What determines if an expressions.tmdl file gets created?

[JackZeeU]

Hello,

I have a question regarding the expressions.tmdl file that can be created when using .pbip files. Sometimes the file gets created when turning a .pbix file into a .pbip, but sometimes it doesn't. I can't seem to find what determines if the expressions.tmdl file gets created or not.

Thankful for any insights!

[v-achippa]

Hi @JackZeeU,

Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Fabric Community.

Thank you @Mauro89 for the prompt response. 

As we haven’t heard back from you, we wanted to kindly follow up to check if the solution provided by the user for the issue worked? or let us know if you need any further assistance.

Thanks and regards,

Anjan Kumar Chippa

[v-achippa]

Hi @JackZeeU,

We wanted to kindly follow up to check if the solution provided by the user for the issue worked? or let us know if you need any further assistance.

Thanks and regards,

Anjan Kumar Chippa

[Mauro89 · Accepted solution]

Hello @JackZeeU,

as of my knowledge the expressions.tmdl file only gets created if your .pbix contains calculation groups (from Tabular Editor) or other advanced model expressions. If your model doesn’t have those, the .pbip export won’t include an expressions.tmdl — that’s why you sometimes see it and sometimes not.

So in short:

• With calculation groups/advanced model expressions → expressions.tmdl is generated.
• Without them → no file, because there’s nothing to store there.

Maybe you can verify that with your concrete examples?

If you confirm feel free to mark my post as solution. 

Best regards!

[JackZeeU]

Hi,

I think your right,

From what I can tell the expressions.tdml file is created when the pbix file includdes power query elements. For example if I create parameters in power query it will generate an expressions.tdml file.