Tips to Create Visually Stunning Power Apps: Explore the Creator Kit, Show Off Your Brand, and More!
In the world of app development form and function go hand in hand. Overlooking the aesthetic of the app and focusing only on its capabilities undermines the user experience. In this post are seven easy ways to add visual appeal to your Power Apps to not only meet but exceed user expectations.
1. Give your app some depth with the Elevation control from the Creator Kit or a Container with a drop shadow
Example using the Creator Kit Elevation control
Gone are the days of having to create a custom HTML drop shadow with the HTML control! The Creator Kit provides a great option for all of our drop shadow and depth needs with Elevation control. In addition, Containers now feature a Drop Shadow property so you can easily add depth while aligning controls and dividing space in your apps.
2. Utilize the navigation elements from the Creator Kit
The Creator Kit simplifies and beautifies navigation with the Fluent Nav, the Fluent Pivot, the SubwayNav, and the Fluent Breadcrumb. Pick and choose from these options to meet your apps needs while adding a touch of modern style.
3. Use the Details List from the Creator Kit instead of the standard Gallery
The Creator Kit’s Details List upgrades the default Gallery control visually (and functionally!) – try it out to give your apps a boost.
4. Keep it consistent by defining a style Formula in the Formulas section
The new Formulas feature of Power Apps enables us to specify key style items such as font size, font, and colors, which can then be applied across app controls.
Does your brand prefer serif over sans serif? Are you looking for that instant-recognition factor that can be enhanced by using your company’s logo colors? Formulas make it easy to keep it consistent, beautiful, and on-brand across controls.
5. Upload and use image files, such as your company logo, in your Power Apps
Power Apps makes it easy to incorporate images such as logos using the Image control. Just upload your image file in the media section and get started.
6. Get the most out of your app’s real estate by dividing space with Containers
Containers are the best way to create seamless divisions of space in Power Apps and get the most out of the screen size. And as mentioned above, they even come with a new Drop Shadow property!
7. Utilize the Fluent Icon control from the Creator Kit to tap into Microsoft’s Fluent UI Icon Library
When using the Fluent Icon control from the Creator Kit, your icon options are expanded beyond the Power Apps standard icons. The IconName property taps directly into Microsoft’s Fluent UI Icon Library, which contains multitudes of sleek, useful icons. Browse through the list, choose an icon, and reference its name in the IconName property to use it in your Power App.
Unleash your Creativity with Power Apps
These are just a few simple ways to elevate your Power Apps by adding in visually appealing elements. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a novice exploring the capabilities of Power Apps, marrying form and function will improve usability and the user experience.
If you are new to the Power Platform or looking to expand your capacity in this exciting automation space, Compass365 can help. Explore our Power Platform Services or contact us to arrange for a complimentary consultation.
Compass365, a Microsoft Gold Partner, delivers SharePoint, Microsoft Teams and Power Platform solutions that help IT and Business leaders improve the way their organizations operate and how their employees work.
