How do I start creating the Custom Connector in Power Apps from Scratch?

To start creating a custom connector from scratch in Power Apps, you need to sign in, access the Custom connectors section, and create a new custom connector from blank. The article explains the step-by-step process.

How do I choose the authentication type for the Power Apps Custom Connector Security?

In the Security tab of the custom connector, you can choose the authentication type that best suits your needs. Options include No Authentication, API Key, OAuth2, and others.

How do I define the Custom Connector in Power Apps?

The Definition tab of the custom connector allows you to create a new action, import the request and response from a sample, and specify other details. The article provides step-by-step instructions for this process.

What is the process for Testing the Custom Connector in Power Apps?

Testing the custom connector involves creating the connector, establishing a connection, and then testing the operation to verify its functionality. The article guides you through the testing process.

What are the benefits of using Power Apps?

Using Power Apps offers several benefits, including rapid application development, integration with various web services, simplified app creation and deployment, streamlined data integration and automation, and a user-friendly interface for both developers and end-users.

How do I import an existing custom connector in Power Apps?

To import an existing custom connector, go to Custom connectors tab and select New custom connector. Choose 'Import an OpenAPI file' or 'Import a Postman collection' and follow the provided steps in the article for importing the connector.

Is creating custom connectors in Powerapps difficult?

While it may seem daunting at first, Powerapps provides an intuitive interface, making the process relatively straightforward, even for beginners.

What are the benefits of using custom connectors?

Custom connectors empower you to extend the functionality of your apps by integrating them with external services, opening up endless possibilities for automation and data manipulation.

Can I share my custom connectors with others?

Yes, you can share your custom connectors with colleagues and collaborators, enhancing collaboration and productivity.

Are there any limitations to custom connectors in Powerapps?

Custom connectors do have certain limitations, such as rate limits imposed by external services. It's essential to be aware of these constraints when designing your connectors.

How to Create a Custom Connector in Powerapps

Q: How to Create a Custom Connector in Power Apps?

To create a custom connector in Power Apps, you can either start from scratch or import an existing definition file. Follow the provided steps in the article for detailed instructions.

Q: What is a PowerApps Custom Connector?

A custom connector in Power Apps allows you to connect your custom APIs to Microsoft Power Apps or Microsoft Power Automate and Azure Logic Apps. It acts as a wrapper around an API for communication purposes.

Q: How to configure a Custom Connector in Power Apps to call an API?

To configure a custom connector in Power Apps to call an API, you have two scenarios: creating a new custom connector from scratch or creating one from an existing definition file. Each scenario has its own steps, which are explained in detail in the article.

Q: What is the API Information for the PowerApps Custom Connector example?

The API used for the PowerApps Custom Connector example is called Reqres, a free REST-API that is ready to respond to your AJAX. The article provides the URL and other relevant details for this API.

Q: How can I export/download an existing custom connector on Power Apps?

To export/download an existing custom connector, find the desired connector, and use the download option provided. The article explains this process.

In today’s digital age, harnessing the full potential of technology is vital for businesses and individuals alike. One tool that has revolutionized app development is Microsoft Power Apps. If you want to take your app-building skills to the next level, you need to know how to create a custom connector in PowerApps. Today, will guide you through the process, step by step, ensuring you unlock the true power of this remarkable platform.

Custom Connector in Powerapps

PowerApps is an incredibly versatile platform, but its true magic happens when you create custom connectors. These connectors allow you to integrate your apps with various data sources, extending their functionality and making them more powerful. Let’s dive right in and explore how to create a custom connector in PowerApps.

Do you want to know more details about how to create Custom Connector in PowerApps / Power Automate?

We will detail the different options and scenarios of how to create a Custom Connector in Powerapps / (or on Power Automate).

Microsoft Power Apps / Microsoft Power Automate allows you to connect to almost every web service out there. There are a wide variety of connectors available for you to use.

If you need a connector that doesn’t exist yet, you can create your own Custom Connector. You can even create custom connectors for any web service with an API.

