/msdyn_blobfile/$value)
In today’s connected world, it’s easy to assume the internet is always available—but reality often proves otherwise. Whether you're working in a remote location, on the move, or simply in an area with poor connectivity, losing internet access can bring your productivity to a halt. That’s where offline-capable canvas apps in Microsoft Power Apps come in.
What Are Offline-Capable Canvas Apps?
Offline-capable canvas apps are designed to function even when there's no internet connection. These apps empower users to view, create, update, and delete data while offline. Once the device reconnects to the internet, the changes are automatically synced with the server. This capability is especially useful for field workers, sales teams, and anyone who needs to stay productive while travelling or working in low-connectivity environments.
/msdyn_blobfile/$value)
Core Capabilities of Offline Canvas Apps
Here are the key features that enable offline functionality in canvas apps:
- Create Records Offline: Add new records without an internet connection. Changes are saved locally and synced later.
- Update Records Offline: Modify existing records offline. Updates are queued for sync when online.
- Delete Records Offline: Remove records while offline. Deletions are processed when the app reconnects.
- Attachment Handling: Manage images and files offline; they are stored locally and uploaded later.
- Local Data Caching: Data is cached on the user’s device, ensuring uninterrupted access and interaction with key information.
Enabling Offline Support for Dataverse-Based Canvas Apps
To enable offline capabilities with Dataverse, follow these steps:
1. Enable Offline Tables
- Navigate to the Dataverse tables list.
- Select the table you want to use offline.
- Enable the “Can be taken offline” option in advanced settings.
/msdyn_blobfile/$value)
2. Create an Offline Profile in Power Platform Admin Center
- Go to Power Platform Admin Center.
- Under Environments, select your environment.
- Navigate to: Settings > Users + Permissions > Mobile Configuration > Offline Profiles.
- Create a new offline profile and add the required tables to it.
/msdyn_blobfile/$value)
3. Assign Security Roles
- Create a custom security role with permissions to read, create, update, and delete records in the offline-enabled tables.
- Assign these roles to users who will access the app offline.
4. Link the Offline Profile to Your Canvas App
- Open your app and go to Settings > General.
- In the Offline profile section, choose the profile you created.
- This enables your app to work with the offline-enabled tables.
/msdyn_blobfile/$value)
Tip: Proper role assignment and profile configuration are crucial for offline data access and syncing.
Using SaveData and LoadData for Other Data Sources
For connectors like SharePoint, OneDrive, or other non-Dataverse sources, use SaveData and LoadData to enable offline functionality:
- SaveData(Collection, "Filename"): Stores a collection locally.
- LoadData(Collection, "Filename", true): Retrieves data from local storage into a collection.
These functions allow apps to maintain offline usability and persist user changes across sessions.
Important Limitations and Considerations
Before deploying an offline-capable app, keep these limitations in mind:
- No Support for Virtual & Elastic Tables: These cannot be used offline.
- No Many-to-Many Relationships: These relationships aren’t supported offline.
- Calculated & Roll-up Fields: These fields are not re-evaluated locally—sync must occur for updates.
- Image Column Limit: Only 14 image columns allowed across entities in an offline profile.
- Entity Limit: Maximum of 15 entities per offline profile.
- Record Sync Limit: Up to 3 million records can be synced.
- Cache Size: Limited by device memory.
- Attachment Size: 50 MB per file for offline notes.
- Setup Roles Required: Only users with System Admin, System Customizer, or Environment Maker roles can configure offline profiles.
Conclusion
With offline-capable canvas apps, Power Apps empowers your team to stay productive—regardless of connectivity. Whether you're supporting field technicians or mobile sales agents, enabling offline capabilities ensures business continuity and enhances the user experience.
Start building smarter, more resilient apps today with offline support!
Build Resilient Business Applications with Offline-Capable Canvas Apps
In today’s fast-paced world, being able to access and interact with business applications without internet connectivity is more than a convenience—it’s a necessity. Whether your team is working in remote locations, on the road, or in environments with unreliable networks, offline-capable canvas apps built using Microsoft Power Apps ensure that work doesn't stop when the internet does.
/msdyn_blobfile/$value)
What Are Offline-Capable Canvas Apps?
Offline-capable canvas apps allow users to view, create, update, and delete data even when disconnected from the internet. Once the device regains connectivity, the app automatically syncs changes with the server, ensuring data consistency and business continuity.
These apps are ideal for:
- Field teams working in rural or low-network areas
- Sales reps accessing data during client visits
- Employees working on the move or during travel
Key Features of Offline-Capable Canvas Apps
✔ Create and Update Records Offline
Users can add new records or make updates while offline. These changes are stored locally and synchronized once the device reconnects.
