Create and download PDFs Directly from Power Apps | Tutorial

[@akshaynm]

Great tutorial Reza, especially i liked the way you printed the form inside the container (this was a problem with printpdf, we cannot print the entire form, but, using your trick the issue will be eliminated). Also, a genuinely nice example of copying objects leveraging YAML code. Thanks a lot for all your efforts 🙏🏻🙂

[@RezaDorrani]

Great to hear the feedback. This will be the pinned comment on video 😊

[@akshaynm]

@@RezaDorrani ☺️☺️🙏🏻

[@PubuduPerera]

With all due respect to other power platform instructors, You are the best Power Platform instructor on this platform.🙏

[@RezaDorrani]

Thanks so much for your kind words. Everyone is awesome!

[@rorsara3940]

You are truly a champion - every day I learn something new from your tutorials and your creative way of solving things.

[@RezaDorrani]

Thanks so much and very happy to hear the word NEW. I work extremely hard to try and bring something NEW to the table in each video.

[@Mogwai-jn7cz]

Your videos save me every time. So reliable. Thank you.

[@RezaDorrani]

Great to hear!

[@nabilsidrak4495]

Great video, i was looking for this function for some time, Thanks!

[@RezaDorrani]

Most welcome

[@sbisca]

Thanks Reza ! Very useful for simple single-page PDFs

[@RezaDorrani]

Glad it was helpful! Note: The PDF generated can be multi page thanks to expandcontainers option shown in video.

[@youtube_Salim]

Thanks Reza for this video and the tips for generating a PDF file.

[@RezaDorrani]

My pleasure!

[@pergurning]

Thank you. Can this be used for a gallery?

[@RezaDorrani]

Yes. My earlier pdf video did cover gallery.

[@jray1429]

Great job Reza. Thanks for sharing!!

[@RezaDorrani]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@raj7sam]

Superb idea. Solved so many doubts and got so many new ideas to play with it.

[@RezaDorrani]

Glad to hear that

[@oluwatobiyusuf]

Thank you Reza. This is really helpful

[@RezaDorrani]

Glad it was helpful!

[@LindseyKyle]

Awesome Reza! Thank you for this! One note - I had to go into the Retired settings and turn Legacy formula bar back on to be able to set the Name and Value properties correctly (without enabling the Legacy formula bar, those properties are not visible for the attachments control). I'm wondering if that's because I copied the attachment control from another area in the app. Regardless, I wanted to share my workaround in case anyone else is experiencing an issue with downloading the PDF that is generated using the JSON and PDF functions.

[@RezaDorrani]

I already did that in the code that I used to copy and paste. So others dont have to do that.

[@Sarahshaikh786]

Great video clearly explain each steps love the tutorial Reza

[@RezaDorrani]

Glad to hear!

[@markmclean154]

Great video Reza... Does it work well with HTML control?

[@RezaDorrani]

I have not tested with that control. Check documentation of pdf function to see how it works, or even better - give it a try.

[@mumialpi]

You are great as always ❤

[@RezaDorrani]

Thank you so much

[@PonnaSamba]

Thanks for created this type videos reza once again thank you

[@RezaDorrani]

More to come!

[@kolomagoulidis]

Once more great video Reza!! One question can this generate a pdf beyong of whats visible on screen?Eg a vertical gallery as a report?

[@RezaDorrani]

It can generate pdf of all components in the screen but it cannot go across screens.

[@michaelhorjus2224]

Fantastic. I was right to be excited to watch this video. Just had a quick question. Are you locked into using the form components, or is there a way to do this when using Patch to do forms? Thank you. You rock!

[@RezaDorrani]

I prefer forms over patch because while making video content, its quick to build the forms. However, in real world scenarios, it depends on the use case at hand. Even if you using patch, your controls on screen can be a part of generated pdf using the pdf function.

[@michaelhorjus2224]

@@RezaDorrani That's great to know. Thank you so much!

