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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?

You pick a component, change its settings, copy the YAML and paste it into Power Apps Studio with Paste code. Getting Started walks through every step, from the free account to the Tree view.

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?

Right-click a screen or container in the Tree view and choose Paste code, not regular paste (Ctrl+V). The full walkthrough is on Getting Started.

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

Which plan do I need?

PowerLibs has four plans. Prices are on the Pricing page.

  • Components: all 180+ components as copy-paste YAML. When the subscription ends you keep the components released before your access end date. No full apps, settings editing, Community publishing, or the paid parts of the tools (see below).
  • Ultra: everything. All components, the full apps, settings customization, all tools, Custom YAML and Custom SVG libraries, Projects, Community and full MCP access.
  • Team: everything in Ultra for every seat on the team, plus a shared team library.
  • Lifetime: everything in Ultra, paid once, future releases included.

Some tools are free for everyone: PowerFX Toolkit, PowerColors and the SVG Editor (only Save to Library needs Ultra, Team or Lifetime). Form Builder and the SharePoint Admin Generator are free to use; copying their output needs Ultra, Team or Lifetime. The Logo Generator gives free and Components accounts one logo a day and Ultra, Team or Lifetime accounts unlimited logos.

Is there a free trial?

You can browse and preview all components for free. 14 components are free to copy once you are signed in. The guided tour shows you how everything works before purchasing. Every plan also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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?

Custom icons are available on components with an icon picker, such as sidebars and app shells.

  1. Go to PowerIcons.dev
  2. Find an icon
  3. Copy the YAML code (raw <svg> markup from any other icon source works too)
  4. In the component's Settings tab, select "Custom" for the icon type
  5. Paste the YAML or SVG code into the "Custom Icon SVG" field

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

  • Sign in first: viewing or copying any YAML needs a PowerLibs account, even for free components
  • Check access: 14 components copy on any signed-in account. Paid components need the Components, Ultra, Team or Lifetime plan (an expired subscriber keeps the components released before their access end date). Full apps need Ultra, Team or Lifetime.
  • 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

Use the light/dark toggle in the component header. The YAML is regenerated with dark colors; on paid components, dark-theme YAML is part of the paid plans. The app shells switch themes inside the app: their sun and moon icon flips a global variable such as gblShellDark, and every color in the shell is a formula on it. No OnStart code is needed.

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
Frequently Asked Questions | PowerLibs