Article

Checking a semantic model without opening Desktop

Timothy Kirk All articles BI Workbench

Desktop is the wrong first step when you only need to confirm a measure name, a hidden column, or whether a table is still in the model. Opening a large .pbix just to search is a wait. BI Workbench inspects pasted TMDL, or a .pbix, .pbit, .bim, or zipped .pbip, in the browser. The file stays on the machine.

When I skip Desktop

A colleague asks whether a measure exists. A review needs the DAX for one calculation. A merge is about to happen and I want the table list first.

Those jobs do not need a refresh, a layout, or a sign-in to a workspace. They need the shape of the model.

What the inspect is for

Search by name or DAX. See what is hidden. Confirm the date table is there before you generate time intelligence.

It is not a replacement for Desktop when you are changing the model. It is the check you do so you do not open Desktop to answer a yes-or-no.

Questions

Can you inspect a Power BI model without opening Desktop?

Yes. BI Workbench can read pasted TMDL or a .pbix, .pbit, .bim, or zipped .pbip in the browser and list tables, columns, and measures.

Does the file leave the machine?

No. Inspect stays in the browser. Use it when a yes-or-no about the model does not justify waiting for Desktop.