Copilot Studio: Craft Smart Forms with Adaptive Cards Fast

Key insights

• Adaptive Cards in Copilot Studio let you build interactive, dynamic forms inside conversational AI agents. These cards use a standardized JSON schema, making them platform-agnostic and allowing users to enter information directly within the chat interface.
  
• You can design smart forms by either using the visual Adaptive Card Designer or by writing JSON code. Forms can include different input fields like text boxes, dropdowns, date pickers, and submit buttons for rich user interaction.
  
• The Adaptive Card node in Copilot Studio enables you to send these interactive cards, set validation rules, handle invalid inputs, and control if the conversation can be interrupted during form completion.
  
• User responses from Adaptive Cards are automatically captured as variables. You can use these variables later in the conversation or connect them to workflows in other services such as Power Automate, which allows saving inputs to a SharePoint list or sending notifications.
  
• This approach supports both static informational cards and fully interactive forms. The integration with Power Fx formulas means your forms can update dynamically based on user context or external data sources.
  
• The latest updates (as of late 2024) introduce enhanced support for multiple submit buttons and dynamic content creation within Copilot Studio’s workflow, making it easier for teams to create seamless user experiences embedded directly into platforms like SharePoint.
  

Introduction to Smart Forms with Adaptive Cards in Copilot Studio

In a recent YouTube video, Rafsan Huseynov delivers a comprehensive tutorial on building smart forms using Adaptive Cards within Microsoft Copilot Studio. This step-by-step guide demonstrates how to create an AI assistant that allows users to submit use case requests through interactive forms. The workflow extends from designing the adaptive card to automating data storage and embedding the solution within a SharePoint site for user accessibility.

Throughout the video, viewers are introduced to the core concepts of Adaptive Cards and their integration into Copilot Studio. Huseynov explains how these cards serve as dynamic, JSON-based UI elements, enabling developers to collect user inputs efficiently. This approach not only streamlines information gathering but also enhances user engagement within conversational AI agents.

Core Features and Workflow Overview

The tutorial begins with the creation of an Adaptive Card inside a Copilot Studio topic. Using both the visual designer and direct JSON editing—sometimes with the assistance of ChatGPT—viewers learn how to customize forms with various input fields such as text boxes, dropdown menus, and date pickers. These elements are crucial for capturing structured data from users in real time.

Once the form is designed, the next phase involves configuring the card’s properties, including validation rules and the handling of invalid inputs. Huseynov emphasizes the flexibility of Adaptive Cards, noting how developers can use Power Fx formulas to dynamically adjust form content based on user context or external data. This adaptability is a key advantage, allowing forms to become more responsive and relevant to individual users.

Integration with Power Automate and SharePoint

A significant portion of the tutorial is dedicated to connecting the smart form to backend processes using Power Automate. Huseynov demonstrates how user inputs captured by the Adaptive Card are automatically mapped to variables. These variables can then trigger workflows that store submissions in a SharePoint list, ensuring that data is organized and accessible for further action.

Additionally, the video covers how to send automated notifications to operations teams when new requests are submitted. This integration streamlines communication and ensures timely follow-up on user input, highlighting the practical value of combining Copilot Studio, Adaptive Cards, and Power Automate in enterprise environments.

Embedding and User Experience Enhancements

To facilitate seamless access, Huseynov guides viewers through the process of embedding the Copilot agent—including the smart form—directly into a SharePoint site. This step is essential for organizations aiming to provide a unified experience where users can interact with AI-driven forms without leaving their familiar workspaces.

By embedding the solution, businesses can boost user engagement and simplify internal processes. The interactive nature of Adaptive Cards keeps users within the chat interface while collecting necessary information, reducing friction and improving overall satisfaction.

Tradeoffs and Challenges in Smart Form Implementation

While Adaptive Cards and Copilot Studio offer robust tools for building intelligent forms, there are tradeoffs to consider. For example, relying heavily on JSON and Power Fx formulas requires a certain level of technical expertise, which may present a learning curve for less experienced users. However, the inclusion of both visual and code-based authoring tools helps balance accessibility and customization.

Another challenge lies in ensuring data consistency and security, especially when integrating with external services like SharePoint and Power Automate. Organizations must carefully manage permissions and validate inputs to prevent unauthorized access or data corruption. Nonetheless, the benefits of dynamic, platform-agnostic forms often outweigh these hurdles, especially as the technology continues to evolve.

Conclusion

Rafsan Huseynov’s tutorial on building smart forms with Adaptive Cards in Copilot Studio provides valuable insights for organizations seeking to modernize their internal processes. By leveraging interactive forms, dynamic content generation, and seamless integrations, businesses can enhance both user experience and operational efficiency. As this approach becomes more widespread, it is likely to shape the future of conversational AI and enterprise automation.

Keywords

Build Smart Forms Adaptive Cards Copilot Studio tutorial create interactive forms Microsoft Power Automate AI form design