# How to Record Data in Power BI

> To record data in Power BI Desktop, open a blank report, import data from an Excel file, select the desired tables and sheets, and click Load to bring the information into your model for creating visualizations.

Canonical: https://livedemo.ai/tutorials/how-to-record-data-in-power-bi/
Apps: Power BI
Updated: 2026-10-05
Interactive demo: https://story-api.livedemo.ai/workspaces/62255d3d3304f17b8f5e2d03/stories/692a4badab56e05a00ff7105/preview?step=1

## Steps

1. Let's start by opening Power BI Desktop and clicking on 'Blank report' to begin recording data.
2. Choose 'Import data from Excel' as your data source for recording the information you need.
3. Navigate to your .xlsx file location, select it, and click 'Open' to access the data.
4. Power BI will display all tables/sheets in your file. Simply check the boxes next to the ones you want to record in your report.
5. Click 'Load' to bring your selected data into Power BI.
6. Your Excel data is now recorded in your Power BI model and ready for you to create visualizations with it.