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Power Query | Table Button - Guide

Power Query Buttons on a Table from Right-click


1. Copy/Paste:


  • You can copy a table from one project and paste it into another project's Power Query.

  • If the table has connections or references to other tables, those dependencies will also be copied.

  • Example: If Table A references Table B and Table C, copying Table A will automatically bring along Table B and Table C.



2. Delete/Rename:


  • Straightforward functionality for removing or renaming tables.



3. Enable Load:


  • Some tables serve only as references for other tables and are not required in the Power BI Desktop data section.

  • Disabling the load prevents these tables from overcrowding your data model.

  • Best Practice: Ensure the table isn't directly used in measures or visuals before stopping its load. Indirect references through other tables are not an issue.

  • Example: A staging table used only for transformations can have its load disabled to keep the data model clean.


  • Level-Up: Mastering 'Enable Load' is a key step towards transitioning from a beginner to an intermediate analyst.



4. Include in Report Refresh:


  • Suitable for archived or static tables, such as historical data that won't change.

  • Disabling the refresh reduces unnecessary load time.

  • The table will remain in your dashboard but won't update during a data refresh.

  • Example: A table containing sales data from 2020 can be excluded from refresh since it won't change.


  • Level-Up: Understanding when and how to manage 'Include in Report Refresh' signifies an intermediate-level grasp of Power Query.



5. Duplicate vs Reference:


  • Duplicate: Creates an independent copy of the table.

  • Reference: Creates a linked copy that remains connected to the original table.

  • Advantage of Reference: When multiple tables originate from the same source, you can update the source table once, and all reference tables will inherit the changes.

  • With duplicates, changes must be applied individually.

  • Example: If you have a master sales table feeding into multiple queries, using a Reference ensures all queries remain updated when the master table changes.

  • A complete detail is provided on Understanding Duplicate vs Reference in Power BI.


  • Level-Up: Truly grasping the difference between Duplicate and Reference marks a transition from beginner to intermediate.



6. Move to Group:


  • Tables can be organized into groups, similar to files and folders.

  • Grouping helps keep related tables together, improving navigation and organization.

  • Example: Group all finance-related tables under a 'Finance' group and sales-related tables under a 'Sales' group.



7. Move Up/Down:


  • Tables can be reordered by dragging or using the 'Move Up' and 'Move Down' buttons.

  • Example: Move frequently used tables to the top for quick access.



8. Create Function:


  • Rarely used but allows creating reusable functions for repeated tasks.

  • Example: Create a reusable function for currency conversion applied across multiple tables.



9. Advanced Editor:


  • Displays all transformation steps in M-language.

  • Every click and transformation is recorded as code.

  • Best Practice: When modifying a table's structure or source, create a new table and make changes there first. Once satisfied, copy the code and paste it into the original table.

  • Why? Prevents errors in the primary table and protects dependent measures, calculated tables, and visuals from breaking.

  • Example: If Table A is the basis of your visuals, test changes in a temporary table before applying them to Table A.


  • Level-Up: Proficiency with 'Advanced Editor' reflects an intermediate-level understanding of Power Query.



10. Properties:


  • Not frequently used.

  • Allows changing the table name, adding a description, enabling/disabling load, and managing report refresh.

  • Most functionalities here are also available outside this section.

  • Example: Add a description to a table like 'This table contains raw sales data from 2020-2023 for quarterly analysis.'



⭐ Level-Up Milestone: If an analyst understands the nuances of Enable Load, Include in Report Refresh, Duplicate vs Reference, and Advanced Editor, they have successfully transitioned from a beginner to an intermediate-level Power Query analyst.


Using these features efficiently ensures better performance, cleaner models, and easier maintenance of your Power BI projects.



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