Power Apps Custom Connector / APIs: A Table Guide

Creating custom connectors in PowerApps is vital for unlocking the platform’s full potential, facilitating seamless integration with various data sources.Creating custom connectors in PowerApps is vital for unlocking the platform’s full potential, facilitating seamless integration with various data sources.

Section	Details
Introduction	– Microsoft Power Apps & Creating custom connectors for skill enhancement.
Custom Connectors in PowerApps	– Essential for extending app functionality via diverse data source integration. – Act as bridges between PowerApps and external services, enhancing app power.
Getting Started	– Prerequisites: Power Apps account, API access, basic REST API knowledge. – Custom connectors act as API wrappers for effective communication.
Configuration	– Two scenarios: creating a new custom connector or importing from an existing definition file. – Detailed steps for custom connector creation, covering general details, security, and definition setup.
API Information	– Example API (Reqres) used for demonstration with URL and method details.
Testing Custom Connector	– Step-by-step process for testing custom connectors in PowerApps. – Involves creating a connection and testing operations.
Power Apps Integration	– Steps for integrating custom connectors, with verification in the Data pane. – Creation of a new Gallery for utilizing the Custom Connector and API.
Additional Scenarios	– Export/download options for custom connectors. – Importing existing connectors from OpenAPI files.

Getting Started: What is a PowerApps Custom Connector?

A custom connector is a tool that allows you to connect your custom APIs to the Microsoft Power Apps or Microsoft Power Automate and Azure Logic Apps.

A Custom Connector is a wrapper around an API that allows communication.
Custom connectors act as bridges between PowerApps and external services (APIs) or data sources. They enable you to access, retrieve, and manipulate data, expanding the capabilities of your apps.

Custom Connector in Powerapps architecture

How to configure a Custom Connector in Power Apps to call an API?

For adding an API in Power Apps or Power Automate, there are different options available, which can be resume in 2 scenarios:

Scenario 1: Create a new custom connector from scratch (New).
Scenario 2: Create a new custom connector from an existing definition file (Import).

Creating a Custom Connector: Prerequisites

Before you embark on your custom connector journey, ensure you have the following in place:

Microsoft Power Apps: You must have a Power Apps account to create custom connectors.
Access to the API: You’ll need access to the API of the service or data source you want to connect to.
Basic knowledge of REST APIs: Familiarize yourself with REST APIs, as custom connectors are typically built around them.

API Information for the PowerApps Custom Connector example

For this example, we will be using a free API called Reqres.

Reqres – is a hosted REST-API ready to respond to your AJAX

URL: https://reqres.in
API Get List of users method: https://reqres.in/api/users

Scenario #1- Start Creating a Custom Connector in Power Apps from Scratch

You will need to:

1- Sign in to Power Apps or Power Automate.
2- Select Custom connectors (Navigation pane on the left).

Update: Where is the Custom Connector tab in Power Apps? 👇 On the latest version of Power Apps Studio, the Custom Connector tab is no longer available by default. 👇

3- Select New custom Connector -> choose to Create from blank.

4-Enter a name for the custom connector, then select “Continue“.
Important: Notice that nowadays after creating the Connector, you cannot change the Connector name.

Step 1: General details of the API and Power Apps Connector

On the General tab:

In the Description field, enter a meaningful value. This description will appear in the custom connector’s details, and it can help others know if the connector could be useful to them. Example with: test api
Schema: HTTP or HTTPS. Example with: HTTPS
Update Host to the address for the API Url. The connector uses the API host and the base URL to determine how to call the API. Example with: reqres.in

Note: Not enter the full API URL, as you select first the Schema (HTTP/HTTPS)

Select on Security to continue.

Step 2: Power Apps Custom Connector Security: Choose authentication type

On the Security tab:

2.1- Choose the authentication type. Example with: No Authentication.

Select on Definition to continue.

