cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Reply
ArnieJ
Frequent Visitor

Adding multiple images to multiple columns (Power Apps / SharePoint)

Hi all,

 

Question: How do I create a Power App that adds a new row to a SharePoint list, where each column contains multiple images?

 

Context: I need a sort of inspection app, with ~50 questions. For each question, there needs to be a multiple choice question, a text box and the possibility to add either zero, one or multiple photo's. The multiple choice questions lead to a final score per inspection. The final deliverable is an overview of all inspections, and reports per inspection (e.g., in PDF).

 

Where I am now: I have played a bit in Power Apps, but until now I have nothing. My idea was roughly to build a Power App, connected to a SharePoint list (or multiple and combine them via lookup) and then automate the process of making a report in Power Automate. As I could have known from the Dunning-Kruger effect, I underestimated it. In particular for the part of how to be able to connect multiple images to multiple questions is hard, making 50 one-to-many lookups doesn't seem the best solution to me. Forum posts I found about the topic are quite old, or only handle the combinations of either multiple questions with one image or multiple images for one question (e.g., the template inspection app). So I'm already stuck at the beginning.

 

Help on how to connect multiple images to multiple questions is highly appreciated! (No code/low code answers are preferred). Other solutions meeting the deliverables are also welcome. Thank you for your help and for reading this far!

13 REPLIES 13
cha_cha
Super User
Super User

Hello @ArnieJ 

 

Since you are working with N:N relationship here, it might be confusing if you continue with SharePoint as it does not support natively N:N relationships. You can do it manually but it will take a lot of time. Dataverse or the use of SQL database would be your best route.

 

Just in case you are curious how to do it on SharePoint if that is only your option:

(1) list for images

(2) list for questions

(3) list for relationship 

cha_cha_0-1669124440323.png

 

 

If you can adjust a bit of your requirement, you can use SharePoint wherein you can link the image to the question as an attachment. But this will be a 1:N relationship. 1 question to multiple images. If you want it to be used to another question, you will have to reupload the image and attach to another question.

 

If ever you want to see how Dataverse does it, watch this video, start at 25:00 for the N:N relationship demo. The limitation of Dataverse is that it has limited space so if you have thousands of images, you will need to pay more.

There is a way to use a mix of Dataverse and SharePoint but that would still mean you will have to pay for PowerApps license.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byUuEoDQjiU&ab_channel=RezaDorrani

 

 


 
Just in case my answer helped you solve your problem, please mark/accept this as a SOLUTION This helps community members if they experience a similar issue in the future.

 
bistek.space   @charv3n    @BisTekSpace 

Thanks for your response @cha_cha!

 

Apparently, I wasn't clear enough. I don't have a N:N (luckily)  but fifty 1:N relationships: each picture belongs to a single question. 

 

So I think the second part of your answer applies, about the lists. Do I understand it correctly if I say that only one list for images is needed? I thought I would need to have fifty of them. Could you elaborate on that option for me or do you know where to find the answer?

 

Thanks in advance!

 

ArnieJ
Frequent Visitor

@IzzyWizz, could you perhaps help me on this question? 

 

In a reply on this post on uploading images, you seem to have done something similar for an audit app.

cha_cha
Super User
Super User

Hello @ArnieJ 

 

I just recorded a demo on how to do it. Sorry, completely miss your last response about it.

https://youtu.be/kdLezC1FM68

 

Please bear with the video as I did not prepare and did it on the go.


 
Just in case my answer helped you solve your problem, please mark/accept this as a SOLUTION This helps community members if they experience a similar issue in the future.

 
bistek.space   @charv3n    @BisTekSpace 

I really appreciate you taking the time to even record a video, @cha_cha !

 

However, I'm unfortunately afraid that I wasn't able to get my question across in the right way..

 

Maybe I should restate it:

- I have 50 questions (e.g., "Is it safe?", "Is it clean?")

