• Home
  • Tools dropdown img
    • Spreadsheet Charts

      • ChartExpo for Google Sheets
      • ChartExpo for Microsoft Excel
    • Power BI Charts

      • Power BI Custom Visuals by ChartExpo
    • Word Cloud

  • Charts dropdown img
    • Chart Category

      • Bar Charts
      • Circle Graphs
      • Column Charts
      • Combo Charts
      • Comparison Charts
      • Line Graphs
      • PPC Charts
      • Sentiment Analysis Charts
      • Survey Charts
    • Chart Type

      • Box and Whisker Plot
      • Clustered Bar Chart
      • Clustered Column Chart
      • Comparison Bar Chart
      • Control Chart
      • CSAT Survey Bar Chart
      • CSAT Survey Chart
      • Dot Plot Chart
      • Double Bar Graph
      • Funnel Chart
      • Gauge Chart
      • Likert Scale Chart
      • Matrix Chart
      • Multi Axis Line Chart
      • Overlapping Bar Chart
      • Pareto Chart
      • Radar Chart
      • Radial Bar Chart
      • Sankey Diagram
      • Scatter Plot Chart
      • Slope Chart
      • Sunburst Chart
      • Tornado Chart
      • Waterfall Chart
      • Word Cloud
    • Google Sheets
      Microsoft Excel
  • Services
  • Pricing
  • Contact us
  • Blog
  • Support dropdown img
      • Gallery
      • Videos
      • Contact us
      • FAQs
      • Resources
    • Please feel free to contact us

      atsupport@chartexpo.com

Categories
All Data Visualizations Data Analytics Surveys
Add-ons/
  • Google Sheets
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Power BI
All Data Visualizations Data Analytics Surveys
Add-ons
  • Google Sheets
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Power BI

We use cookies

This website uses cookies to provide better user experience and user's session management.
By continuing visiting this website you consent the use of these cookies.

Ok

ChartExpo Survey



Home > Blog > Power BI

Power BI For Mac: How to Download and Install

You’re an Apple aficionado and have sworn by your Mac for everything from editing photos to streaming movies. But now, you are in a data-driven world where spreadsheets and charts rule the day.

You need a tool to make sense of it all. You come across Microsoft Power BI. This business intelligence platform is like a superhero for data, helping you analyze and visualize it with ease.

But wait, there’s a catch. You’re using a Mac device, and there’s no native version of Power BI for Mac.

Power BI for Mac

What do you do?

Do you give up and switch to a PC? No way! You’re a Mac user, and don’t give up that easily.

You need a solution.

This blog post will take you on a ride into the world of Power BI for Mac. You’ll learn how to use it on your device and make the most of its powerful features.

Table of Content:

  1. Power BI For Mac: Overview
  2. Why is Power BI for Mac Important?
  3. Our 5 Solutions for Running Power BI on Mac
  4. Features For Running Power BI on Mac Desktop
  5. Methods for How to Get Power BI for Mac
  6. Requirement For Using Power BI on Mac
  7. How to Download Power BI  For Mac?
  8. How to Install Power BI on Mac Book?
  9. How to Connect Data Sources to Power BI on a Mac?
  10. How to Use Power BI on Mac Devices?
  11. Advantages of Using Power BI on Mac
  12. Challenges We Will Face Using Power BI on Mac
  13. Tips for Using Power BI on Mac
  14. Power BI for Mac FAQs
  15. Wrap Up

Get ready to become the MacGyver of business intelligence.

Power BI For Mac: Overview

Power BI is a robust and flexible business intelligence platform supporting effortless data analysis, visualization, and sharing. It integrates seamlessly with various Microsoft tools and supports a wide range of data sources. This makes it ideal for both self-service analytics and enterprise-level BI needs.

Power BI allows you to turn vast data into actionable insights. It offers powerful data modeling capabilities, dynamic visualizations, and advanced analytics features for informed decision-making. Moreover, Power BI presents effortless collaboration and sharing capabilities. This enables teams to collaborate on reports and dashboards and share them with stakeholders in real time.

