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Set the data model's default Format, for each Data Type

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Kevin H on 08 Sep 2017 04:29:54

For example: when the Power BI data model first creates a column with Data Type = 'Date', by default that column is formatted like 'Wednesday, March 14, 2001 (dddd, MMMM d, yyyy)'.

Then, I always go to the Modeling tab, and use the Format drop-down to change it to '2001-03-14 (yyyy-MM-dd)'.

Instead, I would like to be able to go into the "Options" menu in Power BI Desktop, and have a section where, for each Data Type (or at least Date, Date/Time, Decimal Number and Whole Number), I can set the default Format.

So that I don't have to manually change it every single time!

It would also be nice to add this as a setting in the Power BI Service. Set default Formats (maybe for the entire tenant, or maybe by user?) when creating a data model using the Power BI Service.

Comments (85)
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Felipe Americo on 03 Dec 2024 01:55:17

RE: Set the data model's default Format, for each Data Type

Congratulations to Microsoft, for having a product where everyone in the world have the same problem since day 0 and they lack the effort to solve!

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Clare Alexander on 04 Nov 2024 14:41:35

RE: Set the data model's default Format, for each Data Type

This takes a long time. If we could choose how we wanted to show dates as a Default - we could choose our preference. Even just once per report. Also - Date Hierarchy... mostly, I use plain date insteadCurrency - let us set it once per report - and then use the same currency.... These are all time consuming to chance and error prone areas.

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Paul Haywood on 03 Nov 2024 09:29:29

RE: Set the data model's default Format, for each Data Type

You do sometimes get the feeling when using Microsoft products that you're stepping back into the dark ages. Having to manually change things every time we create new reports is staggeringly unhelpful and extremely time consuming. Could someone, somewhere, please look into resolving some of these very basic design flaws in order that we can actually get on with doing what we're supposed to be doing.

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Spencer Abbott on 05 Sep 2024 13:29:23

RE: Set the data model's default Format, for each Data Type

Good to know this very basic idea has been floating for 4 years now, and is still an issue.

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Sam Wagner on 30 Aug 2024 13:12:54

RE: Set the data model's default Format, for each Data Type

It's rather odd that a BI/visualization application would use the longest date format possible for its default. First thing I have to do it manually reformat every single date column to short date. What's increase the agitation is that there is no option to select and change all at once. Terrible oversight...twice...by developers!!

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Richard Robinson on 28 Aug 2024 03:34:33

RE: Set the data model's default Format, for each Data Type

Why are you always overlooking the basics, Microsoft. This should have been an option since day 1.

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Daniel Cassidy on 25 Jul 2024 10:38:46

RE: Set the data model's default Format, for each Data Type

I agree with everyone else, 90% of users don't want the long date format; it's odd that the default is a format most people don't want.

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Lee Colbert on 06 Jun 2024 11:31:18

RE: Set the data model's default Format, for each Data Type

Why default the date format to long anyway? I'm curious to know what percentage of PowerBI users prefer the long date format as the default? Manually changing 90% of the date columns in my PowerBI models is not fun! It's a time sink!!

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Luis Machain on 28 May 2024 23:24:54

RE: Set the data model's default Format, for each Data Type

Just change the default date format to short date instead of long date, nobody uses long date

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Martin Steenberg on 03 Apr 2024 11:46:44

RE: Set the data model's default Format, for each Data Type

For currencies, this would also be very helpful. Please add this!