Save 90% Power BI File size by these simple tricks

Steffen
4 min readSep 17, 2022

Are you tired of your Power BI files being so big? Do you want to save time and space by reducing the file size?

If so, then this blog post is for you! We’ll share some simple tricks that will help you reduce the file size of your Power BI files by up to 90%.

1. Use the correct Data Storage mode: One of the simplest ways to reduce the file size of your Power BI files is to use the Data Storage mode. You can choose between Import, Direct Query or Dual Mode. In general Import mode is the way to go, but sometimes if there is a lot of data you should go for Direct Query aswell. There is another blog post that goes into more detail about the differences.

2. Use Incremental Refresh: Another great way to reduce the file size of your Power BI files is to use Incremental Refresh. This feature allows you to only refresh the data that has changed since the last time you refreshed, which can save you a lot of time and space. To use Incremental Refresh, simply go to File > Options and settings > Options > Incremental Refresh, and select the Incremental Refresh mode.

3. Use Query Folding: Query Folding is a great way to reduce the file size of your Power BI files. This feature allows you to combine multiple queries into a single query, which can save you a lot of space. To use Query Folding, simply go to File > Options and settings > Options > Query Folding, and select the Query Folding mode. By following these simple tips, you can significantly reduce the file size of your Power BI files, which can save you a lot of time and space. will be able to save time and space by reducing the file size of your Power BI files by up to 90%.

4. Use Star Schema and don’t use Select *: If you work with Power BI, chances are you’ve heard of the star schema model. But what is it? And why is it important? This is probably the most effective way and I’ll show you why:

Why it’s important to use a star schema model in Power BI and avoid a Select * to save memory

When it comes to Power BI, one of the most important factors is memory management. The star schema is a great way to optimize your Power BI reports and save memory. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why the star schema is so important and how it can help you save memory.

One of the reasons why the star schema is so important is because it can help you keep your Power BI reports organized. It does this by organizing data into a central Fact Table, with supporting Dimension Tables. This structure allows Power BI to quickly and easily access the data it needs, without having to load unnecessary data into memory. The star schema is a logical representation of your data that can help you understand the relationships between your data tables. When you have a clear understanding of the relationships between your data tables, you can more easily create reports that are easy to understand and navigate. Another reason why the star schema is so important is because it can help you save memory. Power BI is a memory-intensive application, and if you’re not careful, you can quickly run out of memory.

By understanding the relationships between your data tables, you can avoid duplicate data, which can help you save memory. The star schema is a powerful tool that can help you optimize your Power BI reports and save memory. If you’re not using the star schema, you’re likely wasting memory and making your reports more difficult to understand.

Example file how you can save 90% file size

Power BI File with Select all columns. Size 1.6 GB
Power BI File with only needed columns. Size 167 Mb

Not only does this reduce memory usage, but it also improves query performance. Since Power BI only needs to load the data it needs, it doesn’t have to waste time and resources loading data that it will never use. This can save you a lot of time and money, especially if you’re working with large data sets.

If you’re looking to improve your Power BI performance, the star schema model is a great place to start. It can help you save time, money, and resources, and make your Power BI experience more efficient and enjoyable.

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Steffen

I write short stories about personal experiences and share writing & freelancing tips.