Native vs custom comparison

Native + report design

Where to stay inside the native model and where an embedded or custom solution is required.

Working example

Native Power BI capability compared with custom implementation
Pattern	Native Power BI	Custom implementation	Note
Table	Yes	Possible	Native Table visual covers flat record lists.
Matrix	Yes	Possible	Hierarchy, subtotals and totals are built in.
Sorting	Yes	Possible	Single column sort by header click.
Filtering	Yes	Possible	Report, page and visual scope.
Slicer	Yes	Possible	List, dropdown, date and search variants.
Drill-through	Yes	Custom equivalent possible	Context-carrying page navigation.
Tooltips	Yes	Possible	Field tooltips and report-page tooltips.
Conditional formatting	Yes	Possible	Rules, gradients, data bars, icons.
Pagination	Not a standard report-table pattern	Possible	Use a paginated report for fixed-format output.
Application-style row actions	Limited	Possible	No per-row buttons inside a native table.
Fully custom data grid	No	Yes	Requires a custom visual or an embedded application.

What it is

A pattern-by-pattern comparison of what standard Power BI provides versus what needs a custom visual or an embedded application.

When to use it

Before committing to a design that assumes web application behaviour.

Native Power BI capability

Mixed — see the comparison table.

UX considerations

Design inside native capability by default; justify every exception.
Custom visuals carry certification, accessibility and maintenance cost.

BI developer considerations

Custom visuals need marketplace or organisational approval.
Embedded solutions shift authentication and licensing responsibility.

QA considerations

Custom visuals are re-tested after every Power BI service update.

Limitations

A fully custom data grid is not achievable with native visuals.

HTML prototype note

This interactive HTML example simulates the native Power BI behaviour. It is not Power BI itself and should not be interpreted as an implementation of the Power BI rendering engine.

Designer ↔ BI developer handoff

UX designer defines

Information hierarchy and column order
Required fields and measures
Default state (sort, filters, selection)
Interaction intent and what it should affect
Responsive priority and what may be dropped
Accessibility expectations and focus order
Empty, loading and error states

BI developer implements

Dataset fields, measures and relationships
Visual configuration in the format pane
Filters, sort order and interaction wiring
Drill-through / drill-down configuration
Conditional formatting rules
Row-level security and permissions
Query performance optimisation

QA validates

Data correctness against the source
Correct default state on first load
Sorting and filtering behaviour
Drill and selection behaviour
Permissions and row-level security
Empty states and responsive layout
Performance and export behaviour