bi-directional cross filter

[New_worker]

Hey, here is a question regarding bi-directional filter. 

to enable bi - directional filtering and row-level security for the many-to-many relationship, we must first:

A. define the relationship as active

B. delete the many-to-one relationship

C. change cross filter direction

My answer is B since I think there is only one active relationship between two model tables. But I take a test and found it can be existed two active relationships and the filter work normally in the visual. So I am confused about the question. Anyone can help me what is the exact answer and why? Thanks.  

[v-stephen-msft]

Hi @New_worker ,

Agree with @shafiz_p .

Your initial thought about only one active relationship is understandable, but in Power BI, you can have multiple active relationships between tables, especially when dealing with complex models. The key is to ensure that the cross filter direction is set correctly to "Both" to enable bi-directional filtering.

Best Regards,

Stephen Tao

If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

[New_worker]

Thank you @v-stephen-msft  for the reply. I can see the corss filter direction for the many-to-many relationship is set as both, the double arrow. so that means the first step to enable the bi-directional filter is to define the relathionship as active?

[v-stephen-msft]

Hi @New_worker ,

Yes, if you want to enable the bi-direction filter, you need to make the relationship active first.

For more information, please refer to 

Create and manage relationships in Power BI Desktop - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

Best Regards,

Stephen Tao

If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

[shafiz_p · Accepted solution]

Hi @New_worker  Answer is C. You need to change cross filter direction to both to enable bi - directional filtering. Your confusion might stem from the image of the test(They wanted to confuse you). But remember, they want to know how to enable bi directional, not what would you do to enable bi directional when both one to many and many to many bi directional relationship exist.

Also, your thought is correct. In power bi, you can have only one active relationship, others will be inactive. 

Hope this clearify your thought!!

If this, please accept it as a solution and a kudos!!

Best Regards,
Shahariar Hafiz

[New_worker]

Thank you for the reply. @shafiz_p But I noticed that the filter direction for the many-to-many relationship is already set as both from the data model, right. So I think the answer should be either A or B. 

Please correct me if my thoughts are wrong. 

[shafiz_p]

This is not correct all the time. If you have One to many relationship established and need to change relationship to Many to Many how would you enable bi direction. Test image I think trying to tell you that story. Obviously, Both. See example:

Many to Many but one direction:

There could be multiple option for filter direction. See example:

So, they wanted to know how would you enable bi direction with many to many relationship.

Hope this clearify your thoughts!!

If, please accept it as a solution and a kudos!!

Best Regards,
Shahariar Hafiz

[New_worker]

Hi @shafiz_p ,

I think I understand your point. You see the cross filter direction is already set as both for existing the many-to-many relationship from the data model. 

Also, I think the question is asking to enable bi - directional filtering and row-level security for the many-to-many relationship. 

[shafiz_p]

Imagine why they would test your knowledge by suggesting you delete the many-to-one relationship to enable bi-directional filtering. In real life, would it be necessary to "delete the many-to-one relationship" to make a many-to-many relationship bi-directional as well as "define the relationship as active"?

Those options are for you to get confused and still you are.