I'm using a PowerApps form linked to a SharePoint list. I have made a few fields required, but whenever I test the validation by leaving them blank, the fields don't have error messages underneath them and error messages only populate the top banner of the canvas app. I noticed that the text property of the datacard error message is set to 'Parent.Error' and whenever I change this to a custom text, the text is visible even when there is no error. I also noticed that the visible property is set to ''Parent.DisplayMode=DisplayMode.Edit". No idea on how to change this.
How can I make a custom error message only display when the error is thrown?
Solved! Go to Solution.
There are a couple of considerations you need to make in regard to error handling - the first is "when". When do you want to deal with errors? Before the form is submitted or after? I would suggest to consider dealing with them prior to submit. Don't even let a user submit a form unless there is a valid set of data to be submitted.
The next is, how do you want to deal with that scenario? Error messages, disabled controls, notifications, etc.
There are lots of different ways to go about it, but you have full control on how you want it to happen.
Let's take a scenario where you want to validate before submit and yet provide feedback enough to let the user know what they need to do.
First, it seems that Edit forms kind of know what they are when first created, but don't update themselves when the underlying datasource is changed. So, if you create a form and then change fields to be required. The form will not update to reflect that. If you remove the fields from the form and add them back in they will then reflect the change (caveat - this will only happen after you get out of the design and back in - even a refresh of the data source while you're in it doesn't seem to update that properly)
SO - that will fix the issue of your forms not providing information about the required fields. (This might be all you need at this point)
Next - the error messages are pretty generic. You can change them as you have found...set the text as you need. Now with that, you also need to set (with the Visible property) when that message is displayed. By default, the Text of the message is set to the Error of the Parent. This will be whatever the datasource returns as an error. The visible is set whenever you're in edit mode. On the label, you can 1) customize the text property and then 2) set the Visible property to (!IsBlank(Parent.Error) && Parent.DisplayMode=DisplayMode.Edit).
At this point, you will have a custom error message and it will only appear when there is an error.
It's still a little messy because, you will get this error then for any error that occurs and you'll also get the notification bar about it.
If you want to go the next step and get rid of the above mess...then consider disabling the submit button until the form is validated. You can actually do it a couple ways. One is to set a formula for the Disabled property of the button/icon. The other way is to put in some logic to the formula of the button to 1) check for valid 2) if not valid, set a variable and done 3) if valid reset variable and submit the form. Then, with that variable, you can use it for the visible property of the error messages to "turn them on" so the user knows.
I realize that last concept paragraph if high-level concept. I didn't go much deeper because we might have solved your issue at the first solution. So, if this helps, I am hopeful. If not, please post back and provide an area you are wanting more detail or having more problems.
There are a couple of considerations you need to make in regard to error handling - the first is "when". When do you want to deal with errors? Before the form is submitted or after? I would suggest to consider dealing with them prior to submit. Don't even let a user submit a form unless there is a valid set of data to be submitted.
The next is, how do you want to deal with that scenario? Error messages, disabled controls, notifications, etc.
There are lots of different ways to go about it, but you have full control on how you want it to happen.
Let's take a scenario where you want to validate before submit and yet provide feedback enough to let the user know what they need to do.
First, it seems that Edit forms kind of know what they are when first created, but don't update themselves when the underlying datasource is changed. So, if you create a form and then change fields to be required. The form will not update to reflect that. If you remove the fields from the form and add them back in they will then reflect the change (caveat - this will only happen after you get out of the design and back in - even a refresh of the data source while you're in it doesn't seem to update that properly)
SO - that will fix the issue of your forms not providing information about the required fields. (This might be all you need at this point)
Next - the error messages are pretty generic. You can change them as you have found...set the text as you need. Now with that, you also need to set (with the Visible property) when that message is displayed. By default, the Text of the message is set to the Error of the Parent. This will be whatever the datasource returns as an error. The visible is set whenever you're in edit mode. On the label, you can 1) customize the text property and then 2) set the Visible property to (!IsBlank(Parent.Error) && Parent.DisplayMode=DisplayMode.Edit).
At this point, you will have a custom error message and it will only appear when there is an error.
It's still a little messy because, you will get this error then for any error that occurs and you'll also get the notification bar about it.
If you want to go the next step and get rid of the above mess...then consider disabling the submit button until the form is validated. You can actually do it a couple ways. One is to set a formula for the Disabled property of the button/icon. The other way is to put in some logic to the formula of the button to 1) check for valid 2) if not valid, set a variable and done 3) if valid reset variable and submit the form. Then, with that variable, you can use it for the visible property of the error messages to "turn them on" so the user knows.
