Clarification on Semantic model

[VoltesDev]

Hello,

Just want to ask for clarification, so about Semantic Model which I tried to create a shared semantic model for all my reports. Whereby I pull all my data and put into 1 Workspace, and then I have another Workspace only for the reports.

For example, the data is all in Workspace called "XYZ-DataWarehouse", then I have Workspace called "XYZ-Sales" for all sales reports.

In my mind and plan, I will create Semantic mode by Get data from OneLake and connect to that XYZ-DataWarehouse, and choose few tables, doing all the relationship. And I will save or publish this semantic model into XYZ-Sales Workspace. Because it will use for all the reports in that XYZ-Sales. Same thing, in my mind, I will create new Workspace, lets say it XYZ-Finance, then will create new semantic model and put in XYZ-Finance workspace. 

And I just realized it doesn't have Publish button (because I'm using DirecLake mode), and the Semantic model is automatically saved in that "XYZ-DataWarehouse".

This, already not my plan, since I'm "imagine" that the semantic model will be saved in workspace "XYZ-Sales". Turns out, can't

Then, if must be in XYZ-DataWarehouse, I would like to be saved in a folder, so I created folder in XYZ-DataWarehouse, named "semantic-modes", plan is to put under this folder instead. Turns out this plan also wasted.

So just want to ask for clarification, if I want to have a shared semantic models, we only have one choices, is that Semantic model having a strong-bond with its Workspace (where the data belongs to) and it only can save / put in the root of the Workspace. May I know if this is the correct understanding ?

And for my report Sales which gonna be put in that "separated" Workspace "XYZ-Sales", just need to used that semantic model in the XYZ-Datawarehouse ?

Despite, all my plans are failed, I have no choice than to embrace it, can I say that ?

Thanks, 

[v-sdhruv · Accepted solution]

Hi @VoltesDev ,

As of November 2024, Power BI Desktop now supports publishing directly into folders within a workspace—but this feature is currently in preview and enabled by default.

Publish semantic models and reports from Power BI Desktop to a folder in a workspace (preview)

Hope this helps!

[VoltesDev]

Hi Thanks,

I don't know this. Really help! 😊

[rohit1991]

Hi @VoltesDev 

When you use Direct Lake, the semantic model is created within the workspace of the Lakehouse or Warehouse, and you can't move or publish it elsewhere later. It stays tied to the workspace where it was created.

That said, when creating the semantic model, you can choose the target workspace if you start from the “New semantic model” option in the menu this lets you save it in a more central or shared workspace upfront. But once it’s saved, it can’t be moved between workspaces.

For your setup, it’s fine to build reports in XYZ-Sales that connect to the model in XYZ-DataWarehouse just make sure both workspaces are in the same capacity and the users have access.

[VoltesDev]

Hi thanks for the info. 

What about if I create from Power BI dekstop then I want to put in subfolder for the Workspace ?

For any case, can be including the report as well.

Because I notice the publish also don't have feature to select which folder in the Workspace.

Thanks,