NEW: Power Query Editing on the Web (Power BI Service)

Power Query in the Power BI Service has finally arrived! In this video, Angelica Choo Quan introduces the new feature that allows users to edit data models directly in the Power BI Service, making it easier to work on reports without needing to download files and use Power BI Desktop. Let’s dive into how this feature works and what it offers.

Overview of the Power Query Experience

Power Query Editing is now available in the Power BI Service. This feature, which was announced earlier in June, is now ready to use after a slight delay. Users can now open and edit data models in the Power BI service, a feature that was previously only available in the Power BI Desktop. Let’s explore how to use this new feature and what it offers.

Getting Started with Power Query in the Power BI Service

1. Open the Power BI service and navigate to your workspace.
2. Select a report or semantic model, and click the ellipses to open the data model.
3. Change the model’s viewing mode to “edit mode” for making changes.
4. You can now edit the data model just like in Power BI Desktop!

Transforming Data with Power Query

Once you are in edit mode, you will notice a familiar interface similar to Power BI Desktop’s Power Query Editor. Here’s what you can do:

• Rename queries for better clarity.
• Remove unnecessary columns easily using the "Choose Columns" feature.
• Combine data columns, such as city and state, for more detailed visualizations in reports.

Adding New Data Sources

Adding new data sources is straightforward. You can:

• Select the “Get Data” button to browse a list of available data connectors.
• Search or view more connectors if you don’t see your preferred data source.
• Drag and drop files to load new data directly into your model.

Working with Transformations

Angelica demonstrates a few transformations:

1. Renaming queries for clarity.
2. Removing columns you don’t need (like "search acquiring institution").
3. Combining city and state columns into one for better map visuals in Power BI reports.

Experience Power Query on the Web

The Power Query experience on the web allows you to:

• Edit data models without needing to switch between the desktop app.
• Save time by directly making changes in the service.
• See transformations like column merges and renaming in real-time.

Conclusion

This new web-based Power Query editing experience is a welcome update for Power BI users. It offers flexibility, allowing users to work directly in the Power BI Service without needing to use the desktop version. Whether you're familiar with Power BI Desktop or just starting with Power Query, this feature is a great way to streamline your workflow. For more in-depth training, check out Pragmatic Works’ advanced Power BI and data shaping courses, available on our on-demand learning platform.

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