp;published dataset?&nbsp;ta&nbsp;Lee

greggyb · Answer

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.&nbsp;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-in-a-single-power-bi-deskthttps://ideas.powerbi.com/forums/265200-power-bi-ideas/suggestions/6935840-allow-power-bi-designer-to-open-a-dataset-or-repor&nbsp;

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