How to create apps with Microsoft Copilot in Power Apps

Would you like to build a functional app without struggling with code or drawing screens from scratch? With Power Apps and the boost from Copilot, that's now possible: you describe what you want in your own words and the IA Build the base for yourself. The beauty of Copilot is transforming natural language into real apps.with data, tables and relationships ready for you to start working without wasting time on the most tedious part.

In short, Copilot acts as an assistant within Power Apps that understands you and translates your needs into concrete elements: Microsoft Dataverse tables, canvas app screens, and even proposals for relationships between entities. The result is a very useful prototype (or a complete app if it's not too complex) which you can fine-tune by asking Copilot for more changes, also using natural language, as if you were chatting with someone from the team.

What is Copilot in Power Apps and what does it allow?

Copilot integrates seamlessly with the Power Apps interface to guide you through creating and improving your canvas app. Accessing it from the homepage, you can specify what information you want to collect, manage, or display, and Copilot will generate one or more tables in Dataverse as a basis. This speeds up the Boot of the project and avoids the manual configuration of data structureswhich is usually what holds non-technical teams back the most.

From there, you can continue using Copilot to request adjustments: add columns, change data types, create new related tables, or introduce basic logic. The goal is for creation and iteration to be seamless., without jumping between menus or touching complex expressions while you shape your solution.

Previous requirements

To work with Copilot in Power Apps, simply log in and have the appropriate permissions in your environment. With that, you can now open the Copilot guided experience from the home page and start describing your use case. If you're going to expand capabilities (for example, integrating workflows or using co-pilots within the app), it's advisable to have a development or testing environment.

In the world of Microsoft 365 Copilot there is also App Builder, a specific agent for lightweight apps that, for the moment, requires being in the Frontier program and adding it from the Agent Store. If your organization allows installation, you can use App Builder after searching for and installing it from "Built by Microsoft", "Agents", or "Productivity". in the Store panel; then you'll see it as "App Builder" in the Copilot Agents menu.

Creating an app with Copilot: a practical example

Let's look at a direct example: tracking cleaning tasks in a hotel. The workflow to get started is very simple and can serve as a template for other business scenarios. The idea is to see how Copilot turns a short request into tables and a functional canvas app. in a matter of minutes.

1. Access Power AppsLog in with your corporate or educational account.
2. In the left panel, choose Create > Get started with Copilot to open the wizard.
3. Write your request in natural language. For example: "I need to manage the housekeeping tasks of a hotel.".
4. Select if you want a single table or multiple tables and press Generate to have Copilot build the database in Dataverse.

With that request, Copilot will propose one or more tables with sample data and relationships suitable for representing the usual cleaning tasks. You will obtain an initial structure ready to review and adjust before creating your canvas app.

Review and refine the generated tables

After generation, Copilot shows you the suggested tables, their columns, and the detected relationships. This is a good time to confirm that the fields meet your needs or to request changes using free text. Pre-reviewing prevents rework when moving to the app interface and clearly defines the foundations of the data model.

What you will see on the review screen

In addition to the view of tables and relationships, the interface includes key elements to continue iterating without leaving the assisted experience. These shortcuts help you edit, request samples, or close the data design phase when everything is correct.

1. Edit: Opens the designer to edit existing tables or create new ones.
2. Copilot text box: asks Copilot for specific changes (columns, relationships, new tables, etc.).
3. View ad suggestionsExamples of instructions you can give Copilot for inspiration.
4. Save and open the applicationConfirm the tables and jump to creating the canvas app; if you need to go back, use the Back button.

Request changes using natural language

If you notice something is missing, simply tell Copilot. For example, you can request "Add columns to control the start and end time of each cleaning"The wizard will add those columns (e.g., "Start Time" and "End Time") to the corresponding table without you having to touch anything else.

The same process can be used to enter a room status, adjust room types, or set priorities for each room. When you have it ready, choose "Save and open application" to build the app. and you can see the interface generated with the logic and data you defined.

Types of applications in Power Apps and their strengths

Power Apps is a high-productivity platform designed to build low-friction business applications. Its main pillars are: Canvas apps, model-driven apps, and the Microsoft Dataverse data platform, which works at the heart of the solution to manage information in a secure and structured way.

