Microsoft continues to refine its Power Apps platform, making app development faster, more efficient, and visually modern. On January 17, 2025, the company announced the general availability (GA) of six additional modern controls for Canvas apps. These new controls—Text, Text Input, Number Input, Combobox, Date Picker, and Form—promise to enhance the capabilities of developers and provide an enriched experience for end-users.

What Are Modern Controls?

Modern controls are pre-designed components in Power Apps that simplify app creation. These controls focus on ease of use, accessibility, and a sleek aesthetic, enabling developers to deliver intuitive, dynamic applications. By incorporating these six new controls, Microsoft is ensuring that app creators can build apps with features tailored to diverse business needs.

Breakdown of the Six New Modern Controls

1. Text Control

The Text control is a simple yet essential addition for displaying static, non-interactive text within Canvas apps. Whether you need to include labels, instructions, or descriptive text, this control ensures that your app delivers clear and informative content to users.

2. Text Input Control

This control enables users to input textual data into apps with ease. One of its standout features is the "trigger" output property, which developers can use to dynamically respond to text changes. For example, apps can instantly validate or process input without additional user actions, enhancing interactivity.

3. Number Input Control

Designed for numerical data entry, the Number Input control is equipped with boundary validation features. When used outside of forms, it ensures values stay within pre-set minimum or maximum limits, automatically rounding to the nearest boundary if necessary. This feature helps maintain data accuracy and prevents invalid entries.

4. Combobox Control

The Combobox control offers a dropdown interface for selecting options from predefined lists. It supports up to 800 records by default when linked to a dataset. For apps handling larger datasets, developers can use Power FX formulas alongside the control’s searchText property to dynamically filter and display results. For instance:

Filter(<Dataset>, StartsWith(<ColumnName>, Combobox.SearchText))

This capability ensures quick and efficient searches, even in expansive data collections, making the control a versatile tool for modern app interfaces.

5. Date Picker Control

Selecting dates is now more customizable and intuitive with the Date Picker control. Developers can adjust the displayed format using valid date strings, such as "MM/dd/yyyy" or "dd/MM/yy," to align with regional preferences or application-specific needs. This control simplifies the integration of date selection into apps, enhancing user experience.

6. Form Control

The Form control is designed for creating structured forms that streamline data entry and editing. By grouping input fields in a cohesive layout, this control makes app development faster while ensuring a consistent look and feel. It is particularly useful for applications that require data collection or management in business scenarios.

Benefits of Modern Controls in Canvas Apps

Microsoft’s introduction of these modern controls provides several key advantages:

• Enhanced Usability: The controls are user-friendly, ensuring end-users can easily interact with the apps.
• Faster Development: Pre-built controls reduce the time required to design and implement app features.
• Improved Accessibility: These controls are designed with accessibility in mind, making apps more inclusive.
• Customization Options: Developers have greater flexibility to tailor app components to specific use cases.
• Performance Optimization: With features like dynamic filtering and data validation, these controls help maintain app efficiency.

A Step Forward in App Development

The release of these six modern controls underscores Microsoft’s commitment to supporting developers in creating powerful, functional apps. By continually updating the Power Apps platform, the company is enabling businesses to stay agile and deliver innovative solutions tailored to their users' needs.

To explore these new controls and learn how to implement them in your own apps, visit Microsoft’s Power Apps Blog.

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