Variable Prefix Customization
Customize the naming conventions used in generated YAML code. Match your team's standards automatically.
What is This?
Every Power Apps control needs a unique name. PowerLibs generates names like lblTitle, btnSubmit, conSidebar with consistent prefixes. The Variable Prefix feature lets Ultra users change these prefixes to match their own conventions.
Default prefixes:
lblfor Labelsbtnfor Buttonsconfor Containersicofor Iconsimgfor Imagesgalfor Galleriesvarfor local variablesgblfor global variables
Your custom prefixes might be:
_lbl,_btn,_con(underscore style)label_,button_,container_(descriptive)- Empty (no prefix at all)
Why Use Custom Prefixes?
Team Standards
Most development teams have naming conventions. If your team uses _ prefixes or Hungarian notation, you can match that.
Consistency
When everyone on the team uses the same prefixes, code reviews are easier and components work better together.
Personal Preference
Some people prefer txtName while others like input_Name. Now you can choose.
How to Set Up
1. Open Settings
Click on Settings in the header (gear icon or your profile menu).
2. Find Variable Naming Section
Scroll to the "Variable Naming" section in the settings panel.
3. Customize Prefixes
You'll see input fields for each prefix type:
| Type | Default | Example Control Name |
|---|---|---|
| Label | lbl | lblTitle |
| Button | btn | btnSubmit |
| Container | con | conSidebar |
| Icon | ico | icoMenu |
| Image | img | imgLogo |
| Gallery | gal | galItems |
| Variable | var | varSelected |
| Global | gbl | gblDarkMode |
4. Save Changes
Click "Save Changes" and the page will reload. All future YAML generations will use your custom prefixes.
You can leave any prefix blank to generate names without prefixes. For example, an empty label prefix gives you Title instead of lblTitle.
Examples
Underscore Style
Set all prefixes to include an underscore:
- Label:
_lbl - Button:
_btn
Result: _lblTitle, _btnSubmit
No Prefixes
Leave all fields blank:
Result: Title, Submit, Sidebar
Descriptive Style
Use full words:
- Label:
label_ - Button:
button_ - Container:
container_
Result: label_Title, button_Submit, container_Sidebar
Common Team Standards
Different organizations use different conventions:
Microsoft Standard:
lbl,btn,txt,gal,con
Underscore Hungarian:
_lbl,_btn,_txt
Snake Case:
lbl_,btn_,txt_
No Prefix:
- Descriptive names only
Important Notes
Applies to New Generations Only
Changing prefixes affects future YAML generations. Already-generated code keeps its original names.
All Components Use Your Prefixes
Once set, every component in PowerLibs uses your custom prefixes. You don't need to configure per-component.
Stored With Your Account
Prefix settings sync across devices. Log in on a new computer and your settings are there.
Non-Pro Users See Defaults
If you're not an Ultra subscriber, you'll see the input fields but they'll be disabled. Generated code uses default prefixes.
The Variable Prefix feature is designed for power users and teams with established coding standards. If you're working alone or just starting out, the defaults are perfectly fine.