Canvas App or Model-driven App?

Canvas App or Model-driven App?

If you’re looking to build a Power App, one of the first things you’ll need to decide is: Should I build a canvas or model-driven app? This blog will explore the differences between these two types of Power Apps and when you’d be likely to use each.

Let’s get started with some high-level feature comparisons between these two:

FeatureCanvas AppModel-driven App
DesignabilityCustom design, controls and components.Limited to configuration controls.
DatabaseMany possibilities using Power Automate connectors.Dataverse only.
Skill set requiredMay require more technical knowledge. Complex apps may take longer to build.Citizen developer. Quick to create.
ResponsiveOnly responsive when designed in this way.All automatically responsive.
AccessibilityAccessibility must be built into canvas apps.Accessibility features built-in natively.
Quick comparison of canvas vs model-driven apps.

What is a canvas app?

A canvas app starts with a blank screen. You design the app visually by adding components. After the design has been built, you add your data.

Canvas or model-driven app? The Expense report app, a canvas app example.
The expense report app, a canvas app.

What is a model-driven app?

Data is stored in Dataverse first. On top of that data structure, you build an app using a no-code / low-code platform.

Canvas or model-driven app? Dynamics 365 app, an example of a model-driven app
Dynamics 365 Sales Hub app, a model-driven app built on top of Dataverse.

Canvas App Examples

And here are some more resources on building apps using SharePoint, Excel and SQL databases:

Model-driven App Examples

Need help getting started?

Reenhanced is an app building expert. We’ve created canvas and model-driven apps that have helped businesses transform their operations. We would be happy to help you get started. Simply fill out the form below and we will be in touch.

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Heidi Neuhauser
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Heidi is a Partner at Reenhanced. She is a Microsoft MVP for Business Applications and is passionate about user adoption, out-of-the-box configuration tools, Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform.
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