Why is Power BI for Mac Important?

Power BI for Mac holds significant importance due to its ability to cater to a diverse user base, including those who prefer macOS environments.

By offering a native application for Mac users, Power BI extends its reach and accessibility, ensuring that individuals across different platforms can leverage its powerful analytics capabilities.

This inclusivity not only enhances user experience but also promotes collaboration and data-driven decision-making across diverse teams and organizations.

Additionally, Power BI for Mac addresses the growing demand for cross-platform compatibility, allowing Mac users to seamlessly integrate Power BI into their workflows without the need for virtualization or third-party solutions.

When evaluating business intelligence tools, it’s also useful to consider comparisons like Looker vs Power BI to determine which platform best meets your needs.

Ultimately, the availability of Power BI for Mac underscores Microsoft’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its users and fostering a more inclusive analytics ecosystem.

Our 5 Solutions for Running Power BI on Mac

  • Power BI Online: Access Power BI through your web browser at powerbi.com.
  • Boot Camp: Install Windows on your Mac via Boot Camp and run Power BI natively.
  • Third-Party Applications: Explore third-party solutions that provide Power BI access for Mac users.
  • Cloud-Based Windows Solutions: Use cloud-based services like Azure Virtual Desktop to run Windows and Power BI.
  • Cross-Platform Tools: Look into cross-platform tools that integrate with Power BI and offer Mac-compatible features.

Features For Running Power BI on Mac Desktop

  1. Visualize Data: Create captivating reports and dashboards with colorful charts and graphs that make it easy to understand complex information at a glance.
  2. Connect Anywhere: Link up with various data sources like databases, files, and online services to gather all your information in one place for analysis.
  3. Shape Your Data: Mold and refine your data using the intuitive editor of Power BI Report Builder, ensuring it’s in the perfect form for deeper analysis and insights.
  4. Smart Analysis: Dive into advanced analysis with Data Analysis Expressions (DAX), letting you perform complex calculations and create custom metrics tailored to your needs.
  5. Share Insights: Collaborate effortlessly by sharing your web analytics reports, along with your dashboards, with team members and stakeholders, keeping everyone in the loop and on the same page.
  6. Stay Mobile: Take your data with you wherever you go, accessing reports and dashboards from your mobile device to stay informed and make decisions on the fly.
  7. Microsoft Integration: Seamlessly integrate with other Microsoft tools like Excel and Office 365, streamlining your workflow and maximizing productivity.
  8. Uncover Hidden Gems: Harness the power of AI to uncover hidden trends and insights within your data, helping you make informed decisions and stay ahead of the curve.
  9. Fortify Security: Keep your data safe and secure with robust security features, ensuring compliance with regulations and giving you peace of mind.
  10. Tailor to Your Needs: Customize and extend Power BI to fit your unique requirements, whether through custom visuals, APIs, or integration with other services, making it truly your own.

Methods for How to Get Power BI for Mac

Power BI For Mac Method
  1. Use Power BI Online: Go to powerbi.com in your web browser.
  2. Remote Desktop: Connect to a Windows PC with Power BI installed using a remote desktop app.
  3. Virtual Machine: Install a Windows virtual machine on your Mac using Parallels or VMware.
  4. Boot Camp: Install Windows on your Mac via Boot Camp and then install Power BI.
  5. Third-Party Apps: Check for third-party apps that offer Power BI access for Mac.

Requirement For Using Power BI on Mac

  1. Parallels Desktop
  2. VMware Fusion
  3. VirtualBox
  4. Microsoft Remote Desktop
  5. Power BI Service (Web Version)
  6. Windows License
  7. Microsoft Account
  8. Stable Internet Connection
  9. Sufficient Hardware Resources
  10. Security Software

How to Download Power BI  For Mac?

Step 1: Download Virtual Machine (VM) Software

  1. Open your web browser on your MacBook.
  2. Go to the official website of Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion.
  3. Locate the download section and download the installer for the VM software of your choice.
  4. Once the download is complete, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the VM software.

