Skip to main content
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

The Power BI Data Visualization World Championships is back! Get ahead of the game and start preparing now! Learn more

Reply
user900
Helper II
Helper II

Semantic model help

I have an extisting report in Service with a related semantic model. There are some hidden sheets due to data sensitivity. To establish row level security, I need to create another report with the exact same visuals but unhide all sheets. This new report will have a separate audience from the original.  Can I download the semantic model, and re-upload it with a different name or do I need to use the Power BI semantic models connector under Get Data?  The difference I see in the 2 approaches are:

  • Downloading retains the visuals on a massive report
  • Get Data requires rebuilding of each visual

Do both these approaches return the same result?  Please advise.

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION
Anonymous
Not applicable

Hi @user900 ,

Both methods will achieve the effect you want.


1. Download and re-upload the semantic model. This method requires publishing it back to the Power BI service under a different name. All visuals and configurations of massive reports are retained, which is a significant advantage. However, be sure to adjust your RLS settings as needed for your new audience.

 

2. Use the Power BI semantic model connector under Get Data. This method can be very time-consuming for reports with a large number of visuals. This approach is more suitable for scenarios that require significant changes to the data model or visuals.

 

Both approaches achieve the desired result, which is to create separate reports for different audiences and adjust data visibility. However, the first option (downloading and re-uploading the semantic model) may be more efficient and straightforward, since you want to maintain the same visual effect. Additionally, since you want to implement row-level security, make sure the security roles and rules are properly defined in the Power BI Desktop file before publishing.

 

If your Current Period does not refer to this, please clarify in a follow-up reply.

 

Best Regards,

Clara Gong

If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

View solution in original post

1 REPLY 1
Anonymous
Not applicable

Hi @user900 ,

Both methods will achieve the effect you want.


1. Download and re-upload the semantic model. This method requires publishing it back to the Power BI service under a different name. All visuals and configurations of massive reports are retained, which is a significant advantage. However, be sure to adjust your RLS settings as needed for your new audience.

 

2. Use the Power BI semantic model connector under Get Data. This method can be very time-consuming for reports with a large number of visuals. This approach is more suitable for scenarios that require significant changes to the data model or visuals.

 

Both approaches achieve the desired result, which is to create separate reports for different audiences and adjust data visibility. However, the first option (downloading and re-uploading the semantic model) may be more efficient and straightforward, since you want to maintain the same visual effect. Additionally, since you want to implement row-level security, make sure the security roles and rules are properly defined in the Power BI Desktop file before publishing.

 

If your Current Period does not refer to this, please clarify in a follow-up reply.

 

Best Regards,

Clara Gong

If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

Helpful resources

Announcements
Power BI DataViz World Championships

Power BI Dataviz World Championships

The Power BI Data Visualization World Championships is back! Get ahead of the game and start preparing now!

December 2025 Power BI Update Carousel

Power BI Monthly Update - December 2025

Check out the December 2025 Power BI Holiday Recap!

FabCon Atlanta 2026 carousel

FabCon Atlanta 2026

Join us at FabCon Atlanta, March 16-20, for the ultimate Fabric, Power BI, AI and SQL community-led event. Save $200 with code FABCOMM.