Last month we released a preview of the Azure Analysis Services web designer. This new browser-based experience will allow developers to start creating and managing Azure Analysis Services (AAS) semantic models quickly and easily. While SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) and SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) are still the primary tools for development, this new experience is intended to make simple changes fast and easy. It is great for getting started on a new model or to do things such as adding a new measure to a development or production AAS model.

Today we are announcing the first set of updates which include a mix of fixes and new features. In the upcoming months, we will continue to evolve the web designer to allow for easier and more advanced model creation in the web. New functionality includes:

DAX syntax highlighting for measures

Adding measures is a bit simpler with the use of a multiline code editor which recognizes DAX formula syntax.

New mini map in JSON editor

The model JSON editor now includes a mini document map on the right hand side to make browsing the JSON document simpler.

Display folder and hierarchy support in the query designer

You can now use hierarchies and display folders when graphically designing queries.

Table relationship editor

Create new relationships or edit existing ones between table with the new relationship editor dialog.

Copy server name

When needing to connect to your server from other tools such as SSMS or SSDT, you can now simply copy your full server name from the server blade.

You can try the Azure Analysis web designer today by linking to it from a server in the Azure portal.

Submit your own ideas for features on our feedback forum. Learn more about Azure Analysis Services and the Azure Analysis Services web designer.