Step 2: Download Windows Installation Image

  1. Open your web browser on your MacBook.
  2. Go to the official Microsoft Windows download page.
  3. Download the Windows 10 or Windows 11 installation ISO file.
  4. Save the ISO file to a location you can easily access.

Step 3: Download Power BI Desktop

  1. Within your virtual machine (after Windows is set up), open the web browser in Windows.
  2. Visit the official Power BI website.
  3. Locate the download section for Power BI Desktop.
  4. Click the download button to download the Power BI Desktop installer.
  5. Save the installer file to a location within the virtual machine.

How to Install Power BI on Mac Book?

Step 1: Install a Virtual Machine (VM) Software

  1. Download and install a VM software like Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion. These applications allow you to run Windows on your MacBook.

Step 2: Set Up Windows on the Virtual Machine

  1. Launch the VM software.
  2. Follow the prompts to create a new virtual machine.
  3. When prompted, select the option to install Windows. You will need a Windows installation image (ISO file) and a valid Windows license.

Step 3: Install Windows

  1. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the Windows installation on the virtual machine.
  2. Once Windows is installed, go through the initial setup process, including setting up a user account and configuring system settings.

Step 4: Install Power BI

  1. Open a web browser within the Windows virtual machine.
  2. Visit the Power BI website to download the Power BI Desktop installation file.
  3. Run the downloaded installation file and follow the on-screen instructions to install Power BI Desktop.

Step 5: Run Power BI

  1. Once the installation is complete, you can launch Power BI Desktop from the Start menu within the Windows virtual machine.
  2. You can now use Power BI on your MacBook through the virtual machine.

Additional Tips:

  • Ensure that your MacBook has sufficient resources (RAM and storage) to run both macOS and the virtual machine smoothly.
  • Regularly update both the VM software and Windows to keep your system secure and running efficiently.

How to Connect Data Sources to Power BI on a Mac?

Open Power BI:

  • Launch Power BI on your Mac.

Navigate to the Home Tab:

  • Click on the “Home” tab located in the top menu bar of Power BI.

Click on “Get Data”:

  • In the “Home” tab, locate and click on the “Get Data” button.

Select Data Source:

  • A list of data source options will appear. Choose the data source you want to connect to.
  • Common data sources include Excel, SQL Server, SharePoint, Salesforce, Google Analytics, etc.

Enter Connection Details:

  • Depending on the data source selected, you may need to enter connection details such as server name, database name, credentials, etc.
  • For some data sources, Power BI provides a wizard to guide you through the connection process.

Load Data:

  • After entering the connection details, click on the “Load” or “Transform Data” button to import the data into Power BI.
  • You can choose to load the data directly or transform it using Power BI’s data transformation capabilities.

Data Refresh:

  • Power BI allows you to set up automatic data refresh so that your reports and dashboards stay up-to-date.
  • Configure data refresh settings as per your requirements to ensure that your data is always current.

Explore and Visualize Data:

  • Once the data is loaded into Power BI, explore and visualize it using various tools and features available in Power BI.
  • Create reports, dashboards, and visualizations to gain insights from your data.

Save Your Work:

  • Don’t forget to save your work regularly to ensure that you don’t lose any changes made to your reports and dashboards.

Repeat for Additional Data Sources:

  • If you have multiple data sources to connect to, repeat the above steps for each data source.
  • Connecting data sources to Power BI on a Mac is essential for analyzing and visualizing your data effectively, enabling you to make data-driven decisions.

How to Use Power BI on Mac Devices?

Let’s break down the process into 5 bite-sized stages method of using Power BI for Mac.

Stage 1: Logging in to Power BI

  • Log in to Power BI.
  • Enter your email. Click the “Submit” button.
Enter email to login to Power BI
  • You are redirected to your Microsoft account.
  • Enter your password and click “Sign in”.
Enter Password to login to Power BI
  • Choose whether to stay signed in.
Click on stay signed in
  • Once done, the Power BI home screen will open.

