Enhance existing themes and export your creations for Power BI.
Importing Themes
Power UI can import any valid Power BI theme JSON file. Once imported, you can enhance it with advanced features like style variants, better palette management, and fine-tuned customization that aren't possible with standard Power BI theme editing.
Import Benefits
✓Enhance existing themes with style variants
✓Add proper color and neutral palettes
✓Fine-tune with visual controls instead of JSON
✓Fix and improve community themes
How to Import
Three Import Methods:
Method 1: Drag & Drop
1. Click the Import button in the header
2. Drag your .json file to the drop zone
3. Release to upload
Method 2: Browse Files
1. Click the Import button
2. Click "Browse" or the drop zone
3. Select your theme file
4. Click Open
Method 3: Paste JSON
1. Copy theme JSON to clipboard
2. Click Import button
3. Switch to "Paste JSON" tab
4. Paste and click Import
Import Process
1
Validation
Theme JSON is validated for compatibility and structure
2
Property Mapping
Existing properties are mapped to Power UI's controls
3
Enhancement Ready
Theme is loaded with all Power UI features available
4
Name Extraction
Theme name is extracted from JSON or filename
Note: All original theme properties are preserved. Power UI only adds capabilities, never removes features.
Enhancing Imported Themes
Common Enhancements:
Add Style Variants
Create emphasis and subtle variants for existing visuals
Organize Color Palettes
Convert loose colors into proper managed palettes
Generate Neutral Palette
Add AI-generated grayscale system for consistency
Fine-tune Typography
Adjust text classes and font settings visually
Exporting Themes
Export your completed theme as a Power BI-ready JSON file that includes all your customizations, style variants, and enhancements.
Export Process:
1
Click Export Button
Located in the header toolbar
2
Automatic Download
File downloads as: [theme-name]-theme.json
3
Ready for Power BI
File is immediately usable in Power BI Desktop or Service
Pro Tip: Always save your theme in Power UI before exporting. The export uses the last saved version.
Using Your Theme in Power BI
Power BI Desktop
1.Open your report
2.Go to View tab → Themes dropdown
3.Select "Browse for themes"
4.Choose your exported .json file
5.Theme applies to all visuals
Power BI Service
⚠️ Themes must be applied in Desktop first
1.Apply theme in Desktop
2.Save the .pbix file
3.Publish to Power BI Service
4.Theme remains with the report
Troubleshooting
Import fails with error?
• Ensure file is valid JSON (check with jsonlint.com)
• Verify it's a Power BI theme file (has required properties)
• Remove any custom/invalid properties
• Try the paste method if file upload fails
Export file not working in Power BI?
• Ensure you saved before exporting
• Check Power BI Desktop is up to date
• Try applying to a new blank report first
• Look for error messages in Power BI
Style variants not showing?
• Variants appear under Format → Style presets
• Right-click visual to access formatting
• Ensure visual type has variants defined
• Some custom visuals may not support variants
Best Practices
Version Control
• Include version in filename
• Keep exports organized by date
• Document changes between versions
• Store in git if needed
Testing
• Test on sample report first
• Verify all visual types
• Check variant application
• Test in target environment
Documentation
• Note which variants to use
• Document color meanings
• Include usage guidelines
• Share Power UI link for edits
Backup
• Export after major changes
• Keep original imports
• Save Power UI URLs
• Backup to cloud storage
Next: Sharing Themes
Learn how to share your themes with the community or collaborate with your team.