Upload template to Service without data

[BenEaton]

Hi all.

Everything I've read about .pbit template files is that you can create a full report less the data, distribute it, the recipient opens it with their data source in Power BI Desktop, and you can then upload to the service, share dashboards etc.

Is it possible to create a template, upload the template itself and then load data into the template already hosted on Power BI Service? My organisation doesn't use flat tables, and very much likes nice, easy on the eye formatting in Excel. Loading data into the Service direct from these creates many errors which I can solve easily in Desktop - but due to admin settings and rights, we can't install the application on our PCs. I can't download company data to my personal laptop - but I could create a dummy model to then upload and load data into.

Any help or insights would be greatly appreciated.

[davemcnab]

To change a report data source from local files to PBI Service data or to change tenant where data is located can be done, but NOT with PBIT.

Instead build your report connected to local files, then delete all the data sources and save as PBIX. You can then connect that PBIX to any tenant that has the same data model in it.

Do not save as a template or you will lose your report after data is removed.

[v-ljerr-msft]

Hi @BenEaton,

If I understand you correctly, you want to built up your report on Power BI Desktop with your dummy model, then publish it to the service, and after that you need to change the data source of the report to the real model on the service, right?

If that is the case, I don't think it is possible to do it currently. Here is a similar idea shared on Power BI ideas. You can vote it up and add your comments there to make this feature coming sooner.

Regards