Stage 2: Creating a Data Set and Selecting the Data Set to Use in Your Sankey Chart

  • Click on the “Create” option on the left-side menu.
  • Select “Paste or manually enter data“.
select Paste or manually enter data in Power BI
  • We’ll use the following cash flow data for this example.
Total Spend Department Category Spend Amount ($)
Total Spend Marketing Advertising 20,000
Total Spend Marketing Events 15,000
Total Spend Marketing Collateral 30,000
Total Spend Marketing Salaries 50,000
Total Spend Operations Rent 10,000
Total Spend Operations Utilities 8,000
Total Spend Operations Supplies 15,000
Total Spend Operations Salaries 40,000
Total Spend Sales Salaries 30,000
Total Spend Sales Commissions 6,000
Total Spend R&D Salaries 40,000
Total Spend R&D Contractors 20,000
Total Spend Admin Salaries 30,000
Total Spend Admin Legal 15,000
Total Spend Admin IT 10,000
  • Paste the above data table into the “Power Query” window.
  • Select the “Create a dataset only” option.
Create Dataset in Power BI ce345
  • Click on the “Data Hub” option on the left-side menu.
  • Power BI populates the data set list. (If you have not created a data set, refer to the Error! Reference source not found section.)
Click on Data Hub
  • Choose the data set you want to use to create your Sankey diagram.
  • Power BI populates the screen as shown below:
Workspace in Power BI
  • The data set and its fields are shown on the right side. The middle area shows report and data set options.
  • Click on the “Create a report” dropdown.
  • Select “Start from scratch“.
  • You should see the Report Canvas screen as shown below:
Create Report and start from scratch

Stage 3: Adding the Power BI Sankey Diagram Extension by ChartExpo

  • Creating the Sankey Diagram requires us to use an add-in or Power BI visual from AppSource.
  • Navigate to the right side of the Power BI dashboard.
  • Open the Power BI Visualizations panel.
  • Click the ellipsis symbol (…) as highlighted in the diagram below. This will import the Power BI Sankey Diagram extension by ChartExpo.
Report Canvas screen in Power BI
  • The following menu opens:
  • Select the “Get more visuals” option.
  • The following window opens:
click on to get more visuals
  • Enter “Sankey Diagram for Power BI by ChartExpo” in the highlighted search box.
  • You should see the “Sankey Diagram for Power BI by ChartExpo” as shown in the image below.
Sankey Diagram for Power BI by ChartExpo
  • Click the highlighted “Add” button.
Click the Add button
  • Power BI will add the “Sankey Diagram for Power BI by ChartExpo” icon in the visualization panel.
Click on Sankey Diagram Icon

Stage 4: Drawing a Sankey Diagram with ChartExpo’s Power BI extension

  • Select the “Sankey Diagram for Power BI by ChartExpo” icon in the visualization panel.
  • The following window opens in the report section of your dashboard:
Report Section in Dashboard
  • You can resize the visual as needed.
  • Navigate to the right side of your Power BI dashboard.
  • You should see “Fields” next to “Visualizations.”
Fields next to visualizations
  • You’ll select the fields to use in your Sankey chart here.
  • The ChartExpo visual needs to be selected, though. Select the fields in the following sequence:
    • Total Cost
    • Company Type
    • Company Name
    • Expertise Categories
    • Expertise
    • Cost
Select fields for Sankey diagram
  • You’ll be asked for a ChartExpo license key or email address.
enter email for ChartExpo license

