Loading...

{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 Fundamentals + Microsoft Fabric Integration Series #3:Connecting Power Apps with Microsoft Fabric Lakehouse: End-to-End Implementation Guide

Modern enterprise applications must do more than capture transactional records; they must fuel continuous business intelligence. When operatio...

1 hour ago

Microsoft Power Apps vs Traditional App Development in 2026: Which Approach Wins for Modern Businesses?

Introduction The software development landscape has changed dramatically over the last few years. Businesses that once relied exclusively on p...

2 days ago

The Future of Citizen Development: Power Apps and Copilot Studio in 2026

Introduction The way businesses build software is undergoing a major transformation. Not long ago, creating business applications required tea...

3 days ago

How to Build AI-Powered Business Applications Using Power Apps and Copilot

Introuction Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a buzzword—it has become an essential part of modern business applications. Organisation...

4 days ago

Power Apps vs Traditional App Development: Is Low-Code Winning in 2026?

Introduction For decades, businesses relied on traditional software development to build custom applications. Every feature required months of...

5 days ago

Top 10 New Features in Microsoft Power Apps You Can’t Ignore in 2026

The low-code revolution is evolving faster than ever, and Microsoft Power Apps continues to lead the way. With artificial intelligence becomin...

5 days ago

The Best Way to Learn Power Apps, Power Automate & Microsoft Copilot in 2026

Looking for the best live training to master the Microsoft Power Platform? PowerApps911's live, Microsoft MVP-led courses are designed to help...

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