Canvas Apps with Copilot Control are changing the way people build and use apps in Microsoft Power Apps. This smart AI tool helps users talk to their data using simple, everyday language. It gives quick insights and makes tasks easier, helping apps work better and faster. In this guide, we’ll explore how to use Copilot Control to make your canvas apps more powerful and user-friendly. 

What is the Copilot Control? 

Copilot Control is a smart AI assistant built into Canvas Apps in Power Apps. It uses Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI technology to help users work with data more easily. Instead of writing complex formulas or searching through menus, users can just type or speak what they need in plain language—like having a conversation. 

For example, you can ask it to show insights, open a screen, or even send an email. It makes apps more interactive and helps users get things done faster. 

Key Features of Canvas Apps with Copilot Control 

  • Talk Naturally: You can ask questions or give commands using everyday language. 
  • Smart Insights: It quickly shows useful information from your Dataverse data. 
  • Acts: It can do things inside the app, like move to another screen or start a workflow. 
  • Customizable: You can change how it looks and works to match your app’s style and needs. 

Getting Started with Canvas Apps with Copilot Control 

Before you start using Copilot Control in your canvas apps, make sure you have these things ready: 

  • Right Environment: Check that your Power Apps setup meets the requirements listed in the Copilot overview. 
  • Feature Turned On: A Power Platform admin needs to enable Copilot Control from the Power Platform admin center. 
  • Data Source Ready: You must have a Dataverse table set up, because Copilot Control only works with Dataverse for now. 

Note: Copilot control is currently a preview feature and is not intended for production use. It may have limited functionality and could undergo significant changes in future updates. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Canvas Apps with Copilot Control 

1. Turn On Copilot Features 

  • Open your canvas app in Power Apps Studio. 
  • Click on Settings in the top menu, then go to Updates. 
  • Open the Preview tab. 
  • Turn on both Copilot component and Edit in Copilot Studio options. 

2. Add the Copilot Control 

  • In the left menu, go to Insert > Copilot (preview). 
  • Click to add the Copilot Control to your canvas app. 
  • Connect it to a Dataverse table by setting the Items property. 

3. Customize Your Copilot 

Select the Copilot Control and click Edit in Copilot Studio. 

In Copilot Studio, you can: 

  • Define Topics: Choose what kind of data or questions Copilot should focus on. 
  • Set Actions: Decide what Copilot can do, like open screens or create records. 
  • Customize Responses: Change how Copilot talks to match your app’s tone. 
  • Configure Behavior: Set how Copilot handles errors and user feedback. 

Tips for Better Customization 

  • Know Your Users: Think about what users usually ask or do, and set up Copilot to help with those tasks. 
  • Keep It Consistent: Make sure Copilot’s replies match your brand’s style and tone. 
  • Test Often: Try out Copilot regularly to make sure it works well and fix any issues. 

Maximizing the Experience with Canvas Apps and Copilot Control 

Collecting Feedback 

Copilot Control includes a built-in feedback option. Users can rate answers or leave comments, which helps improve how the AI responds over time. 
If you don’t want users to give feedback, you can turn it off by changing the “Allow users to provide feedback” setting in the Copilot’s properties. 

Empowering Users 

  • Real-Time Help: Users can interact with data instantly, without clicking through multiple screens. 
  • Easy to Use: Even users who don’t know much about the data structure can use the app easily. 
  • Saves Time: Copilot handles routine tasks, so users can focus on more important work. 

Why Use Canvas Apps with Copilot Control? 

1. Get More Done 

  • Faster Workflows: Users can complete tasks quickly by just typing what they need. 
  • Smart Suggestions: Copilot gives helpful ideas and data insights that would take time to find manually. 

2. Make It Your Own 

  • Custom Fit: You can adjust Copilot to match your users’ needs and how your business works. 
  • Easy to Grow: As your app grows, you can update Copilot to handle new tasks and features. 

3. Ready for the Future 

  • Stay Ahead: Using Copilot early shows your organization is leading in Power Apps innovation. 
  • Always Improving: Microsoft keeps adding new features, so your Copilot gets better over time. 

Best Practices for Using Copilot Control 

  • Data Security: Make sure Copilot only accesses data that follows your organization’s security rules. Protect sensitive information at all times. 
  • User Training: Help users understand how to interact with Copilot so they can get the most out of it. 
  • Monitor Performance: Regularly check how Copilot is working to find areas for improvement and ensure it meets user needs. 
  • Stay Updated: Keep track of Microsoft’s updates to Copilot features, especially since it’s still in preview and may change. 

Conclusion 

AI-powered tools are changing the way we build and use apps, making them smarter, faster, and easier to interact with. By integrating features that support natural language and intelligent automation, organizations can improve user experience and streamline workflows. Embracing these innovations helps teams stay ahead and build solutions that are both powerful and user-friendly.