How to Use SubmitForm() in Power Apps

Introduction

When you build a form in Power Apps (like a request form, incident form, or feedback form), you need a simple way to save the data back to your list or table. SubmitForm() is the easiest option for this when you are using an Edit Form control.

It works for both:

• Creating a new record

• Updating an existing record

Features

• Saves data from an Edit Form to your data source

• Automatically checks required fields and validations before saving

• Provides built-in events to handle success and failure:

  • OnSuccess: runs when the record is saved

  • OnFailure: runs when the save fails

• Lets you show user-friendly messages using Notify()

• Works nicely with NewForm(), EditForm(), and ResetForm()

Advantages

• Very easy for beginners

• Fast to build simple apps (Create / Update)

• Automatic validations reduce bad data

• Clean user experience when you use OnSuccess / OnFailure properly

• Ideal for SharePoint list forms and Dataverse forms

Disadvantages

 Not ideal for complex apps (multi-screen save, saving to multiple lists/tables, heavy logic)

 If you write Navigate() immediately after SubmitForm(), it may navigate even when save fails

 You are tied to form controls and data cards (less flexible than Patch for advanced scenarios)

Step-by-Step: Build a Simple App Using SubmitForm()

Step 1: Open Power Apps

1. Open https://apps.powerapps.com

2. Sign in

Step 2: Create a Canvas App

1. Click Create

2. Select Canvas app from blank

1. Give a name (example: MySubmitFormDemo)

2. Choose Responsive , Tablet or Phone

Step 3: Add a Data Source (SharePoint list )

1. In left menu, click Data

2. Click Add data

3. Select SharePoint

4. Choose your site

1. Select your list

Step 4: Add an Edit Form

1. Go to Insert → Forms → Edit form ( Update

1. Select the form

2. Set Data Source to your list

Step 5: Add fields to the form

1. Click Edit fields

1. Add the columns you want

Step 6: Add a Submit button

1. Insert → Button

2. Rename it to btnSubmit

1. Set Text = Submit

Step 7: Use SubmitForm() on the button

Conclusion

SubmitForm() is the easiest way to save form data in Power Apps. It handles validation for you, and lets you show clear messages for success or failure. For simple apps, it’s the best starting point. If your app needs more advanced logic, consider using Patch().