> You are reading the Docusign Developer Documentation. For clean Markdown of any page, append .md to the page URL.
>
> Documentation indexes by section:
> - APIs and SDKs: https://docusign.docs.buildwithfern.com/docs/llms.txt
> - Platform 101: https://docusign.docs.buildwithfern.com/platform/llms.txt
> - Extension Apps: https://docusign.docs.buildwithfern.com/extension-apps/llms.txt
> - Docusign CLI: https://docusign.docs.buildwithfern.com/docusign-cli/llms.txt
>
> Authentication (OAuth, JWT Grant, M2M): https://docusign.docs.buildwithfern.com/platform/auth
> Webhooks and Connect: https://docusign.docs.buildwithfern.com/platform/webhooks
>
> OpenAPI specifications: https://docusign.docs.buildwithfern.com/openapi.json
> MCP server: https://docusign.docs.buildwithfern.com/_mcp/server

# Docusign Power BI Connector for IAM Closed Beta

> This guide provides step-by-step instructions to install, configure, and use the Docusign Custom Connector within Power BI Desktop.

> **Note**
>
> **Closed Beta**: The Docusign Power BI Connector for IAM is currently available to select IAM customers only. Access is limited to approved, allowlisted accounts. To request access, contact your Docusign account team or Sales representative. Your account must be approved and allowlisted before you can use the connector.

This guide provides step-by-step instructions to install, configure, and use the Docusign Custom Connector within Power BI Desktop. This enables you to connect to your Docusign data, create integrated reports, and build powerful visualizations for business analysis.

> **Note**
>
> Power BI is a frequently updated service. While this guide is comprehensive, always verify specific menu locations and security prompts against the [official Microsoft Power BI documentation](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/).
>
> Important Note: This feature is only available in Power BI Desktop.

## 1. Initial setup and software installation

Before you can analyze your Docusign data, you must prepare the correct environment on your local computer by installing Power BI Desktop and ensuring all system prerequisites are met before installing the Docusign connector.

### A. Prerequisites

Ensure compliance with the necessary system requirements, which are detailed in [Microsoft Power BI Desktop](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=58494#:~:text=Supported%20Operating%20Systems,bit%20\(x64\)%20platforms.) under the **System Requirements** section.

### B. Download Power BI Desktop

Power BI Desktop is the authoring tool where you connect to data and build reports.

1. Visit the [Microsoft Power BI Desktop](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=58494#:~:text=Supported%20Operating%20Systems,bit%20\(x64\)%20platforms.)  download page.
2. Select your preferred language and click **Download**.
3. Choose the version that matches your system (e.g., the x64.msi for 64-bit Windows).
4. Once the file is downloaded, open it and follow the installation wizard (clicking 'Next' and 'Finish').

### C. Prepare the Connector File

The necessary file, `Docusign.mez`, instructs Power BI on how to communicate with Docusign servers. You can download this file from Docusign's [public GitHub repository](https://github.com/docusign/docusign-template-library/blob/master/Data%20Connection/Power%20BI/Docusign.mez).

## 2. Install the custom connector

First, install the Docusign connector file (`.mez`) by setting up the required Power BI folder and adjusting security settings to allow the use of uncertified, third-party connectors.

Power BI looks for custom connectors in a very specific folder on your computer. If this is your first time using a custom connector, you will need to create this folder manually.

### A. Create the "Custom Connectors" folder

1. Open your **File Explorer**.
2. On the left-hand side, select **Documents**.
3. Open or create the following folder path: `Microsoft Power BI Desktop\Custom Connectors`.
4. Copy your `Docusign.mez` file and paste it into this new `Custom Connectors` folder.
5. To use this connector, you must adjust your Power BI settings to allow loading uncertified extensions. For a detailed walkthrough on security settings, refer to the [official Microsoft guide on Connector Extensibility](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-connector-extensibility#allow-uncertified-custom-connectors).

### B. Enable security permissions

By default, Power BI blocks third-party connectors for your protection. You must grant permission for the Docusign connector to run.

1. Launch **Power BI Desktop** by searching for "PowerBI" in the **Start** menu.
2. In the top-left corner, select **File**, then **Options and settings**, and then **Options**.
3. A new window will open. On the left sidebar, look for the **Global** section and select **Security**.
4. Find the section labeled **Data Extensions**.
5. Select the radio button that says **"(Not Recommended) Allow any extension to load without validation or warning"**.
6. Click **OK**. You **must restart** Power BI Desktop (close it and open it again) for this change to take effect.

## 3. Ingest data from multiple sources

Next, connect Power BI Desktop to your primary Docusign data and any supplemental data sources. This includes the initial connection, authentication, and using the Power Query Editor to clean and transform data.

### A. Connect to Docusign

1. On the **Home** tab, select the **Get Data** icon.
2. In the search box at the top, type **Docusign**. Select the connector and then **Connect**.
3. Choose an **Environment** (choose **Prod** for live data or **Demo** for testing) and provide your **Account ID**.
4. A **Sign In** window will open; enter your Docusign email and password to sign in. Power BI will now show you a list of available tables. Select the ones you need (such as **Agreements**) and select **Load**.

### B. Connect to supplemental data

To add more context to your report, you can bring in secondary files or connect to other data sources.