[@mallelajyothi9819]

Thanks for the informative video Reja..😊😊

[@RezaDorrani]

Most welcome

[@dougydoe]

Great video and content as always. I'm sure it will come in handy one of these days so will surely archive it. Thanks for sharing.😁😁

[@RezaDorrani]

Thanks for watching!

[@elenagiraldo]

I love you, Reza, you are the best.

[@RezaDorrani]

Thank You

[@SantosChimal-r5m]

As always, great content.

[@RezaDorrani]

Much appreciated!

[@anilkumar-ml2sl]

Did this using power automate last Friday only, direct SendEmail was not working due to the large size of pdf file but this approach is much neat.. So big thanks🙏

[@RezaDorrani]

Most welcome

[@anilkumar-ml2sl]

@@RezaDorrani Just facing an issue on how to generate PDF which contains charts as they are still not supported, any workaround please.

[@RezaDorrani]

@@anilkumar-ml2sl Not supported. I am not aware of any workarounds.

[@kireetiyakkali]

Thank you so much Reza 😊

[@RezaDorrani]

My pleasure 😊

[@neiltadatsin1575]

Hello Reza, Thank you for your very nice explanatory videos. Is it possible to export a PDF containing several screens from the Power Apps application?

[@RezaDorrani]

Pdf function only supports controls on single screen.

[@spen2431]

Just brilliant 💥💥 Thanks for sharing 💥💥

[@RezaDorrani]

Thanks for watching

[@mtamitolanga]

Thank you for sharing🙌🏾

[@RezaDorrani]

You are most welcome

[@naveenkumarpenumalla7221]

Hi @Reza, thanks for video. I have small doubt if we have multiple pages in the pdf is that generates in this function?

[@RezaDorrani]

If you are relating to multiple SCREENS in power app, then No. Pdf generated can be multiple pages, but it can only do so for controls on a single screen

[@paolovr1970]

Love thanks Renza 🙏🙏🙏

[@RezaDorrani]

Most welcome!

[@farhanmirza457]

Thanks for the informative video

[@RezaDorrani]

My pleasure

[@ericzheng4838]

Great video and nice work-around techniques. But after trying with your case, mine Edge browser says "Coundn't download - No file" after clinking the Attachments control. Any idea?

[@RezaDorrani]

Thanks! No idea why that would be the case. Video description has link to download entire solution (members only - check description for details) I would suggest giving that a try.

[@DavidPrenticeJr]

I had the same issue. I ended up putting the name and file data bits into the Named Formulas and it worked.

[@ericzheng4838]

@@RezaDorrani Hi again Reza, I think I have found the issue. It is the "Items" property of Attachment control. I changed it from {Name:,Value:} to lower case {name:,value:}, issue solve. Guess there is some unknow issue with Attachment control.

[@trogdor72]

@@ericzheng4838 Thank you. Lower case fix worked.

[@leslieshane9]

@@ericzheng4838 Thank you! I had the same issue. This fixed it .

[@Y0urN3m3sis]

Thank you Reza for the ideas. I was playing with PowerApps PDF function for a lengthy form inside a container control. One thing I noticed about it was sometimes texts get stuck in between two pages. As in part of the text appears in the previous page while the other in the next. Any advice on how to overcome this issue?

[@RezaDorrani]

Currently, there is no option to overcome that limitation.

[@Y0urN3m3sis]

@@RezaDorrani Hope Microsoft will find a solution for that. The alternative I thought out was using a word template through power automate, but that connector action is a premium feature. Keep sharing more of these Reza, your video gave me more ideas for me to play around with PDF functions within PowerApps 🙏

[@RezaDorrani]

@@Y0urN3m3sis Word doc is the answer for now.

[@yomero1689]

Great work, how do I replace dataverse for Share point list

[@RezaDorrani]

The pdf gen technique shown in video works with any form control experience. I have done many videos on SharePoint forms. You can try this out with any of them.

