> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.consoleflare.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.consoleflare.com/reporting/powerbi.md).

# Power BI

Power BI is a **Data Visualization**, and **Business Intelligence** tool which helps to convert data from different data sources into interactive dashboards and BI reports. 

It provides interactive visualizations with self-service business intelligence capabilities where end users can create reports and dashboards by themselves, without having to depend on information technology staff or database administrators.

**Power BI desktop app** is used to create reports, while **Power BI Service** (Software as a Service - SaaS) is used to publish those reports. And **Power BI mobile app** is used to view the reports and dashboards.

![](/files/-MjTqQiSLYJOIWa7X3SH)

Different Power BI versions like Desktop, Service-based (SaaS), and mobile Power BI apps are used in different platforms.

#### Why Power BI?

1. Easy to use
2. Easy to Learn
3. Easy to Collaborate
4. Wide Coverage of Data Sources
5. Cost-Effective

**What is Power BI Desktop?**

*Power BI Desktop* is a free application you install on your local computer that lets you connect to, transform, and visualize your data. 

With Power BI Desktop, you can connect to multiple different sources of data, and combine them (often called *modeling*) into a data model. 

This data model lets you build visuals, and collections of visuals you can share as reports, with other people inside your organization.