Key insights
- Power Apps enables users to create no-code and low-code applications, streamlining business processes by building custom forms that integrate with SharePoint.
- The video tutorial covers creating a Project Proposal Submission Form using Power Apps, including setting up a SharePoint list and designing a responsive UI with the Screen.Size property.
- The tutorial emphasizes using the Patch() function for greater control over data submission compared to SubmitForm, allowing updates to different types of columns like text, choice, and date fields.
- User-Friendly Interface: Power Apps allows for easy customization through drag-and-drop components, enabling businesses to move beyond default SharePoint forms.
- Steps to Build a Custom Form: Set up your SharePoint list, create a Power Apps Canvas App, build the form with input controls, use Patch for data saving, and test & publish your app.
- The guide concludes by encouraging further enhancement of skills through validation rules, email notifications via Power Automate, and improved UI elements like conditional formatting.
In the dynamic world of 2025, Microsoft Power Apps stands out as a revolutionary tool that empowers users to create no-code and low-code applications. These applications are crucial for streamlining business processes. A popular use case is building custom forms that interact seamlessly with SharePoint. Andrew Hess from "MySPQuestions" has released a YouTube video tutorial aimed at beginners, guiding them through the process of creating a Project Proposal Submission Form using Power Apps. This tutorial covers everything from setting up a SharePoint list to designing a responsive user interface (UI) and using the Patch function for efficient record updates.
Why Choose Power Apps for Custom Forms?
Power Apps offers several advantages when it comes to creating custom forms integrated with SharePoint. Firstly, it allows for extensive customization, enabling users to move beyond default SharePoint forms and design interfaces tailored to their specific needs. Secondly, the platform provides a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop components, making it easy to build professional-looking forms. Additionally, Power Apps supports automation through
Power Automate, streamlining data entry, validation, and notifications. Moreover, the flexibility of the Patch function offers greater control over updates and error handling compared to the traditional SubmitForm method.
Setting Up Your SharePoint List
Before diving into Power Apps, it is essential to ensure your SharePoint list is properly set up. Start by navigating to SharePoint Online and creating a new list, such as "Employee Records." Add necessary columns like Title (Single line of text), Email (Single line of text), Department (Choice), Joining Date (Date), and Status (Choice: Active/Inactive). This setup lays the foundation for building a robust Power Apps application.
Building a Custom Form in Power Apps
Once your SharePoint list is ready, the next step is to create a Power Apps Canvas App. Open Power Apps and select "Create > Canvas App from Blank," then name your app. For a mobile-friendly design, choose the Phone layout. Connect to your SharePoint data source by entering the site URL and selecting the "Employee Records" list. Now, you can start building your custom form. Insert a Form Control and set its DataSource to your SharePoint list. Add input controls for each column, such as Text Inputs, Dropdowns, and Date Pickers. Use Labels for field names and arrange the form neatly to enhance user experience.
Using the Patch Function for Data Submission
Instead of the traditional SubmitForm method, the Patch function provides more control over data submission. To implement this, insert a "Save" Button and set its OnSelect property to the Patch function. This function will create a new record in SharePoint by capturing data from the form inputs. If you wish to update an existing record, modify the Patch function to search for the selected record in the EmployeeRecords list and update it accordingly. This approach ensures efficient data handling and minimizes errors.
Testing and Publishing Your App
After building your form, it is crucial to test and publish your app. Click Preview (F5) to test data entry and updates. Verify that the data is saved correctly in SharePoint. Once satisfied with the functionality, publish your app by navigating to File > Save & Publish. Share the app with your team by assigning appropriate permissions, ensuring that everyone can access and use the application effectively.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Congratulations! You have successfully built a custom Power Apps form connected to SharePoint using the Patch function. This method offers a tailored, user-friendly way to collect and update data while providing greater control over form behavior. As you continue to enhance your Power Apps skills, consider adding validation rules to improve data quality, using Power Automate to trigger email notifications after submissions, and enhancing the UI with conditional formatting and visibility rules. With these additional features, you can further optimize your Power Apps applications for better performance and user satisfaction.
Keywords
Power Apps 2025, Beginners Guide, Custom Forms, SharePoint Integration, Power Apps Tutorial, Low-Code Development, Microsoft Power Platform, Business Solutions