[@HundreadMC]

Made one of these last year to export a form display; from a container to a downloadable pdf, now lets see how I should have made it :D

[@RezaDorrani]

:)

[@carranzaalvaro]

Thanks a lot, Reza! Now i send the PDFs from a gallery with a form within with fields that have hidden formulas but the size of the file is 18MB. Ive tried everything (from erasing images, etc) but the size doesnt change. Is there a way to compress the file in powerapp or autoamate without paying and send it?

[@RezaDorrani]

I have no idea about the size or how can it be compressed

[@DiveSafariNZ]

15:28 So many new party tricks with Yaml, Thanks Reza. This looks more achievable than convincing stakeholders not to physically print every pdf generated 😊😊

[@RezaDorrani]

YAML is the new star in town!

[@youngdataio]

nice work as always

[@RezaDorrani]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Milyboy6412]

nice, does this work in custom pages ? as print function doesn't work in custom pages or embedded canvas

[@RezaDorrani]

I have not tried this technique in custom pages

[@Milyboy6412]

@@RezaDorrani it worked .🥰

[@Dan-jk7pe]

Great timing, is it safe to assume that this feature will be coming out of preview in the not so distant future?

[@RezaDorrani]

Its been in preview since 3 years if not more. Im not sure what is the GA date for pdf function.

[@mrm8973]

Hey nice video :) Is it possible to add an OnSet action to the attachments control?

[@RezaDorrani]

There is no onset action.

[@playmakermc8362]

Reza, why you use JSON function? since it can work without it?

[@RezaDorrani]

I don't remember why. Probably just to place safe.

[@benjaminnzioki8815]

Thanks a million!

[@RezaDorrani]

Most welcome

[@thankivinit766]

@RezaDorrani Thank you So much for tutorial i have created pdf with flow for app previously which is taking lot of time. I have tried same way and my file has been downloaded in browser but download history shows File was not available for on site can you help

[@RezaDorrani]

Most welcome! Video description has link to download entire solution (members only - check description for details) I would suggest giving that a try. As for the issue mentioned, I have not experienced it and hence not sure what the cause for it could be. I will recommend posting your issue on forums in case someone has experienced something similar powerusers.microsoft.com

[@willianrom]

Do you have any videos on how to create and download an Excel file with data from a gallery/collection/table?

[@RezaDorrani]

I do but wait 2 weeks. I have a video coming on that exact topic.

[@willianrom]

@@RezaDorrani I'm looking forward to this video.

[@wernermosimann7673]

Wow that's very exciting, thank you unfortunately I don't have a dataverse, how can I replace this with a sharepoint list

[@RezaDorrani]

The pdf gen technique shown in video works with any form control experience. I have done many videos on SharePoint forms. You can try this out with any of them.

[@aladris5443]

Hi Reza great tutorial as usual. When i am trying this function i am successfully getting the attachment but its corrupted. I tried with putting the form control and the formcontainer in the formula and made no changes. What might be the reason?

[@RezaDorrani]

I have not come across this issue, hence not sure. Video description has details on how to download the app (members only) I would suggest giving that a try

[@uzoruchenna4863]

Hi Reza, great tutorial. Please I have a question regarding this PDF function. I tried using it in a project I was working on sometime back and I was advised by a Microsoft Architect not to use it for production application since its still in Experimental. From my check, this function has been in experimental mode since early 2022. Is it safe to use it in Production? Also, do you have an Idea why the function is still in experimental mode for quite a long time? And are there plans to retire it?

[@RezaDorrani]

This feature has been experimental every since its announcement. I have no insights into why its still experimental or when will it go GA.

[@drei263]

Good day Sir Reza! How to send the form (apps) through email? That can be edited by an approver. For example, the form needs to be reviewed first before taking next steps.

[@RezaDorrani]

I do show how to send pdf copy in email. It does not output an editable pdf. Better option is to send notification to approver and make them edit item in form. I have done many videos on that.

[@nav-it-consulting]

Hi Reza, do we need a premium license for using this functionality?

[@RezaDorrani]

No

[@Anonym987-v9q]

Hi Reza, Can you make approval using Business Approval kit?

