Free Power Apps Component Library - Build Applications Faster!

Getting started with Power Apps can feel overwhelming, especially when building the foundation of your application. In this video, Brian Knight introduces the Pragmatic Works UI Component Library, a free resource designed to simplify app development and improve quality. This blog summarizes the key steps and best practices shared in the tutorial.

Why Use the Component Library?

• Accelerates app development by providing pre-built UI components.
• Improves consistency and quality across applications.
• Offers reusable elements that reduce repetitive work.

Step 1: Download and Import the Solution

1. Download the component library from the link in the video description.
2. Navigate to your Power Apps environment and select Import Solution.
3. Upload the downloaded ZIP file and click Next to install.
4. Installation takes approximately 4–5 minutes.

Step 2: Create a New Application

Once installed, start by creating a new app. While Brian typically uses solutions, he demonstrates creating a quick app named Temp for simplicity. A reference application is also included in the solution for guidance.

Step 3: Add Components to Your App

• Click the + button and select Get More Components.
• Import all available components from the library.
• After import, components appear in the left panel for easy drag-and-drop.

Key Components and Their Uses

The library includes seven core components (with more added regularly):

• Header Component: Add a customizable header with options for logos, side menus, and user details.
• Side Menu: Create collapsible navigation menus with grouping and icons.
• Menu Button: Add responsive navigation buttons for landing pages.
• Tabs Component: Organize forms and data into tabs for better user experience.
• Spinners & Loaders: Indicate progress during large data operations.

Step 4: Customize Your Components

Brian demonstrates how to:

• Change colors and themes for headers and menus.
• Use ClearCollect() to define menu items dynamically.
• Apply visibility rules for tabbed forms using SelectedTab properties.

Best Practices

• Place header and side menu components at the top of the component order for proper layering.
• Use contextual menus based on user roles (e.g., admin-specific options).
• Maintain consistent branding by adjusting colors and logos across screens.

Additional Features

The reference app includes advanced demos such as:

• Toggle controls for shadow boxes.
• Progress indicators for workflows.
• Loaders for asynchronous operations.

Extend and Customize

The library provides unmanaged code, allowing developers to extend components. However, note that future updates may overwrite changes if made directly to the original solution. For safety, create custom extensions instead of modifying core components.

Conclusion

The Pragmatic Works UI Component Library is a powerful tool for accelerating Power Apps development. By leveraging reusable components, developers can save time, maintain consistency, and deliver high-quality applications faster. Download the library today and start building smarter!

Don't forget to check out the Pragmatic Works' on-demand learning platform for more insightful content and training sessions on Power Apps and other Microsoft applications. Be sure to subscribe to the Pragmatic Works YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on the latest tips and tricks.