Handling OFFLINE images from PowerApps to Sharepoint List and Folder

[PowerAppsNewb]

Hi All,

Ultra newbie beginner with PowerApps here. I have been watching videos and reading blog posts. I was reading this post in particular: http://www.cleverworkarounds.com/2019/06/08/getting-pics-to-sharepoint-from-powerapps-is-getting-eas...

I am trying to build offline inspection forms which will have text entries and multiple images taken by the iPad -> then output data to a Sharepoint list, with text entries in different columns, with images entered as URLs, while the images are stored in the Sharepoint folders when the iPad goes online.

Note that the app will mostly be used offline and the data will just be uploaded at the end of the day once the inspector goes back to the office.

What I have done so far:

1. Managed to use local collection for text entries then collect to Sharepoint list when online.

2. Managed to save photos to local collection, but no luck on updating lists with URL entry once online.

I would like to do the following:

1. While offline, input text entries, take photos, and assign URL (if possible), then make URL entry as text to local collections.

2. When online, collect all local collections entries with URL to SharePoint list, and then upload photos to SharePoint folders.

Questions:

1. Can I use the same collection for text entries and photos?

2. Is it possible to pre-assign URL to images while offline so a column text entry can be created with the image URL while offline?

3. If NO to Question 2,  how can I put the URL entries to the same row of entry (or same inspection entry) once online?

4. I assume Flow only gets triggered while online, am I right?

Note that there maybe multiple URL entries. in one column.

Thanks in advance!

[WarrenBelz]

Hi @PowerAppsNewb ,

Answering your specific questions

1. Can I use the same collection for text entries and photos?
   If you are referring to a data source only if you use a Library and put the metadata in there. You could conceivably put images and text in one collection, but if you have a one-to-many relationship (many photos) it would not be a good idea.
2. Is it possible to pre-assign URL to images while offline so a column text entry can be created with the image URL while offline?
   No
3. If NO to Question 2,  how can I put the URL entries to the same row of entry (or same inspection entry) once online?
   With a fairly complex process in a Flow returning a value
4. I assume Flow only gets triggered while online, am I right?
   Yes

This is only my opinion, but if you are new to Power Apps, this is not the first project to embark on.

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[v-siky-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @PowerAppsNewb ,

It is not possible to assign the URL for photos when Offline. 

I think all your needs can be achieved by one flow which is triggered when Online.  I made some modification on the steps provided by the blog, please have a try.

1. modify the Collection function in AddMediaButton1.OnSelect as follows, add Text entries into the collection. 

Note: The JSON schema also needs to be modified accordingly. 

Collect(ColImage, {Pic: UploadedImage1.Image, Name: Rand() & ".jpg",Title:TextInputName.Text})

2. Modify the JSON schema as mentioned above, add a Title property.

{
    "type": "array",
    "items": {
        "type": "object",
        "properties": {
            "Name": {
                "type": "string"
            },
            "Pic": {
                "type": "string"
            },
            "Title": {
                "type": "string"
            }
        }
    }
}

3. Add a 'Create sharing link for a file or folder' action to get URL of the image, the Settings are as follows:

4. Add a 'Create item' action to save URL and other text entries to SharePoint list. Title is selected from 'Parse Json' action and Sharing Link is selected from the above action.

Then, when offline, save text entries and photos into collection, when online, save text entries and images to SharePoint list.

Test Result: 

Hope this helps.

Sik

[WarrenBelz]

Hi @PowerAppsNewb ,

If your progress in your Power Apps journey allows you to follow the detailed response from @v-siky-msft , I suggest you do so.

[sohilbhalla]

Hi @PowerAppsNewb @WarrenBelz 

I am developing a similar app that will store images locally, as it will be running in offline mode. Just wanted to check, did you face any issues with storing images locally with respect to the memory constraints. Also, Based on your experience do you recommend any number of images which can be stored safely locally without crashing the app?