Skip to main content
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

Get Fabric Certified for FREE during Fabric Data Days. Don't miss your chance! Request now

Reply
ptepichin
Frequent Visitor

can i combine direct query and import in a power bi application

Good afternoon, 

 

Is it possible to use a hybrid Data Connectivity Mode utilizing both Import and Direct Query connections in a Power BI visualization?

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION
v-yadongf-msft
Community Support
Community Support

Hi @ptepichin ,

 

When you use DirectQuery, composite models make it possible to create a Power BI model, such as a single .pbix Power BI Desktop file, that does either or both of the following actions:

  • Combines data from one or more DirectQuery sources.
  • Combines data from DirectQuery sources and import data.

 

For example, by using composite models, you can build a model that combines the following types of data:

  • Sales data from an enterprise data warehouse.
  • Sales-target data from a departmental SQL Server database.
  • Data that's imported from a spreadsheet.

 

A model that combines data from more than one DirectQuery source or that combines DirectQuery with import data is called a composite model.


For more information, please refer to: Use composite models in Power BI Desktop - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

 

Best regards,

Yadong Fang

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

View solution in original post

3 REPLIES 3
sam_gift
Helper I
Helper I

Hi, Currently there is a limitation in refreshing the composite model semantic model. Please assist how to overcome it.

sam_gift_0-1716992650959.png

 

v-yadongf-msft
Community Support
Community Support

Hi @ptepichin ,

 

When you use DirectQuery, composite models make it possible to create a Power BI model, such as a single .pbix Power BI Desktop file, that does either or both of the following actions:

  • Combines data from one or more DirectQuery sources.
  • Combines data from DirectQuery sources and import data.

 

For example, by using composite models, you can build a model that combines the following types of data:

  • Sales data from an enterprise data warehouse.
  • Sales-target data from a departmental SQL Server database.
  • Data that's imported from a spreadsheet.

 

A model that combines data from more than one DirectQuery source or that combines DirectQuery with import data is called a composite model.


For more information, please refer to: Use composite models in Power BI Desktop - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

 

Best regards,

Yadong Fang

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

Greg_Deckler
Community Champion
Community Champion

@ptepichin Yes. You can even have a single table with both DirectQuery and Import partitions or a combination of tables in DirectQuery only mode, import only mode and even Dual mode (both DirectQuery and import). Dual mode is different than having multiple partitions, one DirectQuery and one import.



Follow on LinkedIn
@ me in replies or I'll lose your thread!!!
Instead of a Kudo, please vote for this idea
Become an expert!: Enterprise DNA
External Tools: MSHGQM
YouTube Channel!: Microsoft Hates Greg
Latest book!:
DAX For Humans

DAX is easy, CALCULATE makes DAX hard...

Helpful resources

Announcements
November Power BI Update Carousel

Power BI Monthly Update - November 2025

Check out the November 2025 Power BI update to learn about new features.

Fabric Data Days Carousel

Fabric Data Days

Advance your Data & AI career with 50 days of live learning, contests, hands-on challenges, study groups & certifications and more!

FabCon Atlanta 2026 carousel

FabCon Atlanta 2026

Join us at FabCon Atlanta, March 16-20, for the ultimate Fabric, Power BI, AI and SQL community-led event. Save $200 with code FABCOMM.

Top Solution Authors
Top Kudoed Authors