I realize that last concept paragraph if high-level concept. I didn't go much deeper because we might have solved your issue at the first solution. So, if this helps, I am hopeful. If not, please post back and provide an area you are wanting more detail or having more problems.
Your suggestion was very helpful. I am used to doing a lot of web design validation and the structure of powerapps throws me off a little. I believe using the errors before the submit would be the preferred method, for the users that will be using this form aren't exactly computer savy and I think avoiding the complex validation would be just fine. Your suggestion about updating the datasource, removing the fields, and then readding them worked. I find it very annoying that forms do not update, even after you refresh the datasource connection. Removing fields that I have customized and then readding them back in, just to customize them all over again, becomes very tedious. However, I guess this is just something you have to plan ahead for as a powerapps designer.
Thanks for you, RandyHayes, for your help and I appreciate the time you took in helping me, I do love powerapps but some functionality just seems to make me scratch my head at times.
Amazing!!! I have been online for days and you just make me cry with the advice/solution !!
Hi Randy,
My form is prompting the default SharePoint error warning. In addition to this i would like to add other data validation and show the error respective to it in the same way. For example if the email field is empty when i press the submit button it will prompt the error " Email is required". I also like it to prompt if it is an invalid email too
I don't like to disable the submit button because users tend not to find the mistake in their input. My experience, so would like to prompt the error if the form is invalid. Any input on this?
What I do for this custom error handling:
On the Page with the form: OnVisible, create a context variable to hold a custom message
UpdateContext({emailErr:Blank()});
On the ErrorMessageLabel for the DataCard: set the Text to
Coalesce(Parent.Error,emailErr) - this takes the first NON-Blank error
In the OnChange event for the field to show the error for
If(<<Logic to determine if error or error message>>, UpdateContext({emailErr:"Invalid Email Address"}), UpdateContext({emailErr:Blank()}))
I then also use the disable of submit by checking that there are no Non-Blank error messages
Hi
Thanks for the response. This was an old ticket and I have been able to figure it out to give the msg I want without disabling the submit button . I didn't add a new label and just ONLY use the Error card that is already there with the data card. In the text property I use a condition to display what to display depending on the error and in the Update property of the data card I added the condition it will only update if condition is true too.
Join us for the first ever the Biz Apps Community User Group meeting live from the Power Platform Conference! This 1 hour user group meeting is all about the value and benefits of User Groups! Discover how you can find a group in your local area or about specific topics where you can learn new skills and meet like minded people as a user group member. Hear from User Group leaders about why they do what they do, and what resources they receive to succeed as community ambassadors. If you have never attended a User Group meeting before this is a great introduction, and we hope you are inspired to find a group that meets your unique interests! October 5th at 2:15 pm Pacific time Attend in person if you are going to be at the conference in Las Vegas: https://powerplatformconf.com/#!/session/Biz%20Apps%20Community%20User%20Group%20Meeting%20-%20Live%20from%20MPPC/6172 Attend virtually by registering here: https://aka.ms/MPPCusergroupmeeting2023 If you can't attend this meeting live, don't worry! we will record this meeting and share it through the community site at powerusers.microsoft.com
We are excited to kick off our new #TuesdayTIps series, "Back to Basics." This weekly series is our way of helping the amazing members of our community--both new members and seasoned veterans--learn and grow in how to best engage in the community! Each Tuesday, we will feature new areas of content that will help you best understand the community--from ranking and badges to profile avatars, from Super Users to blogging in the community. Our hope is that this information will help each of our community members grow in their experience with Power Platform, with the community, and with each other! This Week's Tips: Account Support: Changing Passwords, Changing Email Addresses or Usernames, "Need Admin Approval," Etc.Wondering how to get support for your community account? Check out the details on these common questions and more. Just follow the link below for articles that explain it all.Community Account Support - Power Platform Community (microsoft.com) All About GDPR: How It Affects Closing Your Community Account (And Why You Should Think Twice Before You Do)GDPR, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), took effect May 25th 2018. A European privacy law, GDPR imposes new rules on companies and other organizations offering goods and services to people in the European Union (EU), or that collect and analyze data tied to EU residents. GDPR applies no matter where you are located, and it affects what happens when you decide to close your account. Read the details here:All About GDPR - Power Platform Community (microsoft.com) Getting to Know You: Setting Up Your Community Profile, Customizing Your Profile, and More.Your community profile helps other members of the community get to know you as you begin to engage and interact. Your profile is a mirror of your activity in the community. Find out how to set it up, change your avatar, adjust your time zone, and more. Click on the link below to find out how:Community Profile, Time Zone, Picture (Avatar) & D... - Power Platform Community (microsoft.com) That's it for this week. Tune in for more Tuesday Tips next Tuesday and join the community as we get "Back to Basics."
