Exported Excel File Does Not Retain Repeated Row Headers from Power BI Matrix

[Mahendra_k]

Hi everyone,

In our report, we’re using a Matrix visual with the layout and style presets set to Tabular, and the “Repeat row headers” option is enabled.

In the Power BI Service, the matrix displays correctly — the repeated row headers are visible as expected.

However, when we export the data using “Data with current layout”, the resulting Excel file does not retain the repeated row headers. Instead, the rows appear merged and centered by default.

Our requirement is that the exported Excel file should look exactly like the matrix in Power BI Service, with repeated row headers visible.

Could you please advise if there’s a workaround or setting that allows the exported Excel to preserve the repeated headers?

Thanks for your support!

[Mahendra_k]

Thanks for the detailed explanation!

Got it — so currently there’s no direct way to preserve repeated row headers when exporting a Matrix visual to Excel using Data with current layout.

I’ll explore the Paginated Reports and Analyze in Excel options you mentioned, and I’ll also vote for the idea to support this feature in future updates.

Appreciate your help and clarification!

Have a great day!

[vivien57 · Accepted solution]

Hello @Mahendra_k ,

Unfortunately, Power BI currently does not allow you to preserve repeated row headers when exporting a Matrix visual to Excel with the "Data with current layout" option. Even if the "Repeat row headers" option is enabled in the visual, the export does not preserve them. This is a known and intended behavior of Power BI.

Possible Workarounds :

• Use Power BI Paginated Reports (which you can pin-it in a Power BI dashboard for integrated rendering)
• Use Excel with "Analyze in Excel"

You can also vote for this idea to push Microsoft teams to support this feature : 

Don't hesitate to give a kudo if my answer helped you.

Have a nice day,

Vivien

https://community.fabric.microsoft.com/t5/Fabric-Ideas/Repeat-row-headers-in-a-Power-BI-matrix-while...