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Using a Live Connection in Power BI
Build reports on governed data with live connections in Power BI. Emily Taylor shows how to connect to published semantic models, when to use composite models for extra measures/tables, and share securely with RLS.
In Using a Live Connection in Power BI, Emily Taylor shows you how to build reports on top of a shared, governed data model—so everyone works from the same, trusted source of truth. You’ll learn what a live connection is, how it differs from Import and DirectQuery, and when it’s the right choice for your project. Through simple, practical examples, you’ll connect to a published semantic model, explore fields, and create visuals that always reflect the latest approved data.
The course also highlights the real-world considerations: permissions and workspaces, row-level security behavior, and what you can—and can’t—change in the report layer when using a live connection. You’ll pick up tips for performance, collaboration, and handoffs between model authors and report builders. By the end, you’ll feel confident choosing a live connection and designing reports that are fast, consistent, and easy to maintain.
Course Outline ( Free Preview)
Module 01 - Introduction
Emily outlines what a live connection is and why teams use it to build reports on a governed semantic model. You’ll learn how it differs from Import and DirectQuery, when it’s the right choice, and what to expect in this course. She also previews common scenarios like adding measures, combining models, and sharing securely.
Module 02 - Prerequisites for Following Along
Make sure you’re set up for success. Emily covers required licenses, workspace access, and the permissions you need—especially Build permission on the target semantic model. You’ll also confirm you’re using a current version of Power BI Desktop, know where the model lives, and understand any RLS or sensitivity settings that apply.
Module 03 - Connecting in the Power BI Desktop10 min.
Create a “thin report” by connecting Desktop to a published semantic model. Emily walks through Get Data → Power BI semantic models, selecting the dataset, and exploring the read-only model. You’ll see what you can do (build visuals, write DAX measures in some scenarios) and what’s locked down (no editing the source model), plus tips for performance and field discovery.
Module 04 - Connecting in the Power BI Service9 min.
Prefer building in the browser? Learn how to start a new report in the Service directly from a semantic model. Emily shows how to locate the dataset, launch the report canvas, and work with fields and visuals online. You’ll also see when Service-based editing is handy for quick changes versus using Desktop for versioning and reuse.
Module 05 - What if I Want to Build a New Measure?6 min.
With a pure live connection, measures typically live in the semantic model—and you can’t modify that model from the thin report. Emily explains your options: request the measure from the model owner, or switch to a composite model (DirectQuery for Power BI datasets) so you can add local measures while still leveraging the shared model. She flags pros/cons, governance, and when each path makes sense.
Module 06 - What if I Want to Connect 2 Semantic Models? (Composite Models Part 1)15 min.
Need to blend two governed models? Emily introduces composite models that let a report connect to multiple semantic models at once. You’ll learn how relationships and security behave, what performance to expect, and guardrails that keep your solution maintainable when multiple teams own parts of the data.
Module 07 - What if I Want to Bring in a Different Table? (Composite Models Part 2)10 min.
Sometimes you just need one more table—like a small mapping or target list. Emily shows how to add a local table (Import) to your thin report via composite models and relate it to the live model. You’ll see best practices for joining, modeling, and avoiding ambiguity, along with governance tips to keep local logic transparent.
Module 08 - Publishing & Sharing Reports Built on Semantic Models6 min.
Publish with confidence and share the right way. Emily covers workspace roles, app publishing, and how Build permission and RLS affect viewers. You’ll also learn about endorsements, lineage, and sensitivity labels so your report remains trusted, secure, and easy to find.
Module 09 - Class Wrap Up4 min.
Recap the live-connection workflow from connect, to build, to share. Emily provides a quick decision guide—live connection vs. composite vs. import—and recommends next steps for collaborating with model owners, managing performance, and keeping your reports clean and consistent.
Emily graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor's degree in elementary education and the University of North Florida with a master's degree in educational leadership. After 11 years of teaching varying grades (K-5) in Indiana and Florida, she joined the Pragmatic Works team as a Power BI Trainer. Emily's primary goal is to provide engaging trainings that help customers gain confidence using Power BI. When not in the office, Emily enjoys camping, the beach, cheerleading, and visiting family in Indiana.