[@RezaDorrani]

That’s not something I have explored. My knowledge there is limited.

[@adarshmc8158]

Hi Reza, can we use pdf function in production apps. I can see it is still an experimental feature.

[@RezaDorrani]

Its been experimental since years.

[@MrNavin1987]

So Raza have you been using this in production , Is this stable . I am asking this question because I have bad experience with things in preview mode in power automate. Though not sure about the experimental feature

[@RezaDorrani]

@@MrNavin1987 I have used this specific one for years now without issues. However, at the end of the day, it is an experimental feature.

[@MrNavin1987]

@@RezaDorrani do you recommend using it in prod ? Because actually this takes very less time to implement than the Power automate approach

[@RezaDorrani]

@@MrNavin1987 Do I recommend: May be But with the acceptance of risk that there is an outside chance that something can break.

[@9uile125]

Hi Reza, thank you for this PDF creation tutorial without power automate flow. I wonder if it's possible to combine both actions : 'Generate PDF' & Auto download 'Login Page Bug.pdf' ? I tried but i don't see any OnSelect action on DTC Attachment. At the end of Generate PDF code, i would like to 'invoke' a click on 'Login Page Bug.pdf' :)

[@RezaDorrani]

OnSelect does not work for attachments control. Not a supported feature.

[@frankschoenmaker9638]

Very interesting Raza, I tested it and it works, for one container. But I have more data in another screen, a Container with a DataTable. How can I add it to the same PDF attachment?

[@RezaDorrani]

You can target a single container only. Idea would be to target a parent container in which you have other child containers.

[@kylecullenvdw]

I really like the use of the attachment controls to allow users to download a local document. I have an existing app that pulls base64 docs from an API. I let uses view the documents via the PDF viewer component. Keen to add the download function as well. Prevents me from having to store documents in SharePoint to allow download functionality.

[@RezaDorrani]

Great to hear!

[@kylecullenvdw]

@@RezaDorrani I have tried to implement the download via attachment control but getting "Couldn't download - No file" when trying to download the file. I can view the PDF via the PdfViewer Component so I am sure the format of the file "value" is correct. Is there any browser setting that has to be change to allow for the download. Using Edge.

[@RezaDorrani]

@@kylecullenvdw Did you try downloading the app I shared for members?

[@97handball]

@@kylecullenvdw Did you found a solution ? I have the same error!

[@rainehardclarke7955]

Hey Reza great content , However once I use a gallery and there is many content in it once the PDF is generated in 2 or more pages it cut through the words how can I fix this ?

[@RezaDorrani]

Defining Page breaks is not an option with the pdf function.

[@powerplatforms]

Hello. I created a vertical container. I turned it into a pdf. My container data is dynamic. For this reason, sometimes it can be 3 and sometimes 5 pages. However, I want to add fixed headers and footers to these pages. Is there a way to do this?

[@RezaDorrani]

I dont think fixed headers and footers is an option

[@nabilsidrak4495]

Hi Reza, on my form i added a custom data card with "HtmlText", when i generate the PDF i do not get all the context in the "htmltext", is there a limitation on the number of characters in this case?

[@RezaDorrani]

I have not checked with html text type control. Check pdf function documentation for limitations

[@fitosferenc]

Thank you, i am using the same method. My question is, there is a way to combine multiple containers to one pdf? In my application i have 5 form (in 5 containers), different steps... Can i convert this 5 container in one pdf?.

[@RezaDorrani]

You can target 1 screen or 1 container. If all your other 5 containers are within a main container then target the main one.

[@mohamedbamba5098]

Thank you so much Reza Very instructive video. But I have an error generating the PDF file using JSON. I get this error: The PDF file you are trying to open is damaged.