- For each question, the inspector has to do three things

  1. Choose "Yes", "No", or "Not applicable" (mandatory)
  2. Add images as proof (not mandatory)
  3. Add any additional remarks (not mandatory)

Later, when I make a report from the inspection, I want to show each photo to each corresponding question. Every picture is a unique photo, so there is no M:M.

 

This shows how it could look like (took it from another forum post)

ArnieJ_0-1670258043240.png

 

cha_cha
Super User
Super User

Hello @ArnieJ 

 

I understand. would probably stop here.

 

Here are my last thoughts:

If each question's answer needs to be analyzed, use SQL cause it will be far more efficient than a database.

If only the inspector result matters, store the answer via multi-text in JSON format and you easily retrieve it one by one for later. This will result in 1 SP record per entry.

{
  "qno" : 1
  "answer" : "Yes"
  "image" : "a long URL to Document Library"
  "remarks" : "a remark about the question"
}

OR

{
  "qno" : 1
  "answer" : "Yes"
  "imageid" :  5 // Id to the document library upload
  "remarks" : "a remark about the question"
}

 

You can use automate to store images on one document library and pull them out via their URL or ID.

 

Lastly, please consider creating a new post about this so it goes to the new list of topics, someone might give you a more applicable idea..


 
Just in case my answer helped you solve your problem, please mark/accept this as a SOLUTION This helps community members if they experience a similar issue in the future.

 
bistek.space   @charv3n    @BisTekSpace 

I understand that you're stopping here. Thank you for your time.

 

Unfortunately, I don't understand enough of Power Apps (yet) to use the JSON suggestion and I don't know how to use SQL. I'll therefore just follow your suggestion of creating a new post..

Hi @ArnieJ ,

I do have an audit app that is up and running but I limit the images as much as possible and never use more than one image per task. The image is saved in a single column in a Sharepoint row, one row representing one task. 

The reason I limit images is that they slow down the app so much that (on our connection, anyway) they make it unuseable. Even with one image per task, I have PowerAutomate move completed tasks onto a different Sharepoint list so that the active tasks list doesn't get too long.

I save the images using the method you will have seen in my old posts, I don't add them as attachments in a SP column as I found that makes it much easier to view them in the app in galleries etc. 

I never make reports outside the app that include the images themselves, I just report on things like number of outstanding tasks, number of completed tasks.

Regards,

Izzy.

 

@IzzyWizz, thank you for your clarifications!

Using three columns per question (yes/no, remarks, and image), I assume you will have a lot of columns in your list as well. What number of total questions/columns do you have, then I can get an idea of the performance of my app.

Helpful resources

Announcements

Exclusive LIVE Community Event: Power Apps Copilot Coffee Chat with Copilot Studio Product Team

  It's time for the SECOND Power Apps Copilot Coffee Chat featuring the Copilot Studio product team, which will be held LIVE on April 3, 2024 at 9:30 AM Pacific Daylight Time (PDT).     This is an incredible opportunity to connect with members of the Copilot Studio product team and ask them anything about Copilot Studio. We'll share our special guests with you shortly--but we want to encourage to mark your calendars now because you will not want to miss the conversation.   This live event will give you the unique opportunity to learn more about Copilot Studio plans, where we’ll focus, and get insight into upcoming features. We’re looking forward to hearing from the community, so bring your questions!   TO GET ACCESS TO THIS EXCLUSIVE AMA: Kudo this post to reserve your spot! Reserve your spot now by kudoing this post.  Reservations will be prioritized on when your kudo for the post comes through, so don't wait! Click that "kudo button" today.   Invitations will be sent on April 2nd.Users posting Kudos after April 2nd. at 9AM PDT may not receive an invitation but will be able to view the session online after conclusion of the event. Give your "kudo" today and mark your calendars for April 3rd, 2024 at 9:30 AM PDT and join us for an engaging and informative session!

