Semantic Model

Hi Ania26

In Power BI Desktop, create a new file, and connect to your existing Semantic Model.

If you then add any new data source (e.g. Connect to another Semantic Model, Use Get Data to connect to another source etc), Power BI will ask you to "Add a Local Model":

This will create a new Semantic Model, which is the combination of your old semantic model, plus any changes you make to it.

If you make changes in the old model, they will automatically feed into and become available in the new model when you refresh the new model.

If you make changes in the new model, e.g. adding new tables or measures like you are asking, they will only be available in the new model, not the old one.

Hope that helps!

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Hello Ania26

This is expected behavior when using an existing semantic model.

When you connect to a published semantic model (live connection):

• You can use existing tables and measures
• You cannot edit tables, add columns, or modify the model
• Tables cannot be viewed because the model is not in import mode

  Possible solutions:

  1. Use DirectQuery and and Import Mode for Power BI datasets  (composite model)
     • Allows adding new measures and some calculated columns
     • to add additional business logic in it.
     • Download and edit the original PBIX
       • If you need full control (tables, columns, relationships) or any transformation needed based on the requirement.
       • Best practice
         • Create a central (golden) semantic model with all common measures.
         • Reuse it across reports to avoid duplication of Semantic models , just you need to call the same Semantic model in the report.
         • Please make sure that tables should have some specific indentification for each report if its different .

Hi Ania26,

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Fabric Community happy to help.

What you are describing is a very common and valid requirement. Let me explain exactly what is happening and the right approach to solve it.

Why You See "Table cannot be shown because it is not in import mode"

Your semantic model is connected to a source using DirectQuery or Live Connection mode in these modes, data is not physically imported into Power BI, so the Table View cannot display rows. This is expected behaviour, not an error.

How to Reuse Your Semantic Model Across Multiple Reports

Option 1 Connect to your existing Semantic Model (Recommended)

This is the correct way to reuse tables and measures without recreating them:

• In Power BI Desktop → Home → Get Data → Power BI Semantic Models
• Select your existing semantic model
• This gives you a Live Connection to it all your existing tables and measures are available instantly in every new report

To add new measures on top of the shared model in each report:

• Go to Modeling tab → New Measure
• These report-level measures live in that report only and do not affect the original model

How to Edit the Original Model (Add Tables, Columns, Measures)

To edit the source semantic model itself add new tables, columns, or measures that apply everywhere:

• Open the original .pbix file in Power BI Desktop
• Add your new tables, columns, or calculated columns there
• Add shared measures in the model
• Republish to the service all reports connected to it will automatically see the changes

How to See Table Data (Fix the Table View issue)

The Table View restriction is because of DirectQuery/Live mode. To see actual row data:

• Switch the table to Import mode in Power BI Desktop → Transform Data → change the storage mode of that specific table to Import
• This allows Table View to show data rows
• Note: if your model uses DirectQuery for a reason (real-time data, large volume), keep it as-is and just use the Report View to verify data through visuals instead

Summary

This approach means you never have to recreate measures build them once in the source model and connect every report to it.

Hope this helps!

If this resolved your question, please mark it as an Accepted Solution and drop a Kudo it helps others in the community find the answer faster.

Hello Ania26,

We hope you're doing well. Could you please confirm whether your issue has been resolved or if you're still facing challenges? Your update will be valuable to the community and may assist others with similar concerns.

Thank you.

Hello Ania26, 

Could you please confirm if your query has been resolved by the provided solutions? This would be helpful for other members who may encounter similar issues.

Thank you for being part of the Microsoft Fabric Community.