Loading...
D365Hub logo D365Hub

{Do you know} Select columns downloaded on mobile devices on Power Apps

{Do you know} Select columns downloaded on mobile devices on Power Apps
Hello Everyone,





Today I am going to share my thoughts on selecting the columns downloaded on mobile devices on Power Apps.







Let's get's started.


In Power Apps, when using a mobile device to download data (e.g., from a gallery or table), selecting specific columns for downloaded depends on how the data is structured and exported. Here's how you can do it:



Option 1: Use Export Control (Excel or CSV)


If you are exporting data for download, follow these steps:


1. Use the Export Control (for Dataverse tables)
  • Add the Export Control in Power Apps.
  • Connect it to the data source (e.g., a Dataverse table or collection).
  • Configure the columns by pre-filtering the dataset using the ShowColumns() function.


2. Use ShowColumns() to Select Specific Columns

In your Power Apps formula, filter the dataset before exporting:

ClearCollect(

   ExportData, 
   ShowColumns(
       MyDataSource,
       "Column1", "Column2", "Column3"
    )

)


This ensures that only the specified clumns are included in the download.




Option 2: Use Collections for Custom Export


If you want more control over which columns appear in a downloaded file:


1. Create a Collectio with Specific Columns



ClearCollect (

    FilteredData,
    ShowColumns(
              MyTable,
              "Name", "Email",  "Phone"


        )

)



2. Export the Collection Data


 Use SaveData(FilteredData, "MyData") to score it locally.

For CSV export, use Power Automate to convert it into a downloadable file.






Option 3: Customize Gallery for Column Selection


If the user needs to choose columns dynamically:

1. Create a Checknox List for Column Selection

Add checkboxes with column names.

Store selections in a variable (e.g., SelectedColumns).


2. Filter Data Based on Selection


ClearCollect(

    DynamicExport,
    ShowColumns(
            MyDataSource,
            If(Checkbox1.Value, "Column1", ""),
             If(Checkbox2.Value, "Column2", ""),
             If(Checkbox3.Value, "Column3", ""),
       )


)


This dynamically selects columns before exporting.



Best Practices for Mobile Downloading



Use ShowColumns() to limit unnecessary data.

Optimize performance by using collections instead of querying large datasets.

For CSV or Excel exports, integrate Power Automate for structured file creation.




Steps to Create a Power Automate Flow for Exporting Selected Columns


This method will allow users to select specific columns in Power Apps and download the data as a CSV file.



1. Create  a Flow in Power Automate


  • 1. Open Power Automate https://make.powerautomate.com)
  • 2.Click + Create --> Select Instant Cloud Flow.
  • 3. Choose Power Apps as the trigger  --> Name the flow --> Click Create.




Add an HTTP Response for Power Apps

1. Click  + New Step --> Search for "Initialize Variable".


  • Name SelectedColumns
  • Type Array
  • Value: Leave empty (will be passed from Power Apps).


2. Add " List Rows" action to fetch data from your Dataverse table (or SharePoint, SQL, etc.)

 Select your Table Name.

Under Filter Query, use:
  • ShowColumns (DataverseTable, "Column1", "Column2", "Column3")
  • Alternatively, use OData Queries to select specific fields dynamically.


3. Add "Create CSV Table" action.


From: Select output from the previous "List Rows" action.
This convert the selected data into a CSV format.


4. Add " Compose" action.

Input: Select output from "Create CSV Table".


5. Add "Respond to a PowerApp or flow" action.

Add an Output --> Choose File --> Set Value to output from "Compose".

This sends the CSV file back to Power Apps.







3. Call the Flow from Power Apps
  • 1. In Power Apps, create a button labeled "Export Data".
  • 2. Connect the Power Automate Flow to Power Apps:

In Power Apps, select the button.
In the OnSelect property, add:


Set(

    ExportFile,
     'YourPowerAutomateFlow'.Run(
                ShowColumns(MyTable, "Name", "Email", "Phone")
         )

);
Download(ExportFile)



This runs the Power Automate Flow, downloads the CSVfile, and allows the user to save it.




That's it for today.


I hope this helps.

Malla Reddy Gurram(@UK365GUY)
#365blogpostsin365days





Published on:

Learn more
MICROSOFT DYNAMICS CRM /365 BLOG
MICROSOFT DYNAMICS CRM /365 BLOG

This blog is all about MS DYNAMICS CRM DEVELOPMENT, C# .NET,SQL SERVER

Share post:

Related posts

Power Apps Test Studio: The Ultimate Guide for Low-Code Testing

In the fast-paced world of app development, testing often gets pushed to the sidelines. But in low-code platforms like Power Apps—where apps a...

2 days ago

Power Apps | Use ‘Monitor’ to get insights

Monitor in Power Apps offers insights and recommendations to enhance app performance. It provides makers with detailed information on their ap...

6 days ago

Power Apps – Deprecation of Maker Copilot in canvas apps

We are announcing the deprecation of the Edit your app with Copilot in Power Apps Studio (preview) in canvas apps. The deprecation will begin ...

7 days ago

Generative pages in Power Apps is now generally available

Generative pages in Microsoft Power Apps are now generally available, enabling AI-driven app creation with GPT-5, Fluent UI controls, and solu...

9 days ago

Create custom error messages in Power Apps

We've all seen those error messages that don't make any sense. Have you ever wanted to replace an error messages with your own custom error me...

9 days ago

Power Apps Gallery with Tabbed Filters | Step-by-Step Tutorial

11 days ago

How to Use “Describe a Page” in Power Apps: Create Model-Driven Pages with AI

Microsoft Power Apps continues to evolve with features that simplify the app-building experience for both developers and citizen makers. One o...

14 days ago

7 Patterns for Offline Apps in Power Apps

For apps it can be important to handle situations where you don't have a connection. These Offline Apps need to work, without losing any funct...

17 days ago

How to Turn Excel Spreadsheets into Power Apps (2025) | Step-by-Step Beginners Tutorial

18 days ago

Power Apps – Process maps as a part of your plan

We are announcing the ability to use process maps as a part of your plan in Power Apps. This feature will reach general availability on Novemb...

21 days ago
Stay up to date with latest Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform news!
* Yes, I agree to the privacy policy