When connecting to Power Bi dataset, I can't see DAX (or edit) in measures

[JonatanB]

Hi!
When i connect to a Power Bi Dataset from Power Bi Desktop i can indeed see and use measures that are present in that dataset, but when clicking on them i don't get a DAX-line so i can see and edit the DAX within that measure. I can create new measures without issue.

Worth noting is that the measure i have problems with is created by my colleague. We have the same admin access to the workspace and dataset thou.

Thanks!

[polymathy2017]

Sounds to me like you might be using a live connection to the dataset. If so, then you will not be able to see the DAX code for measures that come from the datamodel and you will not have access to the data view. You also will not be able to create virtual or disconnected tables. You might check to see how you're connected to the source data.

Frankly, not sure why we'd use Power BI Desktop rather than the service for building visuals with live connections to datasources. Someone educate me, please.

[KarenSaunders]

Found this cool video - Showing DAX Expressions When Using Power BI Datasets (Live) - Bing video

I did the code, but it didn't really work but provides a method to record the formula.

[Geradav · Accepted solution]

@JonatanB You can't see the DAX code from an imported Power BI dataset.

If you need to access and edit the DAX code then you need to do it from the original Power BI dataset.

David

[JonatanB]

Hi!
This sounds not only wierd but also kind of worthless. To not be able to edit excisting measures, fine. But not to be able to even see the DAX in them, well thats really bad.

To not be able to re-use code and to make minor changes makes it almost imposible for me to use data from a Power Bi Dataset. I then have to download the file and tell my colleagues to paus there work, then upload the update and tell them to go get the new version..

I must be getting this wrong? This can't be the way it's supposed to work?

[Geradav]

@JonatanB If you use SharePoint or Ms OneDrive, I would highly suggest you one of those Cloud storage for collaboration on your Power BI file. Then from the Power BI service you create a connection to that file stored in a SharePoint Library/OneDrive folder.

Therefore, each time you modify the dataset it syncs automatically with the Power BI Service and no need download - upload all the time.

I personally never use the "Upload to Power BI Service" feature. It is kinda bad practice (if you have SharePoint/OneDrive)

Otherwise, the data model, M code, and DAX are definitely not accessible from an imported PBIX dataset.

David

[polymathy2017]

This may be the case if you're building reports only for yourself to read but not in any other use case. Uploading to the Power BI Service is crucial for certain functionality and also if you plan to publish for others to use.

[JonatanB]

Thanks for this!
Let's hope this will change in the future. Datamodel is since december 2020 (or i may be missinformed) accessible, so i can edit the datamodel when connected.

[Pragati11]

HI @JonatanB ,

Can you add some screesnhots here please for the following related to your issue?

1. when you click on an existing measure, you don't see the formula
2. when you create a new measure you are able to write the dax

[sharon_Miller]

Good day Microsoft - no screenshots is needed, but I attached - i just created a new measure - and I can not see the code section to insert dax code?

[sharon_Miller]

I can not attach a screen shot for you?

[JonatanB]

Hi!
Well, there is not alot to screenshot i'm affraid.

When i click a measure, the argument line where you would type the DAX does not show.

When creating a new measure, it does.. 😕