Microsoft EmployeeThe new Semantic Model Settings Pane is significantly less efficient than the classic settings page. The side-panel layout reduces usable screen space, requires excessive scrolling, and makes administrative tasks such as managing data source credentials, gateways, refresh schedules, and model settings more difficult. Please provide an option to make the classic settings page the default experience or allow users to opt out of the new settings pane.
Microsoft EmployeeThanks for the feedback, Anna. I hope the link to switch back to the old settings page can help you for now. The search function in the settings pane might also help to minimize scrolling. Let me see what our options are to make the default experience configurable. Will circle back when I have an answer.
Can you tell me where the link is to convert back to the old settings page? Thanks!
Microsoft EmployeeAnna, it's in the new blog post just published a few days ago, announcing the switch of the default experience: Manage semantic model settings in context with the default settings pane (Preview) | Microsoft Fabric Community
Basically, look at the bottom of the settings navigation section. There should be a link labeled "<< Open settings page" which brings you back to the old experience.
Microsoft EmployeeAnna, this is to close the loop on making the default configurable. We do not provide such an option because we intend to retire the classic settings page over time. The switchback link we discussed earlier is supposed to help with the transition. There are three main phases. We introduced the new settings pane in May (phase 1). Then we waited 4 months before we made it the default (phase 2). That’s done now. You can still go back to the classic page. Yet, please keep in mind that the classic page is sunsetting (phase 3). During phase 3, we will make improvements to the new settings UI while the classic page remains as is. You mentioned data source credentials, gateways, refresh schedules, and [other] model settings. Indeed, that’s exactly our ranking. At some point during phase 3, the classic page will no longer be available.
There are many good reasons for this transition: Modern look and feel, better alignment across Fabric and Power BI, configuration within the current work context such as from within Web modelling, and more intuitive experiences as we land planned improvements. There are also drawbacks. There is less space for the settings, as you mentioned. The inability to switch between models while the settings are open is another. We are taking these issues into consideration in the new UI designs.
We really appreciate your very valid feedback on this, and we will continue to invest in improvements to the new user experiences.
