What causes InvalidSelectorError?

An unknown selector method is used (e.g., `tag+` instead of `tag:`). A wildcard or glob pattern in the selector does not match any nodes in the project. A `state:` selector is used without a `--state` path pointing to a valid prior manifest. A YAML selector file references a non-existent named selector or uses incorrect indentation. A node name in the selector contains special characters that are not properly escaped

How do I fix InvalidSelectorError?

Run `dbt ls --select ` locally to validate the selector before using it in a job.. Check the selector syntax in the dbt documentation — valid methods include `tag:`, `config:`, `path:`, `source:`, `exposure:`, `state:`, `resource_type:`.. For `state:` selectors, ensure `--state ` points to a directory containing a `manifest.json` from a prior run.. If using YAML selectors, validate the indentation and node type references in `selectors.yml`.. Use `dbt ls --resource-types model,test` to confirm the node names the selector is targeting exist.

Medium severitydbt

Power BI Refresh Error:
InvalidSelectorError

What does this error mean?

dbt could not parse or resolve a node selector. The selector string passed to --select, --exclude, or a YAML selector contains an invalid method name, syntax error, or references a node that does not exist.

Common causes

1An unknown selector method is used (e.g., `tag+` instead of `tag:`)
2A wildcard or glob pattern in the selector does not match any nodes in the project
3A `state:` selector is used without a `--state` path pointing to a valid prior manifest
4A YAML selector file references a non-existent named selector or uses incorrect indentation
5A node name in the selector contains special characters that are not properly escaped

How to fix it

1Run `dbt ls --select <selector>` locally to validate the selector before using it in a job.
2Check the selector syntax in the dbt documentation — valid methods include `tag:`, `config:`, `path:`, `source:`, `exposure:`, `state:`, `resource_type:`.
3For `state:` selectors, ensure `--state <path>` points to a directory containing a `manifest.json` from a prior run.
4If using YAML selectors, validate the indentation and node type references in `selectors.yml`.
5Use `dbt ls --resource-types model,test` to confirm the node names the selector is targeting exist.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use wildcards in dbt selectors?

Yes — dbt supports glob-style wildcards in path selectors: `dbt run --select models/marketing/*` selects all models under the marketing/ subdirectory. However, wildcards in method selectors (tag, config) are not supported.