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Working on multiple records in Model-Driven Apps: 6 Power Apps features you need

Model-driven apps in the Power Platform are built on a relational data model – which often means users need to switch between forms to open related records. This constant context switching can be inconvenient, especially when working several levels deep into relationships, reviewing or editing data along the way.

Fortunately, the system provides several built-in techniques that help minimize the need to constantly switch between forms. In this article, we’ll show how features such as Quick Create, Bulk Edit, Quick View Form, Form Component, Power Apps grid control, and Side Panes can create a smoother and more intuitive user experience in model-driven apps.

We’ll walk through the options step by step – starting with the simplest scenarios that only require out-of-the-box features, up to more advanced use cases that also leverage JavaScript.

Quick Create

Add related records without leaving your screen

In model-driven apps, users often need to add a related record without leaving the current form. For this purpose, there is the built-in Quick Create functionality, which can be enabled in the table settings.

Once enabled, the system will automatically open a Quick Create form in a side panel whenever the user chooses to create a new record – no matter where they are in the app. This shortens the workflow significantly and makes adding data much simpler.

Bulk Edit

Update multiple records in one step

Model-driven apps don’t require opening every record individually to make updates. With Bulk Edit, users can select multiple records in a list view and, with a single click on the Edit button in the ribbon, update selected fields across all of them at once.

For example: after meeting with a client, a Sales Manager learns that all open opportunities will be handled by a Purchasing Committee and should be planned for the next quarter. Using Bulk Edit, they can update the Purchase Timeframe and Purchase Process fields for all selected opportunities in one step.

Quick View Form

See related data instantly

Quick View Forms allow selected fields from a related record to be displayed directly on a form, without opening a separate window. This gives users instant access to key information in one place.

For example, on an Opportunity form you might add a Quick View Form from the Account entity. This way, a salesperson working on an opportunity can immediately see basic client data such as name, number, address, or primary contact – without changing context.

Form Components

Edit related data inline

Unlike Quick View Forms, which are read-only, the Form Component control allows users to edit related records directly from the parent form.

Previously, this required custom development, but Microsoft now provides it out of the box. By embedding a form of a related entity within the parent form, users can work with it as if it had been opened separately – complete with timeline, quick views, and all sections.

Adding it is straightforward: in the parent entity’s form editor, insert the Form Component control and point it to the entity and form you want to embed. From then on, the user sees a full-fledged related record form within the main form screen.

Account entity record form

Opportunity entity record form with the embedded related Account record form

Power Apps Grid Control

Compare and edit parent & child records together

Often, users need to quickly compare a parent record with its related child records. The Power Apps grid control enables nested subgrids that let users expand a list row to reveal associated lower-level records. This provides a consolidated view without drilling down through multiple forms.

For example, on an Account form, you can display a list of related Opportunities, and each Opportunity row can be expanded to show its Opportunity Products. This allows users to instantly see what deals are in progress and what products they involve – all without opening extra forms.

Additionally, Power Apps grid control supports inline edits on both parent and child records, filtering, sorting, grouping, summaries, multi-select, column reordering, and pagination. Bulk Edit can also be used here, letting users update multiple selected records (parent or child) at once.

Side Panes

Work on several records at once

One limitation of bulk edits is that the form closes automatically after saving. If users want to work on multiple records simultaneously and keep them open, Side Panes are a better option. By adding a custom ribbon button that runs JavaScript, records can be opened in a side panel on the right side of the app. This allows:
  • opening multiple records of different entities in parallel,
  • navigating freely in the app while keeping panels active,
  • closing panels at any time.
When multiple records are selected, each one opens in its own side pane, enabling genuine multitasking: comparing data, updating fields, and viewing details all at once. What’s more, even when switching to another view in the system, previously opened side panes remain active – keeping the full context of the work session.
This approach also solves a common frustration with lookups. Normally, clicking a lookup field opens the record in a new form, changing context. With a simple JavaScript snippet registered on form load, lookups can be configured to open in a side pane instead – faster, smoother, and without losing context.

Summary

Model-driven apps provide many built-in features that make working with multiple records more efficient. Quick Create speeds up adding data, Bulk Edit accelerates batch updates, Quick View Forms and Form Components provide inline viewing and editing, Power Apps grid control enables comparisons and child record visibility, and Side Panes allow parallel work on several forms.

Each of these features is useful on its own, but their real value comes when combined as part of a well-designed app. Together, they reduce wasted time on context switching and let users focus on what matters most: actually working with the data.

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