Types of PowerApps Controls – A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
PowerApps provides a wide variety of controls that allow users to design, interact, and manipulate data within apps. These controls serve different purposes, such as user input, navigation, displaying data, media integration, and automation.
In this detailed guide, we will explore the different types of PowerApps controls, their features, use cases, and step-by-step implementation in your apps.
1. What are PowerApps Controls?
PowerApps controls are UI elements that enable users to interact with an app. These controls help in displaying data, capturing user input, navigation, automation, and integrating multimedia.
✅ Drag-and-Drop Components – No coding required.
✅ Interactive & Dynamic – Can respond to user actions.
✅ Customizable – Adjust colors, fonts, visibility, and behavior.
✅ Data Integration – Works with SharePoint, Dataverse, SQL, and APIs.
2. Types of PowerApps Controls
PowerApps controls are classified into the following categories:
| Category | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Input Controls | Capture user input (text, numbers, dates, etc.) |
| Gallery Controls | Display lists or collections of data |
| Form Controls | Submit and edit records in a structured format |
| Button & Navigation Controls | Allow users to navigate between screens and trigger actions |
| Media Controls | Integrate images, videos, and audio |
| Chart & Visualization Controls | Represent data graphically |
| Icons & Shapes Controls | Enhance UI design with visual elements |
| AI & Automation Controls | Add intelligence and automation features |
3. Detailed Overview of Each PowerApps Control
3.1 Input Controls (User Input & Data Entry)
These controls allow users to enter text, select options, and upload files.
| Control | Description | Example Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Text Input | Captures user input as text | Enter customer names or comments |
| Dropdown | Displays a list of selectable items | Choose a department from a list |
| Combo Box | A searchable dropdown menu | Select a product from a large dataset |
| Date Picker | Allows users to select a date | Select a delivery or appointment date |
| Toggle | A switch for enabling/disabling features | Turn notifications ON/OFF |
| Slider | Allows users to select a numeric value | Adjust product quantity |
| Radio Button | Displays multiple options where one can be selected | Select gender (Male/Female) |
| Checkbox | Allows multiple selections | Select multiple service options |
| Pen Input | Captures freehand drawings or signatures | Capture digital signatures on forms |
Example: Using a Dropdown Control
- Insert a Dropdown – Click Insert > Input > Dropdown.
- Connect to a Data Source – Example:
Dropdown1.Items = ["HR", "Finance", "IT", "Marketing"] - Display the selected value –
Label1.Text = "You selected: " & Dropdown1.Selected.Value
3.2 Gallery Controls (Data Display & Lists)
Galleries allow users to display, scroll, and interact with multiple records.
| Gallery Type | Description | Example Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical Gallery | Displays records in a vertical list | Employee directory |
| Horizontal Gallery | Displays records side by side | Product catalog |
| Flexible Height Gallery | Adjusts row height dynamically | Chat messages or comments section |
Example: Creating a Gallery for Employee List
- Click Insert > Gallery > Vertical Gallery.
- Select a data source, e.g., SharePoint List (Employees).
- Modify the gallery layout and fields.
- To filter results, use:
Gallery1.Items = Filter(Employees, Department = "IT")
3.3 Form Controls (Data Entry & Submission)
Forms help users submit and edit records in a structured manner.
| Form Type | Description | Example Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Edit Form | Allows users to modify existing records | Update employee details |
| Display Form | Displays read-only data | Show customer order details |
Example: Creating a Simple Edit Form
- Click Insert > Forms > Edit Form.
- Set DataSource = Employees.
- Bind the form fields to data columns.
- Add a Submit Button with:
SubmitForm(EditForm1)
3.4 Button & Navigation Controls
These controls enable users to trigger actions and navigate between screens.
| Control | Description | Example Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Button | Triggers actions like submit, navigate, or reset | Submit form, send email |
| Icon | Small clickable visuals (e.g., search, close) | Open a popup |
| Timer | Runs an action after a set duration | Auto-refresh a dashboard |
Example: Navigating Between Screens
OnSelect = Navigate(Screen2, ScreenTransition.Fade)
3.5 Media Controls (Images, Videos, and Audio)
These controls allow multimedia integration in PowerApps.
| Control | Description | Example Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Image | Displays images from data sources or uploads | User profile pictures |
| Camera | Captures photos using a device’s camera | Upload receipts for expense tracking |
| Video | Plays embedded or streamed videos | Employee training modules |
| Audio | Plays audio files | Customer feedback recordings |
Example: Displaying an Image from Dataverse
Image1.Image = ThisItem.Photo
3.6 Chart & Visualization Controls
Used for data visualization.
| Control | Description | Example Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Column Chart | Displays column-based data | Monthly sales performance |
| Line Chart | Shows trends over time | Website visitor analytics |
| Pie Chart | Represents proportions visually | Market share breakdown |
Example: Creating a Column Chart
- Insert a Column Chart.
- Set Items = SalesData.
- Set X-Axis = Month, Y-Axis = Revenue.
3.7 AI & Automation Controls
These advanced controls use AI for automation.
| Control | Description | Example Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| AI Builder | Adds AI features like sentiment analysis and object detection | Identify handwritten text |
| Power Automate Button | Triggers a Power Automate flow | Send email notifications |
| Barcode Scanner | Scans barcodes and QR codes | Inventory management |
Example: Triggering a Power Automate Flow
PowerAutomateButton1.OnSelect = 'FlowName'.Run(Parameter1)
4. Conclusion
PowerApps controls are the building blocks of app development. Choosing the right control enhances usability, efficiency, and user experience.
✅ Input Controls – Collect data (text, dropdowns, sliders).
✅ Gallery & Form Controls – Display and modify records.
✅ Navigation Controls – Move between screens.
✅ Media & Visualization – Enhance interactivity with images, videos, and charts.
✅ AI & Automation – Add intelligence with AI Builder and Power Automate.
Would you like a step-by-step tutorial on any specific PowerApps control?