[@RezaDorrani]

Most welcome! Video description has link to download entire solution (members only - check description for details) I would suggest giving that a try. As for the issue mentioned, I have not experienced it and hence not sure what the cause for it could be. I will recommend posting your issue on forums in case someone has experienced something similar powerusers.microsoft.com

[@Shravya-c8o]

I did get the same issue, when I copied the attachment data card from a view form. When I did it from a edit form it worked! Not sure if it's the same case for you

[@jakubmaniak5865]

Hey Reza, thank you for this content. From my experience the generated pdf from pdf function works different when using live app from just previewing the app. When pdf is generated from live app everything gets broken and content is not rendered as displayed. Do you have any solution to that? Thanks a lot

[@RezaDorrani]

I have not faced any such issues. The app shown in video has been run as live app and on mobile devices.

[@jakubmaniak5865]

@@RezaDorrani hmm, thats weird. May I ask you what version of power app you are currently running?

[@RezaDorrani]

Whatever is the current latest version.

[@johanU9989]

do you need a premiun por create pdf?

[@RezaDorrani]

No

[@gantyadaanusha7193]

What can I do with the PDF function to prevent cuts when there are 2 or more pages?

[@RezaDorrani]

You would need to explore premium 3rd party connectors for that.

[@erickiancohen4501]

Is it possible to select more than one record and generate a PDF for each record at once?

[@RezaDorrani]

PDF function can only create pdf of controls on 1 screen.

[@erickiancohen4501]

I'm putting together a curriculum using your video as a reference, however I'm using a Canvas component, where I inserted a container and several other components inside the container. Sending the PDF file by email is correct, but when I try to download it, the Canvas component appears blank. I know it's difficult to answer, but where could I be going wrong, could you help me?

[@RezaDorrani]

I cannot guess where you could be going wrong. I have not experienced any issues with pdf function, hence not sure.

[@liamfinlay2163]

I keep getting the following error when trying to download the document; "Coudn't download - No file"

[@RezaDorrani]

Video description has link to download entire solution (members only - check description for details) I would suggest giving that a try. As for the issue mentioned, I have not experienced it and hence not sure what the cause for it could be. I will recommend posting your issue on forums in case someone has experienced something similar powerusers.microsoft.com

[@susanteng3592]

I have generated a PDF from a powerapps form. After I hit the PDF icon and create PDF, All the text input entered fields are there in form but all the radio values are empty in the screen. I expect hit the PDF icon and create PDF then the form with values are still presented. Is there any work around on this?

[@RezaDorrani]

I'm not sure why the control values are coming empty in your case. This is not an issue I have experienced.

[@saikiransannidhanam4121]

I'm new to Power Apps and Developing Applications as well. So, Will this Power Apps course help me to become expert in this ?

[@RezaDorrani]

This is not a course but a video specific to pdf function.

[@saikiransannidhanam4121]

@@RezaDorrani I am asking about the 10 videos of "Power Apps Full Training Course" that you released for 'Members only'. I don't have the option to comment there so I'm checking here.

[@RezaDorrani]

@@saikiransannidhanam4121 Oh ok. The power apps course. I don’t think any creator will tell you that you wont become an expert or a pro. According to me, I have provided 10 quality sessions that add value. I’ll suggest you join for a month, check the value add and then decide to continue or not.

[@saikiransannidhanam4121]

@@RezaDorrani okay, Thank you. Yes I understand, however due to the course price I just wanted to have a check once before joining.

[@RezaDorrani]

@@saikiransannidhanam4121 Always good to ask questions. Thanks for checking.

[@koenjanssens4434]

does it support multiple pages (for long galleries?)

[@RezaDorrani]

Yes - ExpandContainers feature shown in video

[@rainehardclarke7955]

Hey @reza It does but it cut through the words how to fix this ?

[@RezaDorrani]

@@rainehardclarke7955 You mean cut through across pages? Page break concept is not an option.

[@rainehardclarke7955]

@@RezaDorrani thank you for your swift response how can I avoid this? It’s a major hurdle for me

[@RezaDorrani]

@@rainehardclarke7955 You would need to explore premium 3rd party pdf connector actions.

[@leomaredcampos4941]

can I do this without premium account?