Tuesday Tip: Unlocking Community Achievements and Earning Badges

TUESDAY TIPS are our way of communicating helpful things we've learned or shared that have helped members of the Community. Whether you're just getting started or you're a seasoned pro, Tuesday Tips will help you know where to go, what to look for, and navigate your way through the ever-growing--and ever-changing--world of the Power Platform Community! We cover basics about the Community, provide a few "insider tips" to make your experience even better, and share best practices gleaned from our most active community members and Super Users.   With so many new Community members joining us each week, we'll also review a few of our "best practices" so you know just "how" the Community works, so make sure to watch the News & Announcements each week for the latest and greatest Tuesday Tips!     THIS WEEK'S TIP: Unlocking Achievements and Earning BadgesAcross the Communities, you'll see badges on users profile that recognize and reward their engagement and contributions. These badges each signify a different achievement--and all of those achievements are available to any Community member! If you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, you too can earn badges for the great work you do. Check out some details on Community badges below--and find out more in the detailed link at the end of the article!       A Diverse Range of Badges to Collect The badges you can earn in the Community cover a wide array of activities, including: Kudos Received: Acknowledges the number of times a user’s post has been appreciated with a “Kudo.”Kudos Given: Highlights the user’s generosity in recognizing others’ contributions.Topics Created: Tracks the number of discussions initiated by a user.Solutions Provided: Celebrates the instances where a user’s response is marked as the correct solution.Reply: Counts the number of times a user has engaged with community discussions.Blog Contributor: Honors those who contribute valuable content and are invited to write for the community blog.       A Community Evolving Together Badges are not only a great way to recognize outstanding contributions of our amazing Community members--they are also a way to continue fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. As you continue to share your knowledge and assist each other these badges serve as a visual representation of your valuable contributions.   Find out more about badges in these Community Support pages in each Community: All About Community Badges - Power Apps CommunityAll About Community Badges - Power Automate CommunityAll About Community Badges - Copilot Studio CommunityAll About Community Badges - Power Pages Community

Tuesday Tips: Powering Up Your Community Profile

TUESDAY TIPS are our way of communicating helpful things we've learned or shared that have helped members of the Community. Whether you're just getting started or you're a seasoned pro, Tuesday Tips will help you know where to go, what to look for, and navigate your way through the ever-growing--and ever-changing--world of the Power Platform Community! We cover basics about the Community, provide a few "insider tips" to make your experience even better, and share best practices gleaned from our most active community members and Super Users.   With so many new Community members joining us each week, we'll also review a few of our "best practices" so you know just "how" the Community works, so make sure to watch the News & Announcements each week for the latest and greatest Tuesday Tips!   This Week's Tip: Power Up Your Profile!  🚀 It's where every Community member gets their start, and it's essential that you keep it updated! Your Community User Profile is how you're able to get messages, post solutions, ask questions--and as you rank up, it's where your badges will appear and how you'll be known when you start blogging in the Community Blog. Your Community User Profile is how the Community knows you--so it's essential that it works the way you need it to! From changing your username to updating contact information, this Knowledge Base Article is your best resource for powering up your profile.     Password Puzzles? No Problem! Find out how to sync your Azure AD password with your community account, ensuring a seamless sign-in. No separate passwords to remember! Job Jumps & Email Swaps Changed jobs? Got a new email? Fear not! You'll find out how to link your shiny new email to your existing community account, keeping your contributions and connections intact. Username Uncertainties Unraveled Picking the perfect username is crucial--and sometimes the original choice you signed up with doesn't fit as well as you may have thought. There's a quick way to request an update here--but remember, your username is your community identity, so choose wisely. "Need Admin Approval" Warning Window? If you see this error message while using the community, don't worry. A simple process will help you get where you need to go. If you still need assistance, find out how to contact your Community Support team. Whatever you're looking for, when it comes to your profile, the Community Account Support Knowledge Base article is your treasure trove of tips as you navigate the nuances of your Community Profile. It’s the ultimate resource for keeping your digital identity in tip-top shape while engaging with the Power Platform Community. So, dive in and power up your profile today!  💪🚀   Community Account Support | Power Apps Community Account Support | Power AutomateCommunity Account Support | Copilot Studio  Community Account Support | Power Pages