✔ Delete Records Offline
Users can delete data offline, with deletions queued for synchronization.
✔ Work with Attachments
Attachments such as photos or documents are stored locally and uploaded once back online.
✔ Local Data Caching
Data is cached on the user's device, enabling seamless interaction with the app without requiring constant connectivity.
Enabling Offline Support for Dataverse-Based Canvas Apps
Follow these steps to enable offline functionality in apps that use Microsoft Dataverse as a data source:
1. Enable Offline Capability for Tables
- Navigate to the relevant Dataverse table.
- Under advanced settings, enable “Can be taken offline.”
/msdyn_blobfile/$value)
2. Create an Offline Profile in Power Platform Admin Center
- Open Power Platform Admin Center.
- Go to: Settings > Users + Permissions > Mobile Configuration > Offline Profiles.
- Create a new profile and add the required tables.
/msdyn_blobfile/$value)
3. Assign Security Roles
Create a custom security role with permissions (read, create, update, delete) for the offline tables, and assign it to users.
4. Link the Profile in the Canvas App
- Open the app settings in Power Apps.
- Under General > Offline Profile, select the offline profile you created.
/msdyn_blobfile/$value)
This setup ensures the app can access offline data securely and efficiently.
Supporting Offline Mode for Other Connectors
For data sources outside Dataverse (e.g., SharePoint, OneDrive), use Power Apps functions like:
- SaveData: Saves collections locally
SaveData(MyCollection, "LocalDataFile") - LoadData: Loads saved data from local storage
LoadData(MyCollection, "LocalDataFile", true)
This method enables offline capability for various connectors by working with locally stored data collections.
Offline Mode: Limitations to Consider
While offline canvas apps are powerful, there are limitations to be aware of:
Limitation Description Virtual/Elastic Tables Not supported offline Many-to-Many Relationships Not supported Calculated/Roll-Up Fields Not re-evaluated locally Image Column Limit Max 14 image columns per profile Entity Limit Max 15 entities per offline profile Record Sync Cap Up to 3 million records Cache Size Depends on device storage Attachment Size Max 50 MB per file Roles Required System Admin, Customizer, or Maker roles needed for setup
Why Invest in Offline-Capable Apps?
Implementing offline functionality in canvas apps:
- Enhances reliability and user experience
- Boosts productivity for on-the-go teams
- Reduces dependency on consistent internet access
- Ensures business continuity in all scenarios
At de facto infotech, we specialize in building robust, offline-ready Power Apps tailored to your business processes—ensuring your teams can stay connected to critical data anytime, anywhere.
In today’s connected world, it’s easy to assume the internet is always available—but reality often proves otherwise. Whether you're working in a remote location, on the move, or simply in an area with poor connectivity, losing internet access can bring your productivity to a halt. That’s where offline-capable canvas apps in Microsoft Power Apps come in.
What Are Offline-Capable Canvas Apps?
Offline-capable canvas apps are designed to function even when there's no internet connection. These apps empower users to view, create, update, and delete data while offline. Once the device reconnects to the internet, the changes are automatically synced with the server. This capability is especially useful for field workers, sales teams, and anyone who needs to stay productive while travelling or working in low-connectivity environments.
Core Capabilities of Offline Canvas Apps
Here are the key features that enable offline functionality in canvas apps:
- Create Records Offline: Add new records without an internet connection. Changes are saved locally and synced later.
- Update Records Offline: Modify existing records offline. Updates are queued for sync when online.
- Delete Records Offline: Remove records while offline. Deletions are processed when the app reconnects.
- Attachment Handling: Manage images and files offline; they are stored locally and uploaded later.
- Local Data Caching: Data is cached on the user’s device, ensuring uninterrupted access and interaction with key information.
Enabling Offline Support for Dataverse-Based Canvas Apps
To enable offline capabilities with Dataverse, follow these steps:
1. Enable Offline Tables
- Navigate to the Dataverse tables list.
- Select the table you want to use offline.
- Enable the “Can be taken offline” option in advanced settings.
2. Create an Offline Profile in Power Platform Admin Center
- Go to Power Platform Admin Center.
- Under Environments, select your environment.
- Navigate to: Settings > Users + Permissions > Mobile Configuration > Offline Profiles.
- Create a new offline profile and add the required tables to it.
3. Assign Security Roles
- Create a custom security role with permissions to read, create, update, and delete records in the offline-enabled tables.
- Assign these roles to users who will access the app offline.
4. Link the Offline Profile to Your Canvas App
- Open your app and go to Settings > General.
- In the Offline profile section, choose the profile you created.
- This enables your app to work with the offline-enabled tables.
Tip: Proper role assignment and profile configuration are crucial for offline data access and syncing.