Stage 5: Activate your ChartExpo Trial or Apply a Subscription Key

  • Select the ChartExpo visual. You should see three icons below “Build Visual” in the Visualizations panel.
Build visual panel in Power BI
  • Select the middle icon, “Format visual.”
  • The visual properties will be populated as shown below.
visual properties in Power BI
  • If you are a new user,
    • Type in your email under the section titled “Trial Mode”.
    • This should be the email address that you used to subscribe to the ChartExpo add-in. It is where your ChartExpo license key will be sent.
    • Ensure that your email address is valid.
    • Click “Enable Trial“. You’ll get a 7-day trial.
enter email id
  • You should receive a welcome email from ChartExpo.
  • The Sankey Diagram you create under the 7-day trial contains the ChartExpo watermark (see below).
power bi advanced ce345 1
  • If you have obtained a license key:
    • Enter your license key in the “ChartExpo License Key” textbox in the “License Settings” section (see below).
    • Slide the toggle switch next to “Enable License” to “On“.
enter license key
  • Your Sankey diagram should now be ready (see below). Note that it does not have a watermark.
power bi advanced ce345 2
  • Let’s add a Prefix (such as a $ sign) with the numeric values in the chart.
  • Expand the “Stats” properties and include the Prefix value.
power bi advanced ce345 3
  • Let’s add colors to each node. Expand the “Level Colors” properties and select the colors.
coloring Sankey diagram
  • Automatically all changes will be saved.
Final Power BI for Mac

Insights

  • At Level 1, the total spending amount is $339k.
  • Level 2 visualizes spending by department, with node size indicating the amount spent. The sales department spent the least, while the marketing department spent the most.
  • Level 3 breaks down the data further by category;
  • Most expenses, amounting to $190,000 or 56.05% of the total costs, went towards Salaries.
  • The smallest portion of the expenses, totaling $6,000 or 1.7%, was allocated to Commissions.

Advantages of Using Power BI on Mac

  1. Access Anywhere: Even though there isn’t a native Power BI app for macOS, you can still get to your reports and dashboards through a web browser. This means you’re not tied to a Windows machine you can view and interact with your data from anywhere.
  2. Easy Collaboration: Since you can access Power BI Service on your Mac’s browser, collaborating with colleagues who use Windows is a breeze. You can share reports, work on dashboards together, and stay updated in real-time, regardless of your operating system.
  3. Stay Informed on the Go: With Power BI’s mobile apps for iOS devices, like iPhones and iPads, you can keep tabs on your data even when you’re out and about. It’s perfect for staying connected and making informed decisions from anywhere.
  4. Build Reports Online: While you might not have Power BI Desktop on your Mac, you can still create and edit reports directly in your browser using Power BI Service’s web-based report authoring. It’s a convenient way to work with data without needing a Windows PC.
  5. Integration Options: Power BI integrates with various Microsoft and third-party tools, many of which are accessible from macOS. You can connect it to Excel files on your Mac or link it with other cloud-based services that work with macOS.
  6. Flexibility: Even though there’s no native app for macOS, you still get to enjoy Power BI’s robust features through alternative methods. This flexibility lets you work with data, gain insights, and make data-driven decisions, regardless of your choice of operating system.
  7. Supportive Community: There’s a growing community of Mac users who use Power BI, sharing tips, tricks, and resources tailored to macOS users. Engaging with this community can provide valuable insights and support for navigating Power BI on your Mac.

Challenges We Will Face Using Power BI on Mac

  1. Feature Variability: Some advanced features available on the Windows version may be missing.
  2. Compatibility Issues: Certain data connectors and visualizations may not work seamlessly.
  3. Performance Variability: Mac devices might experience slower performance with large datasets.
  4. Limited Microsoft Integration: Direct integration with some Microsoft services may be unavailable.
  5. Dependency on Workarounds: Users may need to use virtual machines or remote desktop solutions for full functionality.
  6. Support Differences: Updates and support may prioritize the Windows version.
  7. Mobile Experience: Mobile app experience may vary for Mac users.
  8. Browser Dependency: Mac users primarily rely on web browsers, which may lack certain features or performance optimizations.

Tips for Using Power BI on Mac

Power BI For Mac Tips
  1. Use Power BI Online: Access reports and dashboards directly through the web version.
  2. Optimize Browser: Use a modern, updated browser for better performance.
  3. Leverage Cloud Services: Utilize cloud-based Power BI features for seamless integration.
  4. Set Up a Virtual Machine: Consider using a Windows virtual machine for full Power BI functionality.
  5. Regular Updates: Keep your virtual machine or remote desktop software up-to-date for the best experience.