Power Apps Custom Connector Authentication

Step 3: Custom Connector in Powerapps definition

On the Definition tab:

PowerApps Custom Connector API Definition

3.1- Create a New Action – Actions > Select New Action

3.2- Complete the Summary / Description / Operation ID for the new action.

3.3- Request – Import from sample – Get List

Select Import from sample.
Example with:
Verb: GET
URL: https://reqres.in/api/users
Click Import

3.4- Response – Add default response – JSON Get List Response

Select Add default response

3.5- Select Import from sample

3.6- Copy a RAW JSON response from URL

In example case from the URL: https://reqres.in/api/users

Or Copy an RAW JSON response from Postman:

3.7- Paste Body example (as shown below):

Then, select Import

Finally you will see the properties loaded in the response.

3.8- Select on Code to continue.

Step 4: (Optional) Using custom code on a Custom Connector in Power Apps

This step is optional. You can complete creating your connector by passing this step and going to Step 5: Test the Custom Connector in Powerapps.

Using C# code, you can transform request and response payload data beyond the scope of existing policies. Transformations include sending an external request to fetch additional data.

On the Code tab:

4.1- Select on Test to continue.

Step 5: Test the Custom Connector in Powerapps

On the Test tab:

For testing:

First, you have to create the connector and create a connection. Don’t worry, have the steps before.

5.1- Create Connector

Select Create Connector.

5.2- Create a new connection

Select New Connection.
Then, select Create.

5.3- Test Operation

Select Test Operation.

Congratulations! Now you are done, you can use the Custom Connector in Power Apps or Power Automate (ex Flows).

Select Close

Register and use Custom APIs in PowerApps

5 benefit of using Power Apps

How to export/download an existing custom connector on PowerApps?

It is a Best Practice to download all your connectors and use GIT or any other source code management system to save the files.

Easy, Select download on the custom connector:

How to download a Custom Connector in Power Apps or Power Automate

Scenario #2: How to import an existing custom connector in PowerApps?

1- Select Custom connectors (Navigation pane on the left).

2- Select New custom connector, then choose Import an OpenAPI file.

Note: Another good option is to import a Postman collection (previously, you need export the Collection from Postman).

Insert the new name of the custom connector.
Then, select import for searching the file (select your file).
Finally, select Create.

Download working example: API-Test-Connector.swagger.v1.json

Finally, Select Create Connector

Integrating PowerApps with APIs (Custom Connector):

1- Sign in to Power Apps.

2- Create a new app or use an existing one.

Home > Blank app

3- Add the existing Custom Connector:

On the left pane, Data, Select Add Data,
Select Connectors tab or Find your custom connector name on the list.
Select the custom connector (it will load and create a connection).

4- Verify the Custom Connector:

In the list of connectors, select the custom connector.
On the Data pane, verify that the custom Connector (in this example APITestConnector) is listed.

5- We will add a new Gallery to use the Custom Connector and API.

-Insert a Gallery (example vertical).

6- On the Gallery properties, set Items:

APITestConnector.GetUsers().data

7- Change image property to “API.Response.data.avatar”

ThisItem.avatar

8- Change the Text property to:

ThisItem.first_name & ” ” ThisItem.last_name

9- Final Result

Congratulations! Now you are done!. You created a custom connector in Power Apps from Scratch and integrated it into a Canvas Power App.

End To End Power Apps with Custom REST API

Power Apps Premium Connector pricing and cost

Important: A premium license is required for using custom connectors.
Power Apps pricing

Creating a Custom Connector in Power Apps - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

Creating a custom connector in Power Apps might seem like a complex task, but it is the key to unlocking the platform’s full potential.and extend the capabilities of your apps. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently build custom connectors tailored to your specific needs.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a custom connector expert. So, don’t hesitate—start creating custom connectors today and unleash the true power of Power Apps!

Power Apps Tutorials:

Do you want to continue learning about Power Apps? Take a look at the simple and easy Tutorial for beginners 👨‍💻👩‍💻 to Create an application with a Sharepoint List or with Excel: