Download in CSV format does not match the format shown in Power BI Matrix visual

[thaobui123]

Hi Everyone,
I am using a Matrix visual in Power BI with a layout similar to the screenshot below.

In the Matrix, I have multiple measures and I turned on “Show value in row groups rather than columns.”

However, when I export the Matrix to CSV or Excel, the exported file does not keep the same layout.
The export shows values in columns, not in rows like the Matrix visual.

👉 Question:

How can I export the Matrix to Excel and keep the same layout and structure as shown in Power BI?

Thank you very much!

[v-veshwara-msft]

Hi @thaobui123 ,
We wanted to kindly follow up regarding your query. If you need any further assistance, please reach out.
Thank you.

[v-veshwara-msft]

Hi @thaobui123 ,
Thanks for reaching out to Microsoft Fabric Community.

Just wanted to check if the responses provided were helpful. If further assistance is needed, please reach out.
Thank you.

[Madison_071]

I’ve run into this before, and it can be a bit frustrating. The issue usually happens because Power BI's visuals are more dynamic, and they might format or aggregate data in a way that doesn’t directly translate to a CSV download. When you download the data as CSV, it’s typically flattened to match the underlying table model, which might not preserve the same formatting or hierarchy you see in the Matrix visual.

One workaround is to make sure you're using Export data options from the visual itself rather than exporting the whole report. That way, it’ll give you a CSV that’s closer to the actual data structure, but keep in mind it won’t replicate the formatting like row/column grouping or totals.

It’s just one of those quirks with Power BI but it’s good to keep in mind when working with data exports!

[cengizhanarslan · Accepted solution]

When you export to CSV, Power BI exports the underlying data values, not the formatted values shown in the visual. CSV is a plain text format, so things like currency symbols, thousand separators, percentages, or display units (K/M/B) are not preserved.

If you need the exported file to match what users see in the report, consider these options:

• Export to Excel instead of CSV, which preserves formatting more reliably.

• Create a formatted measure or column using FORMAT() if the formatted value itself must be exported.

• For full control over export layout and formatting, consider using a Paginated Report, which is designed for pixel-perfect exports (CSV, Excel, PDF, etc.).