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!

[Mauro89]

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!