Top 5 Features of Power Apps That Most People Don’t Know

Most People Miss These Features

Power Apps is more than a drag-and-drop app builder.

You may already know how to make forms or link to Excel.

But there’s more under the hood.

Here are five features that can help you save time, solve tricky problems, and impress your team.

Reusable Components

You can build a custom button, header, or input block once—and reuse it in all your apps.

Here’s how it works:

• Create a component in the app editor

• Add it to your app from the custom menu

• Change the design in one place, and it updates everywhere

This is useful if you make apps for different teams.

You won’t need to rebuild the same layouts every time.

You also cut down on bugs by using tested designs.

Power Fx Formulas

Power Fx is the language behind Power Apps.

It looks like Excel formulas.

You can:

• Filter lists

• Show or hide sections

• Validate data

• Change behaviour based on user input

Examples:

text

CopyEdit

If(IsBlank(TextInput1.Text), Notify("Name required", NotificationType.Error))

This line checks if a text box is empty. If it is, it shows an alert.

You don’t need to learn a new programming language.

If you’ve used Excel formulas, you already know the basics.

Offline Access

Yes, your app can work without the internet.

You can:

• Save data locally on the device

• Sync it with the cloud once the user is back online

• Show a message if a feature isn’t available offline

This is useful for:

• Field teams working in rural areas

• Warehouse apps where Wi-Fi isn’t strong

• Sales reps on the move

Use SaveData() and LoadData() to manage offline storage.

AI Builder

Power Apps includes simple AI tools.

No setup needed.

You can:

• Scan business cards

• Predict outcomes from past data

• Read text from images

• Tag content automatically

Example:

A sales app can scan a business card using a phone camera and auto-fill contact fields.

This saves time and avoids typos.

Try the pre-built models. No AI knowledge required.

Version Control and Restore

Mistakes happen.

But Power Apps lets you go back.

You can:

• View past versions of your app

• Restore any version with one click

• See who made each change

This is useful when:

• You test a new feature that breaks the app

• A teammate makes a change without telling you

• You just want to roll back

No need to start from scratch.

You can test freely, knowing there’s a safety net.

FAQs

Can I use these features in the free version of Power Apps?
Some features like components and formulas are available. AI Builder may require a paid plan.

Do I need to install anything to use offline mode?
No. Just use Power Apps Studio and include the right formulas. Test the app on a mobile device.

Is AI Builder hard to use?
No. You pick a model, feed it data, and use the result. It’s guided and simple.

How many components can I create?
There’s no strict limit. Organise them clearly so your apps stay easy to manage.

Does version control work automatically?
Yes. Every time you save, Power Apps keeps a version. You can access them in the version history tab.

Try One Feature Today

You don’t need to try all five at once.

Pick one.

Add a reusable component to your app.

Try an AI model.

Test an offline screen.

Small steps lead to big results.