What is Power BI Dataflow and Why you should use it

Dataflows are an important component in the Power BI architecture. Using them can enhance the development and maintenance of your Power BI solution significantly. However, there are many Power BI implementations that are not using this functionality, even though it is already more than three years passed since it was released. In this blog and video, you will learn what is dataflow and why you should use it.
Read my blog article about it to learn more:

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[tinalines]

Great video, thank you. I have a question on Dataflows though. I am aware that connecting to an Excel File in Power Query does not allow for scheduled refresh in Power BI Service. If you connect to Excel files in a Dataflow, would this allow for scheduled refresh of those excel files?

[ShubhaVilasGovindaDas]

Will using data flow reduce the size of pbix file ?

If we migrate the data source from direct sql to data flows

[spoiltbrat]

even if you create all the transformations in data flow, we need to still apply joins in power bi desktop is it?

[zuah]

Hi there,
My company is already adopting a centralised operational Dataset ( star schema approach) allowing users across department to build a Power BI report on top of the dataset.

Having said that, the operational dataset is not fully matured yet and the team is working on getting the data from different departments.

One of the request received from business is to use a date dimension table from the operational dataset and bring it into their model rather than creating one.

What would be a feasible solution - create a dataflow to bring date dimension table or ask them to connect to the ops dataset and use already existed date table, but then this will bring out unnecessary table into their table.

[reuvmmh]

Just a clarification, if you already refresh the dataflow, the dashboard that connects to it still needs to be refreshed, but will now be faster right?

[RonakPatel]

do this have limitation of data size in dataflow? if yes then what is the size limitation based on license?

[abhishekawari]

Hi i have created the dataflow but while importing into the powerbi desktop im getting blank/empty table value do you know why?

[wongsakornpholjan]

awesome Thank you for sharing the knowledge

I just got that problem like your example

my data set is very very big ( .pbix file ~1.6 GB and increase every day)

[Karenshow]

Once the dataflow is created, can we go to azure and access the data from there?
Thanks

[kummithavenkatareddy]

Excellent video Sir, thank you sir for you efforts. I've been following your videos since 2022. I just want to learn power query lessons from beginning from you to become PRO.. Pls Help me

[jpg]

As you suggested in several of your videos, in order to try and understand the concept and idea, I have seen them over and over! I am so glad I did! Mi question, the only way I seem to be able to use dataflow with excel is with OneDrive. I do have a corporate account, is it safe?

[tiagoa]

Is it possible to use Python in the dataflow to transform data? Thanks

[lindabond]

Hmmm - I think this requires a PBI Premium license? I'm on PBI Pro and I don't have the same configuration in PBI Service as the video. I only have a Data Hub.

[MT-oyuk]

Does dataflows generate any additional cost to your pro or ppu licence?

[alirezakhalili]

Dear Reza,

I am currently in Iran and am really passionate to be an expert in PowerBI. Unfortunately, I can not work with Dataflow because as you said it is typically on the cloud. May I have your solution in this matter? is there any solution to practice with?
I would really appreciate you if you lend me a hand here.