Quick question about data source

[hughrmarks]

I have to create a sign up sheet with basic info (name, age, etc.) and want to save it to an Excel table.   Do I always have to create the table first or is there a way for automatically create one?   It's just weird because if I create one there won't be any records in it until I patch the info over.   Would I just create the headers in Excel if this is the case?

[timl · Accepted solution]

Hi @hughrmarks

Yes, it's necessary to create the table first.

When you create the Excel spreadsheet, the most important step is to format the data as a table, as described here.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powerapps/maker/canvas-apps/get-started-create-from-blank

I would populate the spreadsheet with some sample data before you add it as a datasource. You can always delete the data afterwards. If you add sample data, PowerApps can recognize the numeric and date/time fields in your spreadsheet, and map the data types accordingly in your app.

[hughrmarks]

Makes sense. Thank you.