Canvas Apps

Canvas apps give you design freedom. You start with virtually a blank canvas to compose highly customized screens and user flows, connecting with more than 200 data sources (Microsoft 365, Dataverse, SQL, SharePoint(and many more). They can be used from web, mobiles and tablets, and are ideal when user experience is paramount.

With Copilot, you can also start the app by typing what you need and let the AI ​​suggest basic structures and screens. This reduces There prototyping and accelerates user validation, which they will be able to test as soon as possible on a live interface.

Model-driven applications

In model-driven apps, you first define the data model in the Dataverse and then a consistent interface is generated with forms, views, and navigation. It is a process- and entity-driven approach, very effective when your business fits well with solid tables and relationships from the start.

The platform allows you to configure business rules, process flows, and make the most of the Dataverse. Additionally, you can embed canvas-like pages within model-driven apps. (custom pages), combining the best of both worlds: free design where you need it and governed structure in the rest.

Dataverse, the enterprise database of Power Apps

Dataverse is the data layer designed to securely store and model business information. It is, in fact, the platform that supports Dynamics 365 apps such as Sales, Customer Service, and Field Service. If your company already uses Dynamics 365, your data lives in the Dataverse.This makes it easier to connect them with new apps and automations.

It works with standard and custom tables, adds columns when needed, and defines relationships precisely. Security, access control, and governance are integrated.so that IT can ensure compliance without hindering the productivity of business teams.

Plan Designer in Copilot for Power Apps

New for Microsoft is the integration of Plan Designer within Power Apps, powered by Copilot. This tool allows you to describe your needs and receive automatic responses. applications, flows, and tables that serve as a reliable foundation for your solution. It's a way to orchestrate components from a single location, without switching between tools.

With Plan Designer, creation is no longer manual at the start, and Copilot translates ideas into ready-to-use assets. Development is accelerating and the team is focused on delivering value Instead of struggling with the initial setup. All without leaving Power Apps, making it easier to design and deploy with less friction.

App Builder in Microsoft 365 Copilot

Advantages of the Application Generator

• Express prototyping: validates ideas in a very short time.
• From complex data to visuals: transforms data sets into interactive elements.
• Safe productivityCreate utilities for yourself or your team using the Microsoft 365 framework.
• Chat iteration: fine-tune the app by talking to Copilot and seeing changes instantly.
• Share and implementDistribute the app to improve collaboration and efficiency.
• Company sources: uses information from documents, spreadsheets, and other sources.

App Builder Prerequisites

To use App Builder, you must be in the Frontier program and add the agent from the Microsoft 365 Copilot Agent Store. The administrator can manage availability and permissions. from the Microsoft 365 admin center and, in parallel, from the Power Platform admin center as part of the ALM cycle.

1. Log in in Microsoft 365 Copilot.
2. In the left menu, go to Chat > ​​All agents.
3. Search in Created by Microsoft, Agents or Productivity the App Builder agent (Frontier).
4. Install it. It will appear as "App Builder" Under Agents.

Create an app with App Builder

Describe the problem or application type, reference data from Microsoft 365 (meetings, messages, documents, sheets), and even upload images as a visual guide (although they are no longer used for generation). App Builder will define a data schema and create a basic interface to enter and view information.

1. Open App Builder from Agents in Microsoft 365 Copilot.
2. Write your message. For example: "I want a demo log sheet to track sessions.".
3. Review how it generates the base table (e.g., demo records) and the UI for working with it.
4. Request improvements: "Displays attendees as cards"Add fields, etc. Changes are reflected instantly.

Try, share, and delete

To validate functionality, run the app from the list or from the edit view and check its behavior as an end user. If you share it, it creates a link that others in your organization can open. (Keep in mind that access includes app data, so share it responsibly).

1. Play (creators): Play button next to the app or from the editor.
2. Play (users): open the link that has been shared with you.
3. ShareIn the app, tap the Share button to get the link.
4. Delete: Delete icon to remove the app; access is lost for everyone and it is not reversible.