Using SaveData and LoadData for Other Data Sources
For connectors like SharePoint, OneDrive, or other non-Dataverse sources, use SaveData and LoadData to enable offline functionality:
- SaveData(Collection, "Filename"): Stores a collection locally.
- LoadData(Collection, "Filename", true): Retrieves data from local storage into a collection.
Important Limitations and Considerations
Before deploying an offline-capable app, keep these limitations in mind:
- No Support for Virtual & Elastic Tables: These cannot be used offline.
- No Many-to-Many Relationships: These relationships aren’t supported offline.
- Calculated & Roll-up Fields: These fields are not re-evaluated locally—sync must occur for updates.
- Image Column Limit: Only 14 image columns allowed across entities in an offline profile.
- Entity Limit: Maximum of 15 entities per offline profile.
- Record Sync Limit: Up to 3 million records can be synced.
- Cache Size: Limited by device memory.
- Attachment Size: 50 MB per file for offline notes.
- Setup Roles Required: Only users with System Admin, System Customizer, or Environment Maker roles can configure offline profiles.
Conclusion
With offline-capable canvas apps, Power Apps empowers your team to stay productive—regardless of connectivity. Whether you're supporting field technicians or mobile sales agents, enabling offline capabilities ensures business continuity and enhances the user experience.
Start building smarter, more resilient apps today with offline support!
Build Resilient Business Applications with Offline-Capable Canvas Apps
In today’s fast-paced world, being able to access and interact with business applications without internet connectivity is more than a convenience—it’s a necessity. Whether your team is working in remote locations, on the road, or in environments with unreliable networks, offline-capable canvas apps built using Microsoft Power Apps ensure that work doesn't stop when the internet does.
What Are Offline-Capable Canvas Apps?
Offline-capable canvas apps allow users to view, create, update, and delete data even when disconnected from the internet. Once the device regains connectivity, the app automatically syncs changes with the server, ensuring data consistency and business continuity.
These apps are ideal for:
- Field teams working in rural or low-network areas
- Sales reps accessing data during client visits
- Employees working on the move or during travel
Key Features of Offline-Capable Canvas Apps
✔ Create and Update Records Offline
Users can add new records or make updates while offline. These changes are stored locally and synchronized once the device reconnects.
✔ Delete Records Offline
Users can delete data offline, with deletions queued for synchronization.
✔ Work with Attachments
Attachments such as photos or documents are stored locally and uploaded once back online.
✔ Local Data Caching
Data is cached on the user's device, enabling seamless interaction with the app without requiring constant connectivity.
Enabling Offline Support for Dataverse-Based Canvas Apps
Follow these steps to enable offline functionality in apps that use Microsoft Dataverse as a data source:
1. Enable Offline Capability for Tables
- Navigate to the relevant Dataverse table.
- Under advanced settings, enable “Can be taken offline.”
2. Create an Offline Profile in Power Platform Admin Center
- Open Power Platform Admin Center.
- Go to: Settings > Users + Permissions > Mobile Configuration > Offline Profiles.
- Create a new profile and add the required tables.
3. Assign Security Roles
Create a custom security role with permissions (read, create, update, delete) for the offline tables, and assign it to users.
4. Link the Profile in the Canvas App
- Open the app settings in Power Apps.
- Under General > Offline Profile, select the offline profile you created.
This setup ensures the app can access offline data securely and efficiently.
Supporting Offline Mode for Other Connectors
For data sources outside Dataverse (e.g., SharePoint, OneDrive), use Power Apps functions like:
- SaveData: Saves collections locally
SaveData(MyCollection, "LocalDataFile") - LoadData: Loads saved data from local storage
LoadData(MyCollection, "LocalDataFile", true)
Offline Mode: Limitations to Consider
While offline canvas apps are powerful, there are limitations to be aware of:
| Limitation | Description |
| Virtual/Elastic Tables | Not supported offline |
| Many-to-Many Relationships | Not supported |
| Calculated/Roll-Up Fields | Not re-evaluated locally |
| Image Column Limit | Max 14 image columns per profile |
| Entity Limit | Max 15 entities per offline profile |
| Record Sync Cap | Up to 3 million records |
| Cache Size | Depends on device storage |
| Attachment Size | Max 50 MB per file |
| Roles Required | System Admin, Customizer, or Maker roles needed for setup |
Why Invest in Offline-Capable Apps?
Implementing offline functionality in canvas apps:
- Enhances reliability and user experience
- Boosts productivity for on-the-go teams
- Reduces dependency on consistent internet access
- Ensures business continuity in all scenarios
At de facto infotech, we specialize in building robust, offline-ready Power Apps tailored to your business processes—ensuring your teams can stay connected to critical data anytime, anywhere.