Power BI Powerpoint Add-In Updates

Allison Gonzalez walks viewers through the latest enhancements to the Power BI PowerPoint add-in. Originally introduced a year ago, the add-in has undergone several updates that significantly improve how users embed and interact with Power BI reports directly within PowerPoint presentations.

Why Use the Power BI PowerPoint Add-In?

• Streamlines presentations by embedding live Power BI reports directly into slides.
• Eliminates the need to switch between Power BI Service/Desktop and PowerPoint.
• Enables real-time data interaction during presentations.

Embedding Reports

Allison demonstrates how to embed a report from the Power BI service into PowerPoint using the updated add-in:

1. Navigate to the Power BI Service and select the desired report.
2. Choose the Export option and select Embed live data.
3. Copy the generated link or use the new “Open in PowerPoint” feature to auto-generate a slide.

Previously, users had to copy links for each report page individually. Now, the add-in allows for easier navigation and selection of report pages directly within PowerPoint.

Accessing the Add-In

The Power BI add-in can be found in the Home or Insert ribbon under Add-ins. If not visible, users can search for it in the Office Add-ins store. Look for the updated Power BI logo to ensure you're using the latest version.

New Features and Improvements

• Report Picker: Users can now select reports directly from their Office 365 account without pasting URLs.
• Page Selection: Choose specific pages to embed, improving customization and focus.
• Data Sharing Controls: A new checkbox allows users to control whether others can access the embedded data.
• Interactive Elements: Bookmarks, links, and navigation within the embedded report remain functional.

Permissions and Access

To share embedded reports, users must have appropriate permissions in the Power BI workspace. View-only access will not allow sharing capabilities. Allison emphasizes checking your access level under Manage Access in the Power BI Service.

Best Practices for Data Storytelling

Allison encourages using the Power BI PowerPoint add-in as a vital tool for data storytelling. It allows presenters to:

• Seamlessly integrate data visuals into broader narratives.
• Interact with live data during presentations.
• Share insights effectively with stakeholders.

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