Create Template App for AppSource with embedded data

[mwestergaard]

I have a Power BI report that I intend to publish on AppSource as a free demo of our data products. All demo data is hard-coded via "Enter Data". The report has no Data Source Settings and there are no parameters. I want to avoid the "Connect your data" prompt, which I've read is possible if the report has no external dependencies.

I have two template app workspaces in my Fabric capacity: one as type "Fabric" and the other as type "Power BI Pro". When I "Create app" in the Fabric template workspace and install the app, I still see "Connect your data". When I attempt to "Create app" in the Power BI Pro template workspace it fails with "Data sources can't be resolved".

I assume I am missing something in the build process. Any insight is appreciated!

[oussamahaimoud · Accepted solution]

Hi @mwestergaard,

You have two realistic paths:

• Accept the banner and make it frictionless. Add a Power Query parameter (even a dummy one with a static default value like "demo") and set it as non-required. When the installer clicks "Connect your data," they'll see an empty or pre-filled parameter dialog and can just click Next → Next without entering anything. This is exactly how apps like the Power BI Release Plan report work, the parameters dialog appears with no required parameters, and the user simply clicks Next to proceed with Anonymous authentication. It's a one-click-through, not a real barrier.
• Use the Fabric workspace (which you already confirmed works) and publish to AppSource with sample-data-only positioning. Template apps explicitly support sample data-only apps on AppSource. Your app is a legitimate use case for that category.

Stick with the Fabric workspace (since it creates the app successfully), add a single optional dummy parameter in Power Query with a default value, and set no authentication requirement. The end user experience becomes: install → see sample data → optionally click through a one-step empty dialog. For a demo-only app, that's perfectly acceptable and AppSource validation will pass it given that it's explicitly flagged as a sample data app.

Some useful ressources :

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/service-connect-to-power-bi-release-plan

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/service-template-apps-tips

Assisted by AI for clarty of wording!

Hope this helps! Don't forget to accept as solution and give kudos in order to keep helping others.

Best of luck,

Oussama (Data Consultant - Expert Fabric & Power BI)

[mwestergaard]

Excellent. Thanks for your rapid reply!