Microsoft Power Apps is a low-code platform within the Microsoft Power Platform that enables organizations to quickly build secure, custom business applications. It empowers both developers and business users to transform ideas into functional apps that run on web browsers and mobile devices, connecting seamlessly to cloud and on-premises data sources. Power Apps helps solve real business challenges such as automating data entry, streamlining processes, and improving productivity.
Before you start building anything, it helps to understand the foundations that support every Power Apps project: Environments, Solutions, Dataverse, and the two main app types – Canvas apps and Model-driven apps.
What is an Environment?
An Environment acts as a container that holds your data, apps, flows, and security settings. Each environment is completely separate, which means:
- Data in one environment does not appear in another
- Apps built in one environment do not automatically show up elsewhere
- Permissions and security are controlled per environment
When you open the maker portal, the environment selector appears at the top right. Always check this before creating anything. If you build a table or app in the wrong environment, it will not be available where you expect it to be.
What is a Solution?
A Solution is a package that contains Power Platform components such as apps, flows, tables, and security roles.
Purpose of Solutions
• Organize components logically
• Move applications between environments
• Support version control and deployment
Solutions are essential for professional development and deployment.
Dataverse
Dataverse is the secure data platform that underpins Power Apps and the wider Power Platform. It stores data in tables with defined relationships, business rules, and security.
Key Features of Dataverse
• Structured relational data storage
• Built in security at row and column level
• Business rules validation and automation
• Deep integration with Model-driven apps
Dataverse is required for Model-driven apps and can also be used by Canvas apps when advanced data capabilities are needed.
Understanding Canvas apps and Model‑driven apps
Now that the foundational concepts are in place, we can look at the two main ways you can build applications in Power Apps. Canvas apps and Model‑driven apps offer different approaches to solving business problems and understanding how each one works will help you choose the right app type.
Canvas apps
A Canvas app gives you complete control over the layout and visual design of your application. You begin with a blank canvas and place controls such as buttons, galleries, forms, and images exactly where you want them.
Canvas apps are ideal when you want:
- A custom user interface
- A mobile friendly or tablet friendly experience
- A visually rich layout
- A simple task based workflow
- A design that matches your organisation’s branding
Because you control every part of the layout, Canvas apps offer flexibility. However, this also means you are responsible for designing each screen, managing navigation, and defining how controls behave. Canvas apps work well when the user experience is the priority and the data structure is relatively simple.
Model-driven apps
A Model‑driven app is built from your Dataverse tables. Instead of designing screens manually, the app generates its layout automatically based on your data model. You focus on defining your tables, columns, relationships, and business rules, and the app handles the user interface.
Model‑driven apps are ideal when you want:
- A structured business application
- A system that manages records and relationships
- A consistent and professional layout
- Built in forms, views, and navigation
- A solution similar to CRM, HR, or case management systems
Model‑driven apps work best when your data has clear relationships, such as employees and tasks, projects and activities, or cases and notes. They are especially useful when you want a reliable, standardised interface without spending time on design.
| Feature or Scenario | Canvas apps | Model-driven apps |
|---|---|---|
| Design approach | Design first, full control over layout and visuals | Data first, user interface generated from Dataverse |
| User interface | Fully custom and highly flexible | Standardised, consistent, and professional |
| Best suited for | Mobile apps, task based apps, and custom layouts | Complex business processes and relational data |
| Data sources | Multiple sources such as SharePoint, SQL, Excel, and Dataverse | Dataverse only |
| Screen design | Each screen is designed manually | Screens, forms, and views are generated automatically |
| Complexity handling | Best for simple to medium complexity scenarios | Best for medium to high complexity scenarios |
| Ideal scenarios | Inspections, data entry, field work, and branded apps | CRM, HR systems, case management, and asset tracking |
Summary
Power Apps enables organizations to build custom business applications quickly using a low code approach. Canvas apps focus on user interface flexibility, while Model-driven apps focus on data structure and business processes. Core components such as Environments, Solutions, and Dataverse support governance deployment and secure data management, making Power Apps a scalable platform for enterprise application development.