Create and modify views
In model-driven apps, views are used to display a list of records from a specific table. Views are essential for shaping how users interact with data, offering both structure and flexibility in how information is presented and filtered.
Understand the purpose of views in model-driven apps
Views in model-driven apps determine how lists of records for a specific table are displayed.
They allow users to:
- Select which columns to display.
- Define the order and width of columns.
- Apply default sorting and filters to restrict visible records.
Not only are views essential for tailoring the app experience to different user roles, such as sales or marketing teams, they can also serve as data sources for charts and dashboards.
Differentiate between personal, system, and public views
Before we explore how to create views, it's important to understand the different types of views that are available. Model-driven apps support three types of views, each serving distinct purposes:
Personal views: Custom views created and owned by individual users within the system. Personal views are only visible to the user who created them unless explicitly shared with others. Users have full control over these views and can customize them to meet their specific needs. This includes filtering data, organizing information, or displaying specific fields.
System views: These predefined views are part of the core functionality of the system. Examples of system views include Quick Find, which is used for rapid searches; Advanced Find, which enables complex queries (also used to create personal views); Associated Views, which display related records; and Lookup Views, used for selecting records in lookup fields. Unlike personal views, system views are managed at the administrative level, meaning only system administrators or customizers have the authority to modify them. Their design ensures consistency and reliability across the application, supporting essential operations and interactions.
Public views: Public views are views that are accessible to all users within the application. These views can be customized to meet the specific needs of an organization. They're often used in subgrids, which display related records within forms, or dashboards, where they provide a summarized view of key data points.
Public views can be customized to meet the needs of various user groups. For example, you can:
- Add or remove columns.
- Adjust column widths and order.
- Apply filters to display relevant data.
Customizing public views ensures that all users have access to the most relevant information for their roles.
Note
System views can't be deleted or deactivated, but their availability can be managed through security roles.
Access and use the view editor in Power Apps
The view editor in Power Apps provides an intuitive interface for creating and editing views. You can access it through:
- App designer: Offers drag-and-drop capabilities for easy customization.
- Solution area: Navigate to Solutions, select your table, and open the Views area to edit or create views.
Tip
Use the view editor to resize, reorder, and filter columns for a more tailored data presentation.