Power Apps - Canvas App Translations

Key insights

• Canvas App Translations are now easier with a new reusable component, allowing for simple creation of bilingual or multi-language apps.


• Previous methods required complex variables, long formulas, and only supported label translations, making the process difficult.


• This new solution supports translating labels, choices, lookups (including external SharePoint lists), multi-select "other" options, and long descriptions.


• The translation component uses straightforward syntax like T__Choices("Fruits"), making it easy to implement in different projects.


• The entire repository is available for free, along with a tutorial to help users integrate the tool into their own Canvas Apps.


• This advancement greatly improves accessibility and efficiency when building bilingual or multilingual solutions in Microsoft PowerApps.

Introducing an Easier Way to Build Bilingual Canvas Apps

In the latest YouTube video by Sean Astrakhan (Untethered 365), viewers are introduced to a significant breakthrough in making bilingual Canvas Apps. Traditionally, creating a bilingual experience in Power Apps Canvas Apps has been a complex and time-consuming process. Developers often struggle with long formulas, intricate variables, and limitations that only allow translation of simple labels. However, this new tutorial highlights a solution that greatly simplifies the process, opening up more possibilities for app creators.

The video showcases a new approach that does not just stop at translating basic elements. Instead, it brings a more comprehensive toolkit for developers looking to build truly multilingual applications. This development is especially important as organizations increasingly seek to cater to diverse user bases with varying language needs.

Reusable Component: A Game Changer

One of the major highlights of the tutorial is a reusable component created by Trevor Mills. Unlike existing methods, which often require extensive custom work, this component is described as almost “plug n’ play”. This means that developers can easily integrate it into their Canvas Apps with minimal setup, significantly reducing development time and complexity.

The component offers the ability to translate a wide range of elements, including labels, choices, lookups (even those connected to external SharePoint - Lists), “Other” options in multi-select fields, and lengthy descriptions. The syntax for using this tool is designed to be straightforward, making it accessible even for those who are not experienced developers. For example, translating a set of choices can be done with a simple function call like T__Choices("Fruits").

Expanding Beyond Labels: Covering All Field Types

A common limitation in previous tutorials and tools was the narrow focus on label translation. Many solutions failed to address the needs of more dynamic app elements, such as dropdown choices or lookup fields that pull data from external sources. This left developers to manually manage translations or use cumbersome workarounds, often leading to inconsistent user experiences.

The component featured in the video tackles these challenges head-on. By supporting a broad spectrum of field types, it ensures that every part of the app can be presented in multiple languages. This is particularly beneficial for organizations that rely on SharePoint forms and need parity between their forms and custom Canvas Apps. The result is a more seamless and professional multilingual experience for end users.

Balancing Simplicity and Flexibility

While the ease of use is a major advantage, the video also touches on the tradeoffs involved. Developers often have to choose between highly customizable but complex solutions and simpler tools that may not cover all use cases. The component showcased here aims to strike a balance—offering both simplicity and broad coverage.

However, challenges remain when integrating with highly customized apps or unique business logic. While the component covers many standard scenarios, developers may still need to extend its capabilities for specialized requirements. Nevertheless, providing the repository for free, along with a detailed tutorial, lowers the entry barrier and encourages further innovation within the community.

Looking Ahead: Community Impact and Accessibility

By making the repository freely available, Trevor Mills and Sean Astrakhan invite developers everywhere to adopt and adapt the solution for their own projects. This open approach supports a growing community of Power Apps users who are eager to build more inclusive applications. Moreover, the tutorial promises to guide viewers through the setup and usage, making it easier for both beginners and experienced professionals to implement multilingual features.

In conclusion, this new video marks a significant step forward for anyone aiming to create bilingual or multilingual Canvas Apps. With a focus on usability, coverage, and community sharing, it offers a practical pathway to more accessible and user-friendly digital solutions.

Keywords

Canvas App translations Canvas App localization Power Apps multilingual support Canvas app language settings Translate Canvas apps Power Apps translation features Canvas app global reach