Learn how to use the TMDL View in Power BI with Nick Lee. Explore how this new feature improves transparency, model editing, and version control with a clean, text-based view of your semantic models.
In TMDL View in Power BI, instructor Nick Lee introduces you to the Tabular Model Definition Language (TMDL) View—a new way to explore and edit your Power BI semantic models. This course is ideal for Power BI developers and data professionals who want more visibility into the structure and behavior of their models. With TMDL, you can work more flexibly and transparently with your data models in a source-controlled, text-based format.
Nick walks you through how to access TMDL View in Power BI Desktop, understand its layout, and apply it to your everyday development workflow. You’ll learn how this new feature enhances model management, improves team collaboration, and opens up new options for automation and version control. Whether you’re refining existing models or building new ones, TMDL View gives you a powerful new perspective.
Course Outline ( Free Preview)
Module 00 - What You Need to Get Started
Before diving into TMDL, make sure you have the tools and setup ready. This module walks you through accessing Power BI Desktop with TMDL View enabled and downloading any course resources you’ll need along the way.
Module 01 - TMDL Overview
Get a clear understanding of what TMDL (Tabular Model Definition Language) is and why it's useful. Nick explains how TMDL provides a more transparent, editable way to view and manage Power BI data models using a structured, text-based format.
Module 02 - Using the Interface
Explore the TMDL View interface in Power BI Desktop. This module shows you how to navigate the layout, switch between model components, and use the view to understand how different pieces of your model are connected.
Module 03 - TMDL Language Basics19 min.
Learn the foundational elements of the TMDL language, including its structure, syntax, and how it represents key components like tables, relationships, and calculations. This module prepares you to read and write TMDL confidently.
Module 04 - Modifying Source Queries16 min.
Discover how to make changes to your model’s source queries directly through the TMDL View. Nick walks through examples of editing table definitions and updating connections while maintaining control over your data model structure.
Module 05 - Managing Measures5 min.
Learn how to create, edit, and organize DAX measures using TMDL. This module shows you how TMDL makes it easier to manage logic across your model with cleaner visibility and potential for better version control.
Module 06 - Limitations and Considerations5 min.
Wrap up by exploring the current limitations of TMDL View and best practices for using it in your workflow. Nick highlights what you can and can't do yet, and what to watch out for when applying TMDL in live projects.
Nick Lee is a Consultant and Trainer at Pragmatic Works specializing in Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, data engineering, and modern DevOps practices for analytics solutions. Since 2018, he has helped organizations across a wide range of industries, including Fortune 200 companies, professional sports organizations, government agencies, healthcare providers, and financial services firms, modernize their data platforms and drive more informed decision-making.
Nick works closely with clients to design and implement scalable analytics architectures that support everything from data ingestion and transformation to reporting, governance, and operational excellence. His expertise spans Microsoft Fabric workloads, data engineering, Power BI, CI/CD implementation, and modern development practices that help organizations improve reliability, accelerate delivery, and maximize the value of their data investments.
In addition to his consulting work, Nick is a passionate educator who helps technical teams develop the skills and confidence needed to successfully adopt modern data technologies. Known for his practical approach and deep technical knowledge, he specializes in breaking down complex concepts into clear, actionable guidance that enables clients to move quickly from strategy to execution. Whether leading a Fabric implementation, building enterprise analytics solutions, or delivering technical training, Nick focuses on helping organizations create sustainable, scalable data ecosystems that support long-term business success.
