By Audrey Gerred

Time to grab a seat and settle in… You know how we deep dive into Power BI and all its (many) wonders? Well, today, I want to talk about the champion of data loading modes – “Import Mode.” Yep, in most cases, it should be your mode of choice when you are creating your semantic model, and I can’t wait to tell you why.

Why Import Mode Rocks:

1. Speed, Speed, Speed: Picture this – you’re whipping up a dashboard, and boom, your visuals load at the speed of light. That’s the magic of Import Mode. It brings your data into Power BI, and once it’s there, everything happens in a snap. Your reports are snappy, your visuals are instant, and your users? They’re impressed.
2. Offline Accessibility: What if I told you that you can take your reports on the road without worrying about an internet connection? Import Mode caches your data, making it available offline. It’s like having your data on standby, ready to impress anytime, anywhere.
3. Transformations Galore: Import Mode isn’t just about speed; it’s also a wizard when it comes to data transformations. You can clean, shape, and mold your data to perfection during the import process. No need to wait for the data to hit the screen – it’s ready to roll from the get-go.
4. Aggregations and Calculations: Need to create complex calculations or aggregations? Import Mode is your go-to. It pre-calculates and stores those values, saving precious time when users interact with your reports. Less wait time, more happy users.

When to Use Direct Query (Because There’s Always a Catch):

Now, let’s talk about Direct Query. It has its time and place, like that niche coffee shop you visit for a specific brew.

1. Live, Real-Time Data: If your data is changing every millisecond, and you need your reports to reflect those changes instantly, Direct Query might be your buddy. It connects directly to your data source, ensuring your reports are always up-to-the-minute.
2. Large Datasets: Sometimes, your data is so massive that importing it into Power BI might slow things down. Direct Query lets you keep your data where it is and fetch what you need when you need it – a win for massive datasets. Even if this is the case, I would suggest at least using aggregate tables to help speed some things up.

But Wait, There’s More:

The thing is, Import Mode isn’t just a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s tailored for most scenarios, offering speed, accessibility, and a playground for transformations. Direct Query has its perks, but it’s like that specialty dish you order once in a while.

So, there you have it – the Import Mode love letter. It’s the unsung hero making our Power BI experiences smoother, faster, and downright enjoyable. Next time you’re building that killer report, remember the magic of Import Mode.