Power BI for Mac FAQs

Is there Power BI for Mac?

Power BI does not have a native version specifically designed for macOS. However, you can still access the Power BI service through web browsers. Also, you can utilize the Power BI mobile app for iOS devices.

Are there any limitations or compatibility issues when using Power BI on a Mac?

When using Power BI on a Mac, there are a few limitations and compatibility considerations. Some features or visualizations may have limited functionality on non-Windows platforms. Additionally, certain data connectors or integrations may have limited compatibility.

Wrap Up

Power BI does not offer a dedicated desktop application for Mac devices. However, Mac users can still leverage the power of Power BI through the web-based version and mobile app. This allows you to create, view, and publish reports and dashboards and collaborate with colleagues.

The Power BI mobile app for iOS devices further enhances the accessibility of Power BI for Mac. It allows you to stay connected and access your reports on the go.

There may be limitations and compatibility issues when using Power BI on a Mac device. However, Power BI for Mac still provides a robust data analysis, reporting, and visualization solution.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re using Safari, Chrome, or any other Mac-compatible browser. You can tap into the power of Power BI and harness its potential to drive success.

Do not hesitate.

Unleash your analytical prowess with Power BI and ChartExpo, and unlock the full potential of data-driven decision-making.

How much did you enjoy this article?

PBIAd1
Start Free Trial!
127373

Related articles

next previous
Power BI12 min read

Power BI Group By Guide for Effective Data Insights

Learn how Power BI Group By helps you aggregate data, clarify trends, and create reports by grouping values to make large datasets manageable & insightful.

Power BI12 min read

How to Create Sankey Diagram in Microsoft Power BI?

Learn How to Create Sankey Diagram in Microsoft Power BI using Desktop & Web Service. What they are and how to use them effectively.

Power BI8 min read

Power BI Artificial Intelligence: Insights Using Visuals

Discover all there is to know about the Power BI artificial intelligence. You'll also discover how AI is used in Power BI, and how to use it for analysis and more.

Power BI9 min read

Budgeting in Healthcare: Use Visuals to Spot Budget Gaps

This guide helps you discover what budgeting in healthcare is. You'll also discover the factors that affect hospital budgets and types of budgeting in healthcare.

Power BI9 min read

Predictive Analytics in Power BI for Making Insightful Visuals

This guide shows you everything you need to know about Predictive Analytics in Power BI. It also shows you how it works, and how to interpret the results.

ChartExpo logo

Turn Data into Visual
Stories

CHARTEXPO

  • Home
  • Gallery
  • Videos
  • Services
  • Pricing
  • Contact us
  • FAQs
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Sitemap

TOOLS

  • ChartExpo for Google Sheets
  • ChartExpo for Microsoft Excel
  • Power BI Custom Visuals by ChartExpo
  • Word Cloud

CATEGORIES

  • Bar Charts
  • Circle Graphs
  • Column Charts
  • Combo Charts
  • Comparison Charts
  • Line Graphs
  • PPC Charts
  • Sentiment Analysis Charts
  • Survey Charts

TOP CHARTS

  • Sankey Diagram
  • Likert Scale Chart
  • Comparison Bar Chart
  • Pareto Chart
  • Funnel Chart
  • Gauge Chart
  • Radar Chart
  • Radial Bar Chart
  • Sunburst Chart
  • see more
  • Scatter Plot Chart
  • CSAT Survey Bar Chart
  • CSAT Survey Chart
  • Dot Plot Chart
  • Double Bar Graph
  • Matrix Chart
  • Multi Axis Line Chart
  • Overlapping Bar Chart
  • Control Chart
  • Slope Chart
  • Clustered Bar Chart
  • Clustered Column Chart
  • Box and Whisker Plot
  • Tornado Chart
  • Waterfall Chart
  • Word Cloud
  • see less

RESOURCES

  • Blog
  • Resources
  • YouTube
SIGN UP FOR UPDATES

We wouldn't dream of spamming you or selling your info.

© 2025 ChartExpo, all rights reserved.