Canvas Apps: UX and connectors

Introduction to Canvas Apps

Canvas Apps, as described in Microsoft’s official references, are applications created with a visual and design-driven approach. Unlike model-driven apps, they do not necessarily depend on Dataverse and can connect to hundreds of data sources through standard or premium connectors.

The main features of Canvas Apps include:

• Rapid creation through Power Apps Studio.
• Use of the Power Fx expression language for app logic.
• Compatibility with mobile and desktop devices.
• Direct integration with Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, Azure, and external systems.

Their flexible nature makes them ideal for scenarios where the user interface and visual experience are central, such as mobile dashboards, field applications, or data collection solutions.

UX Design in Canvas Apps

User experience (UX) design in a Canvas App is a key component for ensuring the effectiveness of the application. Power Apps offers a visual environment similar to PowerPoint, where each element can be freely positioned on the screen. However, effective UX should not rely only on aesthetics but also on functionality and usability.

Principles of Good UX Design

• Visual consistency: use uniform colors, fonts, and alignments across all screens.
• Accessibility: follow the Microsoft Accessibility Checker guidelines to make apps usable for everyone.
• Responsive layout: design interfaces adaptable to various resolutions and devices.
• Data validation: implement input controls and clear error messages to prevent user mistakes.

The combination of graphic elements, dynamic controls, and validation rules allows for fluid, intuitive experiences consistent with mobile-first principles.

Standard and Premium Connectors

Canvas Apps rely on an ecosystem of over 600 connectors that allow linking the app to cloud services, databases, and external platforms. These connectors are divided into two categories:

Connector Type	Description	Examples
Standard	Included in basic Power Apps licenses, they allow integration with common services.	SharePoint, OneDrive, Outlook, Microsoft Teams
Premium	Require an additional license and provide access to enterprise systems or complex databases.	SQL Server, Salesforce, Dataverse, Azure SQL, SAP

It is also possible to develop custom connectors to extend connectivity to internal systems or third-party APIs using tools like Power Apps Custom Connectors.

Validation and Power Fx

The Power Fx language is the foundation of logic in Canvas Apps. Based on Excel syntax, it allows managing formulas, conditions, and validations intuitively yet powerfully. With Power Fx, you can:

• Validate user input in real time (e.g., check that an email field contains “@”).
• Handle dynamic control visibility.
• Integrate complex conditional logic without code.
• Control navigation between screens and interaction with data connectors.

To explore Power Fx syntax and features, refer to the official Microsoft documentation.

Best Practices for Connector Integration

When building a Canvas App with multiple connectors, it is crucial to follow best practices:

• Limit simultaneous connections: each active connector affects performance and latency.
• Use local collections: temporarily store data to reduce repeated API calls.
• Error handling: implement error controls and fallback mechanisms in case of timeouts or disconnections.
• Monitor usage: use tools like Power Apps Maker Portal to analyze performance and connections.

A strategic use of connectors ensures not only better performance but also greater security and control over business data.