> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.fabricplan.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.fabricplan.com/documentation/readme/planning-sheets/how-tos/create-and-share-a-cloud-connection-for-a-semantic-model.md).

# Create and share a cloud connection for a semantic model

This article explains how to connect to a semantic model from a plan (preview) item.

To connect a plan to a semantic model, a workspace **admin** or **member** must create a **shareable cloud connection**. Other users can use this connection to access the semantic model. The following steps describe how to create and share the connection.

### Prerequisites <a href="#prerequisites" id="prerequisites"></a>

Before you can create the semantic model connection, make sure you have the following prerequisites in place:

* Data in a [Power BI semantic model](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/fabric/data-warehouse/semantic-models)

### Create a semantic model connection <a href="#create-a-shareable-cloud-connection" id="create-a-shareable-cloud-connection"></a>

This connection is used to connect to your semantic models when you create a plan. The following steps must be completed by a workspace admin or member who has access to the semantic model.

1. In your Fabric toolbar, select the **Settings** icon. Select **Manage connections and gateways > New**.

<figure><img src="/files/MnBpSHN86gswQhC9tBE6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. Select **Cloud** as the **new connection**.
3. Enter a **Connection name**.
4. For **Connection type**, select *Power BI Semantic Model*.
5. Select an **Authentication method**

   * **OAuth 2.0** – Select **Edit credentials**, and then sign in with your Microsoft account.
   * **Service principal** – Enter the **Tenant ID**, **Service Principal ID**, and **Service Principal Key**. For service principal-based authentication, ensure you enable [**Service principals can call Fabric public APIs**](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/fabric/admin/service-admin-portal-developer#service-principals-can-call-fabric-public-apis) under Developer settings in the admin portal.

   <figure><img src="/files/raXZiQZt67TvJeGneGCS" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
6. Select **Create.**

<figure><img src="/files/QIgQWb8JXm0jvHqThpl0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Share the semantic model connection

1. Next to the name of the semantic model connection in your Fabric workspace, select **...** and **Manage users**.

<figure><img src="/files/DrIV5DBQXP8oiJt5BzHG" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. Search the **name or email ID** of the users to share the semantic model connection.
3. Set the **access permission** as User, User with resharing, or Owner.
4. Select **Share** to share the connection.

<figure><img src="/files/0bCZUE5GtqOVSHdR1GG2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

5. The semantic connection created is shared, which can be accessed by other users.

Other users can now use this shared connection to connect to the semantic model.

### Connection types supported in Planning sheet

Planning supports the following connection types:

| Connection type | Support status             | Requirements                                                          |
| --------------- | -------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Import mode     | Supported fully            |                                                                       |
| Direct Lake     | Supported with limitations | Gateway must use fixed credentials (SSO isn't supported at this time) |
| DirectQuery     | Supported with limitations | Gateway must use fixed credentials (SSO isn't supported at this time) |

### Connect to a Direct Lake semantic model

If you want to connect to a Direct Lake semantic model, follow the steps below. These steps should be performed by workspace **Admin** or **Member** users.

1. Next to the name of the semantic model in your Fabric workspace, select **... > Settings > Gateway & Cloud Connections**.

<figure><img src="/files/Zkmbjrdog4WzZsXXwGIZ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. By default, the connection is set to **Single Sign On.** You can create and use a new connection.
3. Select **Create a connection** from the connection list.

<figure><img src="/files/apaqOFM2eWQRC7RZMxmi" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4. Enter the new **connection name.**
5. Select an **Authentication method**
   * **OAuth 2.0** – Select **Edit credentials**, and then sign in with your Microsoft account.
   * **Service principal** – Enter the **Tenant ID**, **Service Principal ID**, and **Service Principal Key**. For service principal-based authentication, ensure you enable [**Service principals can call Fabric public APIs**](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/fabric/admin/service-admin-portal-developer#service-principals-can-call-fabric-public-apis) under Developer settings in the admin portal.

<figure><img src="/files/raXZiQZt67TvJeGneGCS" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4. Select **create**.

<figure><img src="/files/p3NpCGj6ujPssSjHRHDb" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

6. Select the newly created direct lake semantic model connection from the list and **apply.**

<figure><img src="/files/GVGEfPkPCYkrX1bUuolZ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Recommended configuration for Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD)

For an optimal Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Deployment (CD) experience, consider the following recommendations:

* Create the semantic model connection using **Service Principal** authentication.
* Grant the service principal the required access across all environments. This allows the same semantic model connection to be reused across environments during deployment, simplifying CI/CD workflows.

{% hint style="info" %}

#### Note

For service principal-based authentication, enable [**Service principals can call Fabric public APIs**](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/fabric/admin/service-admin-portal-developer#service-principals-can-call-fabric-public-apis) under Developer settings in the admin portal.
{% endhint %}

### Next steps <a href="#next-steps" id="next-steps"></a>

Now that your semantic model connection is created, you can create a Planning sheet that uses this connection: Create a [Planning sheet](/documentation/readme/planning-sheets/how-tos/creating-a-planning-sheet.md).

### Related content

[Prerequisites for Plan](/documentation/readme/prerequisites-for-plan.md)

[Trobleshooting guide](/documentation/readme/planning-sheets/troubleshoot.md)


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