Super User of the Month | Chris Piasecki

In our 2nd installment of this new ongoing feature in the Community, we're thrilled to announce that Chris Piasecki is our Super User of the Month for March 2024. If you've been in the Community for a while, we're sure you've seen a comment or marked one of Chris' helpful tips as a solution--he's been a Super User for SEVEN consecutive seasons!       Since authoring his first reply in April 2020 to his most recent achievement organizing the Canadian Power Platform Summit this month, Chris has helped countless Community members with his insights and expertise. In addition to being a Super User, Chris is also a User Group leader, Microsoft MVP, and a featured speaker at the Microsoft Power Platform Conference. His contributions to the new SUIT program, along with his joyous personality and willingness to jump in and help so many members has made Chris a fixture in the Power Platform Community.   When Chris isn't authoring solutions or organizing events, he's actively leading Piasecki Consulting, specializing in solution architecture, integration, DevOps, and more--helping clients discover how to strategize and implement Microsoft's technology platforms. We are grateful for Chris' insightful help in the Community and look forward to even more amazing milestones as he continues to assist so many with his great tips, solutions--always with a smile and a great sense of humor.You can find Chris in the Community and on LinkedIn. Thanks for being such a SUPER user, Chris! 💪🌠

Find Out What Makes Super Users So Super

We know many of you visit the Power Platform Communities to ask questions and receive answers. But do you know that many of our best answers and solutions come from Community members who are super active, helping anyone who needs a little help getting unstuck with Business Applications products? We call these dedicated Community members Super Users because they are the real heroes in the Community, willing to jump in whenever they can to help! Maybe you've encountered them yourself and they've solved some of your biggest questions. Have you ever wondered, "Why?"We interviewed several of our Super Users to understand what drives them to help in the Community--and discover the difference it has made in their lives as well! Take a look in our gallery today: What Motivates a Super User? - Power Platform Community (microsoft.com)

March User Group Update: New Groups and Upcoming Events!

  Welcome to this month’s celebration of our Community User Groups and exciting User Group events. We’re thrilled to introduce some brand-new user groups that have recently joined our vibrant community. Plus, we’ve got a lineup of engaging events you won’t want to miss. Let’s jump right in: New User Groups   Sacramento Power Platform GroupANZ Power Platform COE User GroupPower Platform MongoliaPower Platform User Group OmanPower Platform User Group Delta StateMid Michigan Power Platform Upcoming Events  DUG4MFG - Quarterly Meetup - Microsoft Demand PlanningDate: 19 Mar 2024 | 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM Central America Standard TimeDescription: Dive into the world of manufacturing with a focus on Demand Planning. Learn from industry experts and share your insights. Dynamics User Group HoustonDate: 07 Mar 2024 | 11:00 AM to 01:00 PM Central America Standard TimeDescription: Houston, get ready for an immersive session on Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform. Connect with fellow professionals and expand your knowledge. Reading Dynamics 365 & Power Platform User Group (Q1)Date: 05 Mar 2024 | 06:00 PM to 09:00 PM GMT Standard TimeDescription: Join our virtual meetup for insightful discussions, demos, and community updates. Let’s kick off Q1 with a bang! Leaders, Create Your Events!    Leaders of existing User Groups, don’t forget to create your events within the Community platform. By doing so, you’ll enable us to share them in future posts and newsletters. Let’s spread the word and make these gatherings even more impactful! Stay tuned for more updates, inspiring stories, and collaborative opportunities from and for our Community User Groups.   P.S. Have an event or success story to share? Reach out to us – we’d love to feature you!

Top Solution Authors
Top Kudoed Authors
Users online (6,277)