Using PCF (PowerApps Component Framework) for Reusable Components

The PowerApps Component Framework (PCF) is a powerful tool that allows professional developers to extend the capabilities of model-driven and canvas apps with custom, reusable components. If you're building complex, UI-rich business apps, PCF is your secret weapon for scalable, maintainable design.

1. What Is PCF?

PCF lets you build code-first UI components using TypeScript, React, and web standards. These components behave like native controls and integrate seamlessly into Power Apps—supporting data binding, events, and styling.

Think of PCF as the "custom control library" for the Power Platform.

2. Why Use PCF Components?

• ✅ Build once, reuse anywhere across apps and environments

• ✅ Create responsive and accessible UI elements

• ✅ Extend default capabilities (e.g., charts, sliders, file viewers, custom grids)

• ✅ Improve performance and control data logic

• ✅ Share controls via solution packaging or component libraries

3. PCF Use Case: Financial Dashboard Control 📊

Scenario: A finance team wanted a real-time KPI dashboard inside their model-driven app with custom visualizations and status flags.

Solution:

• Created a PCF control using React and Chart.js

• Binded to Dataverse fields for real-time chart updates

• Enabled dynamic color coding and drill-through

• Packaged in a solution and reused across 7 departments

Impact: Unified UI across apps, faster insight sharing, reduced development duplication.

4. How to Get Started

🧱 Step 1: Install PCF Tools

🧱 Step 2: Create the Control

Choose:

• Field: Tied to a data column

• Dataset: For list/table data

• Code Component: Canvas app use

🧱 Step 3: Build the Control

• Edit to render your UI logic

• Use , , , or any UI lib

• Leverage props like ,

🧱 Step 4: Package and Deploy

Import your into Power Apps via Solution Explorer.

5. Key PCF Concepts

• manifest.xml: Defines inputs, properties, control type

• context.parameters: Access data bindings, view modes

• notifyOutputChanged(): Syncs values back to the app

• init(), updateView(), destroy(): Component lifecycle methods

6. Tips for Creating Reusable PCFs

• Design for configuration: expose inputs like colors, labels, thresholds

• Use shared resources (e.g., a component library)

• Follow naming standards:

• Provide default styling but allow overrides

• Document your components like APIs: inputs, outputs, use cases

7. Where to Use PCFs

• Model-driven apps: Form controls or views

• Canvas apps: Code components with bindings

• Custom pages: Mixed-use for performance dashboards or editors

• Dataverse forms: Rich, editable field experiences

Final Thoughts 🔁

PCF gives you full control over how Power Apps look and behave—without compromising on reuse or maintainability. If your organization relies on consistent branding, advanced UI logic, or reusable business widgets, PCF is a game-changer.

Build it once. Deploy it everywhere. Maintain it efficiently.