5.5 Apps Explained

Key Concepts

• Power BI Apps
• App Workspaces
• Publishing Apps
• App Navigation
• App Customization

Power BI Apps

Power BI Apps are a way to package and distribute collections of dashboards, reports, and datasets. They are designed to provide a consistent and cohesive experience for users, making it easier to share and consume business intelligence content.

Example: A company can create an app that includes all the sales dashboards and reports, making it easy for sales teams to access the information they need in one place.

App Workspaces

App Workspaces are collaborative spaces where users can create, manage, and share content that will be included in a Power BI App. They are essential for organizing and preparing content before it is published as an app.

Example: A project team can create a workspace to collaborate on a specific project, with each member contributing to the datasets, reports, and dashboards that will eventually be packaged into an app.

        // Example of creating an app workspace
        Go to the Power BI Service.
        Click on "Workspaces" in the left-hand menu.
        Click "Create a workspace."
        Enter a name and description for the workspace.
        Click "Save."
    

Publishing Apps

Publishing an app involves packaging the content from an app workspace and making it available to users. This process ensures that the app is consistent and can be easily distributed to a wider audience.

Example: After preparing all the necessary content in an app workspace, the team can publish the app, making it available for download by other users within the organization.

        // Example of publishing an app
        Go to the app workspace in the Power BI Service.
        Click on "Create app."
        Enter the app details, such as name, description, and contact information.
        Configure the app navigation and permissions.
        Click "Publish app."
    

App Navigation

App navigation refers to the structure and layout of the app, including how users will move between different dashboards and reports within the app. Effective navigation helps users find the information they need quickly and efficiently.

Example: An app might include a navigation pane that allows users to easily switch between different sales reports, customer dashboards, and product analysis pages.

        // Example of configuring app navigation
        Go to the app workspace in the Power BI Service.
        Click on "Create app."
        Under "Navigation," select "Add a page."
        Drag and drop the desired reports and dashboards into the navigation structure.
        Click "Publish app."
    

App Customization

App customization allows users to tailor the app to their specific needs. This can include changing the layout, adding bookmarks, and configuring settings to enhance the user experience.

Example: A user might customize an app by adding bookmarks to frequently accessed reports, changing the theme to match their organization's branding, or adjusting the font size for better readability.

        // Example of customizing an app
        Open the app in the Power BI Service.
        Click on "View" in the top menu.
        Select "Bookmarks" and add a new bookmark.
        Click on "Settings" and adjust the theme and font settings.
        Save the changes.