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Multilanguage dataset using tabular editor

Creating Multilingual Power BI Datasets

Multilingual Datasets

Power BI Metadata Translations work in imported or DirectQuery models when using Premium/ASKU capacity. You can add translations via:

  • XMLA Read/Write endpoint // we do not use this
  • External Tools in Power BI Desktop (e.g., Tabular Editor) // we use this

This guide demonstrates using Tabular Editor. (tabulareditor.com)

Prerequisites

  1. Power BI Desktop July 2020 or newer

  2. Latest Tabular Editor version installed

  3. Verify Tabular Editor appears on the External Tools ribbon in Power BI Desktop

Default Model Culture

Power BI assigns a Default Model Culture (metadata language) at dataset creation:

  1. In Power BI Desktop:
    File → Options and Settings → Global Regional Settings

  2. Typically set to “Use application language” (e.g. en-US)

Make sure object names (tables, columns, measures) align with this culture. Otherwise, inconsistent behavior may occur. (tabulareditor.com)

If culture needs changing, update it via Tabular Editor after model creation.

Adding Metadata Translations

  1. Open the model in Tabular Editor

  2. Right-click the Translations folder → New Translation → Choose desired language(s)

  3. Press Ctrl+S to sync translations into Power BI Desktop (though initially only languages exist, not translated strings)

🔧 Entering Translations

Option A:
- Use the language dropdown → select object → press F2 to rename
- Names turn blue when translation exists
- Note: Measures-only workaround due to Tabular Editor bug; enable “Allow unsupported Power BI features” to translate other types

Option B: Property grid // we use this
- Set Translated Names for each object and language
- Leave default culture translation blank

Option C: Export/Import JSON using Export/Import translations… via right-click on Translations. Ideal for bulk editing (e.g., Tabular Translator).

Publishing the Dataset

  1. In Tabular Editor: press Ctrl+S

  2. In Power BI Desktop: press Ctrl+S

  3. Publish .pbix to Power BI Service on Premium/ASKU
    - Translations appear correctly in Service

After publishing, translated metadata appears in field lists and visuals.

Summary

  • Use **Tabular Editor + Power BI Premium to enable metadata translations
  • Ensure model culture aligns with object naming
  • Add languages under the Translations folder
  • Enter translations via editor dropdown, property grid, or JSON
  • Publish to Premium workspace to reflect multilingual metadata