Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common questions about PowerLibs.

General

What is PowerLibs?

PowerLibs is a component library for Power Apps. It provides pre-built UI components (buttons, navigation bars, modals, etc.) that you can customize and paste directly into Power Apps Studio. No importing, no packages - just copy and paste YAML code.

How does it work?

1. Browse components on the website
2. Customize settings (colors, text, sizes)
3. Copy the generated YAML code
4. Paste into Power Apps Studio (right-click Tree view → Paste code)

That's it. The component appears in your app, fully styled and ready to use.

Do I need coding experience?

No coding required. PowerLibs generates the code for you. You just customize visual settings like colors and text. If you want to add interactivity, you'll write simple Power Apps formulas - but the UI is ready to go.

Does PowerLibs work with Model-Driven Apps?

No. PowerLibs only works with Canvas Apps. Model-Driven Apps use a different architecture and don't support custom YAML components.

Is this an official Microsoft product?

No. PowerLibs is an independent tool that generates code compatible with Power Apps. It's not affiliated with or endorsed by Microsoft.

How to Use

How do I paste YAML into Power Apps?

1. Copy YAML code from PowerLibs
2. Open Power Apps Studio
3. Click on the Tree view (left panel)
4. Right-click on a Screen or Container
5. Select "Paste code" (not regular paste)
6. The component appears

Why isn't my component showing after paste?

Common causes:

• Used regular paste: Use "Paste code" from the right-click menu
• Invalid YAML: Check for any error messages after pasting
• Component overlapping: It might be hidden behind another component
• Wrong screen: Make sure you pasted on the correct screen

Can I modify components after pasting?

Absolutely. Once pasted, the component is regular Power Apps controls. You can:

• Move and resize
• Change properties in the formula bar
• Add OnSelect actions
• Connect to data sources
• Modify anything you want

Components vs Controls - what's the difference?

In Power Apps:

• Controls are individual elements (a single button, label, image)
• Components in PowerLibs are groups of controls that work together (a navigation bar = container + logo + buttons + icons)

PowerLibs generates groups of controls that function as a cohesive "component."

Pricing & Access

What's the difference between Components and Settings access?

Components Access ($89 one-time):

• Copy all component YAML code
• Access all 70+ components
• No customization (uses default settings)

PowerLibs Ultra ($19/month or $129/year):

• Everything in Pro
• Full settings customization (colors, text, sizes)
• Variable prefix customization
• Projects (multiple configs)
• Custom Components (save your own)
• Unlimited Logo Generator

Is there a free trial?

You can browse and preview all components for free. Some components have free YAML access. The guided tour shows you how everything works before purchasing.

What happens to my custom components if I cancel?

Your saved custom components stay in your account. If you resubscribe, they'll still be there. You just can't access them while unsubscribed.

Technical Questions

What YAML version/format does PowerLibs use?

PowerLibs generates Power Apps YAML format, which is specific to Power Apps Studio. It's not standard YAML but Power Apps' own format for representing controls and properties.

Why are there "Classic" and "Modern" control options?

Power Apps has two control sets:

• Classic controls: Original controls, more features, full customization
• Modern controls: Newer, prettier, but some features missing

PowerLibs supports both. Modern looks better but Classic has more flexibility.

Do components work offline?

Once pasted into Power Apps, components work offline (in the published app). You only need internet access to generate and copy code from PowerLibs.

Can I use PowerLibs components in PCF components?

No. PowerLibs generates Canvas App YAML. PCF (PowerApps Component Framework) uses TypeScript/React and is a different technology.

Custom Icons

How do I use custom icons?

1. Go to PowerIcons.dev
2. Find an icon
3. Copy the YAML code
4. In PowerLibs settings, select "Custom" for icon type
5. Paste the YAML code

Why don't custom icons work with Modern controls?

Modern controls have limited support for custom SVG icons. If you need custom icons, use Classic controls.

Troubleshooting

"Copy" button doesn't work

• Check access: Copying requires Pro or Ultra subscription
• Browser issue: Try a different browser
• Ad blocker: Some ad blockers interfere with clipboard access

Component looks different in Power Apps

PowerLibs previews are approximations. Minor differences in:

• Font rendering
• Exact spacing
• Border appearance

Are normal. The generated YAML is correct; Power Apps just renders slightly differently.

YAML code shows errors after pasting

• Missing data source: Some components reference data sources. Create them first.
• Control name conflicts: If a control with the same name exists, rename one
• Incomplete paste: Make sure you copied the entire YAML block

Dark mode colors not working

For dark mode components:

1. Check the Instructions tab for OnStart code
2. Add the OnStart code to your app
3. Right-click App → Run OnStart

Still Have Questions?

• Documentation: Browse the guides in this documentation
• Feature Requests: Submit ideas on the Feedback page
• Bug Reports: Also on the Feedback page
• Email: Contact through the website