How to duplicate a directlake on onelake model

[dbeavon3]

I'm trying to get started with "directlake on onelake":
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/fabric/fundamentals/direct-lake-overview

I created a model, and would like to branch out from that.  I want to create duplicate models that I can tweak for temporary testing purposes without disturbing the original..  I haven't found a "save as" command yet.  What is the best way?  Do I use export/import on the desktop and send the model to a pbip project?

[Cookistador]

Probably because it is a very new feature, Patrick leblanc spoke a little bit about this topic in may 2025 update (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Im7Cmr1il3o)

I did not push the test, but for our case, we had a report with high cardinality, I move it to composite with Direct Lake for facts table, and I saw a pretty big bump in terms of perfomrance

But defineltiy, the best way to see if it is relevant for you, it is by making a test 

[Cookistador]

Hi @dbeavon3 

Your apporach is right, You can export your model as a PBIP (Power BI

) in Power BI Desktop, which gives you the model definition in a folder structure. You can then copy this folder, rename it, and open it as a new project in Power BI Desktop for further modification and testing.

Another approach, would be to use Tabular Model Definition Language (TMDL) scripting features (you can get more info with this approach under the following link

https://powerbi.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/deep-dive-into-direct-lake-on-onelake-and-creating-direct-l...)

Do not hesistate if you need more support 🙂

[dbeavon3]

Hi @Cookistador 
There aren't a ton of resources to find about these new models. Thanks.

As a side, are you familiar yet with the "Direct Lake + Import" composite models?  The Italian, Marco, seems to be advertising them heavily despite the fact that there is virtually no documentation about this stuff from Microsoft.  This new composite modeling approach seems superior to the original composite models (especially where high-cardinality dimensions are concerned.)  And the underlying technology is long overdue.  But the lack of formal documentation makes me extremely nervous to start using it.  Maybe if I can find another advocate for this, in addition to Marco, then I might start drinking the coolade!  Please let me know.

Direct Lake + Import composite mode explained
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4rgxmBQpk0