LOAD * INLINE [ ... ];

Inline load (hard-coded tables) in Power BI

Inline loads define small tables in the script. In Power BI, use Enter data in the ribbon, a #table expression in Power Query, or DATATABLE in DAX.

Direct equivalent Power Query DAX

Short answer: For a lookup that people edit, use Home > Enter data (or, better, a shared file or table). In code, use #table(...) in Power Query or DATATABLE(...) in DAX.

What it does in Qlik

LOAD * INLINE [ ... ] reads a small comma-separated table written directly in the script. It is common for mapping tables, sort orders, KPI lists and test data.

Qlik example

Qlik script

StatusSort:
LOAD * INLINE [
Status, SortOrder
Open, 1
In progress, 2
Closed, 3
];

Power BI equivalent

Power Query

Power Query M

= #table(
    type table [Status = text, SortOrder = Int64.Type],
    {{"Open", 1}, {"In progress", 2}, {"Closed", 3}}
  )

DAX

StatusSort =
DATATABLE (
    "Status", STRING,
    "SortOrder", INTEGER,
    { { "Open", 1 }, { "In progress", 2 }, { "Closed", 3 } }
)

Gotchas and behaviour differences

DATATABLE accepts only constants. Enter data stores the data inside the query, so business users can't edit it without opening Power BI Desktop.
Values that change (targets, mappings) belong in a maintained source, such as a SharePoint list, an Excel file or a warehouse table.

Official documentation

Inline loads (Qlik Help)
Enter data directly into Power BI Desktop (Microsoft Learn)
#table (Power Query M) (Microsoft Learn)
DATATABLE function (DAX) (Microsoft Learn)

ApplyMap('MapName', expr [, default]) Mapping Load and ApplyMap ApplyMap looks up a value in a two-column mapping table during load. In Power BI, use a merge in Power Query, a record lookup, or simply a relationship with RELATED. The behaviour differs for case sensitivity, duplicates and missing keys. Partial / different approach Dual('Jan', 1) Dual values Qlik fields can hold a dual value: a text and a number at the same time. Power BI columns have one data type, so you use a text column sorted by a number column (Sort by column). Partial / different approach

Spotted an error or a better pattern? QlikToDax is maintained by a working BI consultant; corrections are welcome via the About page. Last reviewed 2026-10-25.