Known limitations of App Builder

1. Ignored images During generation: you can attach them for reference, but they are not used to build the app.
2. Several agents at the same time They can provoke contradictory or confusing responses.
3. Read-only list columnsThey cannot be edited after creation; however, you can add new rows.
4. No data is added to Lists after generation in certain cases.
5. Fixed app name Once created: it does not allow name changes.
6. Without external APIsFor security reasons, the app cannot call external services.
7. Predefined packages: only uses included libraries (e.g., D3.js for graphics, Lucide for icons).
8. Code that is neither visible nor editable for the creators.
9. Third-party cookies enabledThe block prevents the app from opening.
10. SharePoint separatelyWhen you delete the app, the associated site is not automatically deleted.
11. Possible blank screens or occasional errors: asks the Generator to correct it; it will try to adjust the code and, if not, Find solutions if Copilot isn't working..

If you need additional details about App Builder, there is a section on frequently asked questions which you can access within the Microsoft 365 Copilot ecosystem. It's a good resource for resolving specific doubts. about usage and availability.

Copilot within learning apps and experiences

Copilot isn't just for creating; you can also incorporate it into your own applications so users can ask questions or perform actions in the context of their data. This multiplies the value of the app because it provides real-time answers and automation.without people leaving the interface where they work daily.

If you want to get up to speed with these capabilities, there are learning paths that explain how to accelerate Power Platform solutions with Copilot and GPT. The experiences covered include "Excel to Power App", Power Apps Copilot, and Power Automate Copilot.AI Builder to generate text with GPT via a request, Power Pages Copilot and creating copilots with natural language.

Plan your app or project in Power Apps

To turn ideas into complete solutions, it's worth dedicating some time to planning: what data do you manage?, who uses the app?, what processes should be reflected? The better you define requirements and security, the easier it will be to manage the solution and fit it into your organization without surprises.

Why low-code with Copilot makes a difference

1) Launch apps in less time

The combination of low-code and AI shortens the lifecycle from idea to app. Copilot is capable of generate tables, relationships and prototypes in minutes, which speeds up validations and reduces manual effort. If the case is simple, you can even end up with a complete, ready-to-use app.

2) Request changes using natural language

You don't need to remember menus or functions: you say what you want and Copilot applies it. "Add a column to record breaks" or "create a field for the department" These are instructions that the assistant understands and executes, avoiding errors and speeding up the adjustments.

3) Democratize the creation of solutions

People with no coding experience can build useful tools for their daily work. The interface is simple, the wizard guides, and the organization leverages internal talent. This reduces the entry curve and distributes the responsibility for innovation. among more profiles, without sacrificing IT control and security.

Recommended first steps with Copilot in Power Apps

If you're in a hurry and want tangible results, follow this brief guideline: Start from the initial screen and describe in detail what you needClearly defining the data, relationships, and examples of fields will result in a prototype closer to your desired outcome and require fewer iterations.

1. Access to Copilot from the home page.
2. describe the app you want to build, with all the useful nuances.
3. Let Copilot generate the tables in Dataverse.
4. Review and request changes in additional columns, relationships, or tables.
5. Take advantage of their suggestions to finish and create the app.
6. save it when it's to your liking.

Tip: Integrate Copilot into your app too.

In addition to using Copilot to build, you can configure a co-pilot within the application itself This allows users to access data, get answers, or complete guided tasks without leaving their workflow. It's a way to transform the app into a smarter, more conversational space.

Partners, consulting and specialized training

If your organization prefers to work with specialists, there are Microsoft partner technology consulting firms focused on Business Intelligence, Data & Business Applications, Modern Workplace and Artificial IntelligenceThese companies, such as Aglaia, offer support and knowledge transfer to help you get the most out of Power Platform and Microsoft 365.

You can count on consulting services and training plans InCompany, face-to-face (InClass) and 100% onlineThese courses are designed to guide your teams from beginner to advanced Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power Pages. Being a Microsoft partner provides added confidence and access to best practices and up-to-date content. If you need to accelerate a project or train the team, it's a highly recommended option..

Copilot fits perfectly into Power Apps because it removes friction where it hurts the most: modeling data, prototyping screens, and adjusting details on demand. Between the solid foundation of Dataverse, the flexibility of canvas apps, the structured approach of model-driven apps, Plan Designer, and the App Builder agentYou have a complete range of options to tackle everything from quick utilities to enterprise solutions. If you clearly define the use case and leverage iteration with natural language, you'll move from idea to real-world use with a speed and quality that, not long ago, seemed like science fiction.