1. Select **Get Data** again.
2. Select **More...** to see the full list of options, which includes **Text/CSV**, **Excel Workbook**, **SQL Server**, **SharePoint Online List**, and many others.
3. Choose the appropriate connector for your data source (such as **Text/CSV** for flat files, **Excel Workbook**, or a specific database connector).
4. Specify the connection details (such as the file path, server name, and credentials), then select **Connect**.
5. **Important:** Instead of selecting **Load**, select **Transform Data**. This opens the **Power Query Editor**.
6. For file-based sources, or if your data requires cleaning, you may need to promote headers. Select the button labeled **Use First Row as Headers** in the Home ribbon of the editor. This ensures your columns have meaningful names (such as "Department") instead of generic ones (such as "Column 1").
7. Select **Close & Apply** in the top-left corner to bring this data into your model.
8. For additional details, please consult the official documentation regarding [Connect to data sources in Power BI Desktop](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-connect-to-data).

### C. **Data transformation (M Query and DAX)**

When importing data from any source, you will typically need to perform initial cleanup, essential transformations, and the creation of new columns or measures. This is achieved using two primary tools: M Query and DAX.

* **M Query (Power Query):** Used for complex, pre-load data transformations. The **Advanced Editor** is the interface for this work. See [M Language Formula Reference for details](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/powerquery-m/).
* **DAX (Data Analysis Expressions):** Used for creating complex calculations, often resulting in calculated measures. See [DAX Function Reference](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dax/) for details.

  **Example:** To count agreements, use the formula: `AgreementCount = DISTINCTCOUNT('Agreements'[Id])`

## 4. Build the data model

This section explains how to integrate data from disparate sources (like Docusign and a CSV) within Power BI's Model View. Its objective is to define relationships between tables, building a cohesive data model. This ensures filters applied to one source (such as "Department" in the CSV) correctly synchronize data across connected sources (such as Docusign agreements), enabling integrated reporting.

Now that you have data from two or more sources, you need to link them together so that when you modify your CSV, your Docusign connected data also updates.

1. On the far left of Power BI, select the **Model View** icon.
2. You will see your tables as boxes. Find a common field between them—for example, both tables might have a column called `AccountID` or `DeptID`.
3. Select and hold the field in the first table, drag your mouse to the matching field in the second table, and release it.
4. A line will appear connecting them. This is a **Relationship**. This *Star Schema* approach allows Power BI to synchronize different data sources into one visual. See [Create and manage relationships in Power BI Desktop](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/transform-model/desktop-create-and-manage-relationships) for reference.

## 5. Visualize and share

You can design reports within Power BI Desktop by using the fields from the loaded data model, then publish the finalized report to the Power BI Service for sharing and collaboration.

### A. Create your first chart

1. On the right side, you will see your **Data** pane with all your table columns.
2. Drag a field (like **Agreement Name**) onto the large white canvas.
3. In the **Visualizations** pane next to it, select  a chart type (such as a Bar or Pie Chart). Power BI will automatically format the data.

### B. Publish the report

Once your dashboard looks the way you want, you can share it with your team online.

1. Select the **Publish** button on the top ribbon.
2. Save your work, if prompted.
3. Select your **Workspace** where this needs to be published, then **Select**.
4. Once finished, you can view your report in any web browser by logging into the [Power BI](https://app.powerbi.com) service.

## 6. Accelerate setup with Power BI templates

You can also use Power BI template files (`.pbit`) as an efficient alternative to building reports from scratch. It defines what a template is, outlines its benefits for accelerating analysis by reusing pre-configured structures without storing sensitive data, and provides practical steps for using the Docusign standard template and creating custom templates for sharing.

While building a report from scratch offers full customization, **Power BI template files (**`.pbit`**)** enable you to jump-start your analytics journey by using pre-configured structures.

### A. What is a Power BI template?

A `.pbit` file contains the skeleton of a report. This includes the visual layouts, the data model (how tables are linked), and the underlying queries, but it **does not contain the actual data**.

* **The benefit:** When you open a template, Power BI prompts you for your specific credentials and parameters (like your Docusign Account ID). It then connects to your live data and populates the pre-built visuals instantly.
* **Security:** Because templates do not store data, they are the safest way to share report designs without accidentally exposing sensitive information.

### B. Get started with the Docusign standard template

To ensure a smooth onboarding experience, **Docusign provides a standard template file** equipped with professionally designed visuals and can be found [here](https://github.com/docusign/docusign-template-library/blob/master/Data%20Connection/Power%20BI/AgreementsDemo.pbit).

1. **Open the template:** Open the provided `.pbit` file. Power BI Desktop will launch and display a prompt.
2. **Input parameters:** Enter your **Environment** and **Account ID** as requested.
3. **Authenticate:** Follow the standard Docusign login process.
4. **Automatic generation:** Power BI will automatically run the queries and generate a dashboard featuring standard visuals.

### C. Create your own templates

Once you have modified the Docusign standard template or built a custom dashboard with supplemental data (e.g., your own departmental CSVs), you can save your unique configuration as a template for your team.

1. In Power BI Desktop, go to **File > Export > Power BI template**.
2. Add a Description, providing a clear summary of what this template tracks ("Quarterly Sales Agreement Dashboard", for example).
3. Save the file in a chosen location. Power BI will save the file with a `.pbit` extension.
4. Any team member with the Docusign Custom Connector installed can now open this file, enter their own credentials, and see the exact same visual structure populated with their specific data. See [Create and use report templates in Power BI Desktop](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/create-reports/desktop-templates) for reference.