Apps and Flows Lifecycle Management just got easier!
Starting today you can transport canvas apps and Flows in a Common Data Service solution file! This was a major ask from the maker community and now you can package multiple canvas apps and flows into one solution file then move those assets to another environment.
Why is this important?
The current canvas app and Flow import and export experience only allows for one app to be moved per zip file. If you are working on a project that involves multiple canvas apps and Flows for your department then you need to move those from development to production, this new enhancement will save you a significant amount of time. Using the Common Data Service solution system, which was established in 2011, you can take advantage of many enterprise class features along with packaging all the apps and Flows you need into one solution.
How to use it?
You will need an environment with a Common Data Service database enabled.
- Start from https://web.powerapps.com and select a Common Data Service environment
- In the navigation pane select Solution
- Select Common Data Services Default Solution as an example or any solution that is not managed externally
- Select New then Canvas App or Flow
Once you have created your canvas apps or Flow you can go back to the PowerApps portal and you will see your item added to that solution. Now that you have created a solution aware canvas app or Flow you will be able to add that to any other internally managed solution or add it to a new solution.
To add a solution aware item to your solution, do the following:
- Start from https://web.powerapps.com and select a Common Data Service environment
- In the navigation select Solution
- Select Common Data Services Default Solution as an example or any solution that is not managed externally
- Select Add existing then select Canvas App or Flow
- From there you will be able to select any solution aware item that is not already in your solution
Now that you have added items to your solution you can click on Export in the command bar and select how you want to export the solution. You can select managed or unmanaged then it will generate a zip file for you.
All you need to do now is import in your solution, follow these steps:
- Start from https://web.powerapps.com and select a Common Data Service environment
- In the navigation select Solution
- Select Import in the command bar
- Select the zip file that you downloaded
- Click Next to finish up the import
What’s next?
There are a few items to think about when you import in your canvas apps or Flows into a new environment. You will want to open each canvas app and Flow to make sure your connections are working as you expect. You may need to change a connection if your app is pointed to a development SharePoint list as an example.
We will be enhancing this experience as we go to add more features and make the overall experience easier and faster to use. For more detailed information, check out Linh’s blog on solutions in PowerApps.