Power BI Desktop Update - August 2018

Tanya Denton Tanya Denton
09 August 2018

Power BI Desktop Update - August 2018

If you have recently read the update from July, you are probably still recovering from all of the excitement of the updates. But Microsoft has even more for you, with the August update. The number one asked for feature is the ability to print reports, which is now possible with the Export to PDF functionality. There is a range of updates such a preview of Python integration for the more technical users. Watch the video for more details. 

Power BI Desktop Update - August 2018

Print reports through Export to PDF

One of the great things about cloud-based platforms with regular updates is the ability of the provider to listen and respond to user requests. Microsoft has listened to the feedback and has addressed the number 1 request - the ability to print reports. Now, with the new export to PDF functionality, you can now export all visible report pages to PDF. 

 Going to file in the menu you can Export to PDF.

This will then generate the report, with each non-hidden page loading in order behind the dialogue. 

Once the PDF is created, it will open in your default PDF viewer, where you can save it, send it and even print it.

Currently, this functionality is only available on Power BI desktop and does not print wallpaper pictures but it does print page backgrounds and images.

This month's updates include:

Reporting

  • Print reports through Export to PDF
  • Create bookmark groups
  • Theming generally available
  • Slicer restatement

Analytics

  • Conditional formatting by values
  • Python integration (preview)
  • Q&A improvements
    • Q&A in Power BI Desktop generally available
    • Better matching experience for Power BI Desktop and Power BI Premium

Modeling

  • Data categories for measures
  • Statistical DAX functions

Custom visuals

  • 3AG Systems - Column Chart with Variance
  • Scatter Chart by Akvelon
  • Small Multiples Line Chart
  • Add Natural Language Summaries for BI
  • Pivot Slicer

Data connectivity

  • Spark connector generally available

See the Power BI blog

If you would like to see all of the details for these updates, please see the Power BI Blog

Power BI Blog

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Tanya Denton
Tanya Denton

Tanya is the company's Microsoft 365 and Online Services specialist, providing support for existing customers and project managing new installations. From training on Power BI to setup on Microsoft 365, Tanya is experienced in working both as a customer as well as an external consultant.


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