One of the things I really like to do with Power Query is shape data into optimized tables. In order to accomplish that goal, I’ve begun using Power Query to source data over Power Pivot’s built in methods. But in order to build things the way I want, I need an easy way to reference other power query queries.

Why would I go to the effort of feeding through Power Query first? I’m no SQL ninja, and I find Power Query allows me to easily re-shape data in ways that would be hard with my SQL knowledge. I can leverage this new tool to optimize my tables and build Power Pivot solutions that require less tricky and funky DAX measures to compensate for less than ideal data structure. (I’d rather have easy to understand relationships and simple DAX measures!)

Methodology

My methodology generally goes something like this:

• Load a base table into a Power Query. I then set it to only create a connection. Let’s call this my Base Connection.
• Next I’ll create as many queries as I need to re-shape the data in the Base Connection into the forms I need, then load those into the data model.

It’s that second part that is key. I need to be able to reference other Power Query queries (namely my Base Connection) so that I could prune/trim/re-shape the data.

Reference other Power Query queries – The Old Way

Until recently, I would create my Base Connection, then I’d do the following to create the new query to reference that one.

• Go to the Power Query tab
• Show the Workbook Queries pane
• Right click the Base Connection query and choose Reference

The problem was this… my intention was to reference and customize my query. Instead, it immediately loads it into a worksheet. I have to wait for that to finish before I can edit the new query and customize it the way I want.

Reference other Power Query queries – The New Way

I learned a new method last week from one of the Power Query team members which is much better (thanks Miguel!). I included it in my last post, but I thought this was worth calling out on its own.

Instead of following the method above, this time we will:

• Go to the Power Query tab
• Show the Workbook Queries pane
• Right click the Base Connection query and Edit

Now we’re taken into the Power Query window. On the left side we can see a collapsed “Queries” pane. When you expand that, you get a list of all Power Queries in the workbook.

• Right click the Base Connection query and choose “Reference”

We now have a new query in the editor that we can edit, without loading it into a worksheet first. Faster, and more in line with my goals.

The other thing I like about this method is that it immediately gives me access to that queries pane. Why is that important? Because I can drill through the other queries and get at their M code without having to close the window and go back to Excel first. So if I have some funky M code I need to re-use, it makes it way easier to review it and copy it.

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