---
title: Nick's Power BI Tricks - Data Modeling Edition
description: Nick Lee shares Power BI data modeling tips—organize measures, use display folders, and optimize your model for better reporting.
---

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# [Nick's Power BI Tricks - Data Modeling Edition](https://pragmaticworks.com/blog/nicks-power-bi-tricks-data-modeling-edition)

 Written by [Nick Lee](https://pragmaticworks.com/blog/author/nick-lee) | Jul 18, 2025

In this edition of *Nick’s Power BI Tricks*, [**Nick Lee**](https://pragmaticworks.com/instructors/nick-lee) shares practical tips and tricks to streamline your Power BI data modeling experience. Rather than a full modeling tutorial, this session focuses on productivity hacks that help users manage complex models more efficiently.

 

#### Creating a Measures Repository

Nick introduces the concept of a **measures repository**—a dedicated table to store all your DAX measures in one place:

1. Use the **Enter Data** feature to create a new table named `_Measures`.
2. Add a dummy column (e.g., `HideMe`) with a placeholder value.
3. Load the table and move existing measures into it using the **Model View**.
4. Hide the dummy column to convert the table into a measures-only table (Power BI will display a calculator icon).

#### Organizing Measures with Display Folders

To manage large numbers of measures, Nick recommends using **display folders**:

- In Model View, select a measure and use the **Display Folder** field in the Properties pane.
- Type in a folder name (e.g., “Sales Metrics”) to group related measures.
- Repeat for other measures to create a clean, organized structure.

#### Adjusting Aggregation Behavior

Nick demonstrates how to fix inappropriate default aggregations:

- For example, `Calendar Year` might default to *Sum*, which is incorrect.
- In Model View, select the column and change the **Summarize By** option to *None*.
- This removes the auto-aggregation (Sigma icon) and ensures correct behavior in visuals.

#### Managing Implicit Measures

Nick also shows how to control implicit measures:

- Change the default aggregation (e.g., from *Sum* to *Min*) for numeric fields.
- This ensures that visuals reflect the intended logic without needing explicit DAX measures.

#### Simplifying Model View with Layout Tabs

To handle large models, Nick suggests using **custom layout tabs**:

1. Create a new layout tab in Model View.
2. Drag in a fact table (e.g., `FactSalesQuota`).
3. Right-click and choose **Add Related Tables** to auto-populate connected dimensions.
4. Use **Collapse All** to simplify the view and focus on specific model sections.

#### Highlighting Relationships

Nick highlights a useful checkbox: **“Show related fields when card is collapsed”**. This helps users quickly identify relationships between tables even when fields are hidden or minimized.

Don't forget to check out the [Pragmatic Works' on-demand learning platform](https://learning.pragmaticworkstraining.com/freeTrial/MarketingSiteODLTrial) for more insightful content and training sessions on Power BI and other Microsoft applications. Be sure to subscribe to the [Pragmatic Works YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/pragmaticworks?sub_confirmation=1) to stay up-to-date on the latest tips and tricks. 

[View full post](https://pragmaticworks.com/blog/nicks-power-bi-tricks-data-modeling-edition)

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