How to add more tables from database

[mak]

When creating my desktop file, I selected few tables, now since its working good, I would like to add more tables

? How to add more tables to the project from the datasource already selected

[Phil_Seamark · Accepted solution]

There are two modes for getting data into Power BI Desktop.  

1) Import

2) Direct Query

You can't mix and match, so all queries need to be 1) or all 2).

There are pros and cons to both.  If your dataset is small then I'd recomment Import.  If your dataset is large (and frequently changing) then perhaps Direct Query is better - particulary if your source is MS SQL or SSAS

[Phil_Seamark]

In Power BI desktop, just click the Get Data button on the Home ribbon and add your new query/table as a data source.

[mak]

When I click on GetData or Recent datasource and click on teh Table, it is allowing me to import data, but is saying, that I need to use it as an Import rather than direct query

[v-yuezhe-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @mak,

In DirectQuery mode, all tables should come from same database. If you add tables of different database into the current Power BI Desktop file, you will get the above warning which indicates that you can switch to import mode.

Thanks,
Lydia Zhang

[mak]

Hi

The problem was more with how you defined the Azure query string, your Azure SQL url should be well qualified and begin with

tcp:yourdb.database.windows.net;1433

that resolved the issue

[jpb-London]

Hey mak,  Do you ever get the feeling that these 'helpers' on such forums just paste in answers to questions that you DIDN'T ask?....  Cuz they don't know the answer you need. ;-(

[Phil_Seamark · Accepted solution]

There are two modes for getting data into Power BI Desktop.  

1) Import

2) Direct Query

You can't mix and match, so all queries need to be 1) or all 2).

There are pros and cons to both.  If your dataset is small then I'd recomment Import.  If your dataset is large (and frequently changing) then perhaps Direct Query is better - particulary if your source is MS SQL or SSAS