Welcome to our September 2023 Newsletter, where we highlight the latest news, product releases, podcasts, upcoming events, and the great work of our Power Platform Community members. As usual, please make sure you follow our News & Announcements in the Community to stay up to date. Another great way to connect is to join our Power Platform Community on LinkedIn. You can join our LInkedIn community here. MPPC's Got Power - Submissions end September 28th! Are you ready to showcase your skills at the Microsoft Power Platform Conference in Las Vegas? Don't miss out on the "MPPC's Got Power" talent show, a grand celebration of connection, inspiration, and shared journeys. Whether you're a technical innovator, a talented storyteller, or have a hidden creative side, we want to see what you've got! With three categories to choose from, you have the chance to shine on stage and make your mark in the Microsoft Power Platform community. Click the GIF to sign up by Thursday 28th September to be part of an unforgettable MPPC23 experience. Now is your time to shine! Check Out the Low Code Approach Podcast Give the Low Code Approach Podcast a listen! Hosted by Sean Fiene, Wendy Haddad, and Kenric Auguillard, this innovative show shines a light on how Microsoft MVPs, product team members, and Community users are building exciting solutions using Microsoft Power Platform. Plus, with guests like Kartik Kanakasabesan, April Dunnam, Ricardo Duncan Jr., Sonja Gu, Phil Topness, Shane Young and more, this weekly show is a must for all you Business Applications enthusiasts out there. Click the image below to check it out! COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS Check out the most active Community users for August 2023. These hardworking members are posting regularly, answering questions, writing blogs, giving kudos, and providing top solutions in their communities across Power Platform. Huge thanks to these amazing community members for their great contributions last month! trice602poweractivateLaurensMWarrenBelzAmikBCBuizerSamLedcreativeopinion timlExpiscornovusManishSolankiMattJimisonfernandosilvaMisterMarkPstork1saudali_25hafizsultan242Lucas001ragavanrajanp_doc UPCOMING EVENT: 365 EDUCON CHICAGO Whether you're new to Microsoft 365, Power Platform and SharePoint, or an experienced power user, admin or developer, 365 EduCon has content designed to fit your experience level and area of interest. Their workshops and sessions are taught by Microsoft Certified Trainers, MVPs, Regional Directors, and Engineers. Find out more and register here: Home - Microsoft 365 EduCon Chicago - A Microsoft 365 Conference.
Are you attending the Microsoft Power Platform Conference 2023 in Las Vegas? If so, we invite you to join us for the MPPC's Got Power Talent Show! Our talent show is more than a show—it's a grand celebration of connection, inspiration, and shared journeys. Through stories, skills, and collective experiences, we come together to uplift, inspire, and revel in the magic of our community's diverse talents. This year, our talent event promises to be an unforgettable experience, echoing louder and brighter than anything you've seen before. We're casting a wider net with three captivating categories: Demo Technical Solutions: Show us your Power Platform innovations, be it apps, flows, chatbots, websites or dashboards... Storytelling: Share tales of your journey with Power Platform. Hidden Talents: Unveil your creative side—be it dancing, singing, rapping, poetry, or comedy. Let your talent shine! Got That Special Spark? A Story That Demands to Be Heard? Your moment is now! 🚀 Sign up to Showcase Your Brilliance: https://aka.ms/MPPCGotPowerSignUp 🔥 Deadline for submissions: Thursday, Sept 28th How It Works: Submit this form to sign up: https://aka.ms/MPPCGotPowerSignUp We'll contact you if you're selected. Get ready to be onstage! The Spotlight is Yours: Each participant has 3-5 minutes to shine, with insightful commentary from our panel of judges. We’re not just giving you a stage; we’re handing you the platform to make your mark. Be the Story We Tell: Your talents and narratives will not just entertain but inspire, serving as the bedrock for our community’s future stories and successes. Celebration, Surprises, and Connections: As the curtain falls, the excitement continues! Await surprise awards and seize the chance to mingle with industry experts, Microsoft Power Platform leaders, and community luminaries. It's not just a show; it's an opportunity to forge connections and celebrate shared successes. Event Details: 📆 Date and Time: Wed Oct 4th, 6:30-9:00PM 📍 Location: MPPC23 at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV, USA
The Reading Dynamics 365 and Power Platform User Group is a community-driven initiative that started in September 2022. It has quickly earned recognition for its enthusiastic leadership and resilience in the face of challenges. With a focus on promoting learning and networking among professionals in the Dynamics 365 and Power Platform ecosystem, the group has grown steadily and gained a reputation for its commitment to its members! The group, which had its inaugural event in January 2023 at the Microsoft UK Headquarters in Reading, has since organized three successful gatherings, including a recent social lunch. They maintain a regular schedule of four events per year, each attended by an average of 20-25 enthusiastic participants who enjoy engaging talks and, of course, pizza. The Reading User Group's presence is primarily spread through LinkedIn and Meetup, with the support of the