[@RezaDorrani]

Pdf function is not a premium feature

[@jamesford7385]

How would we support galleries over multiple pages where the items are not cut off across pages?

[@RezaDorrani]

ExpandContainers feature shown in video does allow multiple pages for pdf but the items will cut off from page to page. Thats a current limitation.

[@monavarthibalakrishna3915]

Using the PDF function, I'm not able to get the text in bold font using normal controls not modern and also I don't have premium licence, i have microsoft365 licence. Is that a limitation? Or can i fix that issue? Not only bold text even i have faced same issue for svg images (it shows blank when download)

[@RezaDorrani]

Pdf function is a standard action. There is no licensing needs here. Check documentation for limitations of pdf function. Not all controls are supported.

[@monavarthibalakrishna3915]

@@RezaDorrani Got it. Thanks for your response

[@DaHooka]

Nice would be to generate a PDF with attached pictures, as we now need to work that out with a power automate flow

[@DaHooka]

oh might be working if we have them all in one form, let me play with it :) Thanks for sharing

[@RezaDorrani]

Yes

[@iplt20cricket]

Need the PDF with page breaks , currently no way to do it :(

[@RezaDorrani]

That’s been a limitation ever since the function existed.

[@thomasboden4053]

Is there a way to generate the PDF and then upload it to sharepoint?

[@thomasboden4053]

I tried using your flow for uploading with the pdf variable as name and content but guessing im missing something

[@RezaDorrani]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXyWiKaghs6kmbMsi=XM9L5Ot-Hzkt-GnF

[@thomasboden4053]

@@RezaDorrani thank you kindly

[@umeshjyani7183]

Can anyone please help with this? In a Modern Table, how can we have a different onSelect action for every column? My task is to show a column with a ticket ID that appears as a link. When the user clicks on it, I want to navigate them to another screen. If this cannot be done in a Modern Table, how can we add a separator in a Classic Table?

[@RezaDorrani]

Modern table has an onselect function. There you can check to see the metadata of selected item and accordingly write your logic with if or switch statements.

[@madhats13]

Unfortunately, the PDFs generated with this method do not display checkboxes correctly - they always display as unchecked.

[@RezaDorrani]

Pdf function is an out of the box feature that is currently experimental. Probably there is a limitation with checkboxes

[@XV-x5]

In my worksheet, there are a lot of images where many of them do not appear when I generate the PDF. What is the solution?

[@RezaDorrani]

Worksheet?

[@XV-x5]

@@RezaDorrani sorry my container

[@RezaDorrani]

@XV-x5 I have not experienced any issue with it hence not sure. I suggest posting your issue on forums community.powerplatform.com/

[@XV-x5]

@@RezaDorrani Thanks

[@youthjeitana2935]

I try it but it "Couldn't download: No file", any help with this

[@youthjeitana2935]

Now it works when I copy from new modern form

[@RezaDorrani]

Looks like you got it to work based on your response comment

[@clerkb]

@@youthjeitana2935 i have similar case. Did you mean copy attachment control from new modem form for fixing ?

[@KI_Burgberg_DE]

PDF function is a mess. standard use case is e.g. you fill out a form and want to print a pdf-document. The page break, page counter, true type characters (formats, spaces..) - nothing you can use in a professional business.

[@RezaDorrani]

Try and use the word connector in that case and convert to pdf. Currently, pdf function is best for simple scenarios as the one showcased in video.

[@KI_Burgberg_DE]

@@RezaDorrani yes, you are right. Good advice

[@thomasboden4053]

Is there a way to create the pdf and automatically add it as an attachment to a form before it submits to a list?

[@RezaDorrani]

Probably possible. Not sure if I have covered this or not in one of my earlier pdf based videos.

[@thomasboden4053]

@@RezaDorrani yeah I’ve looked through and can’t see anything, all videos seem to have a manual selection of a file rather than it being automatically added

[@RezaDorrani]

I would suggest checking on the forums then in case someone has done something similar powerusers.microsoft.com/