wider community. This thriving community is managed by a dedicated team consisting of Fraser Dear, Tim Leung, and Andrew Bibby, who serves as the main point of contact for the UK Dynamics 365 and Power Platform User Groups. Andrew Bibby, an active figure in the Dynamics 365 and Power Platform community, nominated this group due to his admiration for the Reading UK User Group's efforts. He emphasized their remarkable enthusiasm and success in running the group, noting that they navigated challenges such as finding venues with resilience and smiles on their faces. Despite being a relatively new group with 20-30 members, they have managed to achieve high attendance at their meetings. The group's journey began when Fraser Dear moved to the Reading area and realized the absence of a user group catering to professionals in the Dynamics 365 and Power Platform space. He reached out to Andrew, who provided valuable guidance and support, allowing the Reading User Group to officially join the UK Dynamics 365 and Power Platform User Groups community. One of the group's notable achievements was overcoming the challenge of finding a suitable venue. Initially, their "home" was the Microsoft UK HQ in Reading. However, due to office closures, they had to seek a new location with limited time. Fortunately, a connection with Stephanie Stacey from Microsoft led them to Reading College and its Institute of Technology. The college generously offered them event space and support, forging a mutually beneficial partnership where the group promotes the Institute and encourages its members to support the next generation of IT professionals. With the dedication of its leadership team, the Reading Dynamics 365 and Power Platform User Group is poised to continue growing and thriving! Their story exemplifies the power of community-driven initiatives and the positive impact they can have on professional development and networking in the tech industry. As they move forward with their upcoming events and collaborations with Reading College, the group is likely to remain a valuable resource for professionals in the Reading area and beyond.
As the sun sets on the #SummerofSolutions Challenge, it's time to reflect and celebrate! The journey we embarked upon together was not just about providing answers – it was about fostering a sense of community, encouraging collaboration, and unlocking the true potential of the Power Platform tools. From the initial announcement to the final week's push, the Summer of Solutions Challenge has been a whirlwind of engagement and growth. It was a call to action for every member of our Power Platform community, urging them to contribute their expertise, engage in discussions, and elevate collective knowledge across the community as part of the low-code revolution. Reflecting on the Impact As the challenge ends, it's essential to reflect on the impact it’s had across our Power Platform communities: Community Resilience: The challenge demonstrated the resilience of our community. Despite geographical distances and diverse backgrounds, we came together to contribute, learn, and collaborate. This resilience is the cornerstone of our collective strength.Diverse Expertise: The solutions shared during the challenge underscore the incredible expertise within our community. From intricate technical insights to creative problem-solving, our members showcased their diverse skill sets, enhancing our community's depth.Shared Learning: Solutions spurred shared learning. They provided opportunities for members to grasp new concepts, expand their horizons, and uncover the Power Platform tools' untapped potential. This learning ripple effect will continue to shape our growth. Empowerment: Solutions empowered community members. They validated their knowledge, boosted their confidence, and highlighted their contributions. Each solution shared was a step towards personal and communal empowerment. We are proud and thankful as we conclude the Summer of Solutions Challenge. The challenge showed the potential of teamwork, the benefit of knowledge-sharing, and the resilience of our Power Platform community. The solutions offered by each member are more than just answers; they are the expression of our shared commitment to innovation, growth, and progress! Drum roll, Please... And now, without further ado, it's time to announce the winners who have risen above the rest in the Summer of Solutions Challenge! These are the top community users and Super Users who have not only earned recognition but have become beacons of inspiration for us all. Power Apps Community: Community User Winner: @SpongYe Super User Winner: Pending Acceptance Power Automate Community: Community User Winner: @trice602 Super User Winner: @Expiscornovus Power Virtual Agents Community: Community User Winner: Pending AcceptanceSuper User: Pending Acceptance Power Pages Community: Community User Winner: @OOlashyn Super User Winner: @ChristianAbata We are also pleased to announced two additional tickets that we are awarding to the Overall Top Solution providers in the following communities: Power Apps: @LaurensM Power Automate: @ManishSolanki Thank you for making this challenge a resounding success. Your participation has reaffirmed the strength of our community and the boundless potential that lies within each of us. Let's keep the spirit of collaboration alive as we continue on this incredible journey in Power Platform together.Winners, we will see you in Vegas! Every other amazing solutions superstar, we will see you in the Community!Congratulations, everyone!