Text input display existing value but also format as percentage

[entertain89]

I'm building a form in PowerApps where I have multiple text input fields where users can input goal percentages that are patched into a SharePoint list. I want these fields to display the numbers entered as percentages which I have working by modifying the following properties of the text input field:

OnChange: Set(var1,Value(DataCardValue104.Text)*100&"%")

Default: var1

However this removes my ability to display any existing values that may be present in the record stored in the list as this is accomplished using Parent.Default. My data card's default is 

ThisItem.'Column Name'

Is it possible to both display an existing value from the record (if present) as a percentage AND allow the user to enter new values that will be displayed as a percentage?

[SebS · Accepted solution]

@entertain89 

You can try

SubmitForm(Goals);SubmitForm(transactionLog);

Or just change patch to last example

[Chris-D]

@SebS my point in mentioning the user entering % sign was error checking. What if the user typed 'abcd'? 

[SebS]

@Chris-D 

If you use a standard InputText, this will be an issue, but we are talking about DataCardValue set to Number 🙂

This handles this validation automatically out of the box if set up right, and here is an example: when I try to enter any letters or even try to place more than one %

If You will use Standard Controls, You will need to handle Validation Yourself. That's why I do not recommend using

controls on its own when learning until You understand how basics work, as error handling and validation can be a pain for new users.  That's my opinion.

[entertain89]

I tried this and it's the same thing. It will take decimal inputs (.01) and whole numbers with the percentage sign (20%) but will not save regular whole numbers (15). I'm using the default edit and save controls at the top of the form.

I will try your patch suggestion as well but I'm wondering if I just don't need to rebuild the whole goals form from scratch. Maybe its bugged out somehow...

EDIT: I guess i had to set the rest of the form properties above to have both forms in it and now it works!

[entertain89]

I do have one more question since you've been so helpful. When bouncing between the two forms inputting values the goals form values seem to get cleared when I'm working in the transaction form. How do I prevent this? The transaction form doesn't seem to reset when I click out of it.

[Chris-D]

@SebS I didn't know that! I come from a development background and was instantly annoyed by how restrictive the built in form/data card is so I have always handled input myself. 

[SebS]

@entertain89 

I'm not sure it should not behave like that 😞

@Chris-D 

Forms are good tools for people new to creating apps. They sort dynamic resizing, validations and error handling out of the box  but there is a limit to customising them that's why a lot of more advance users picking normal controls and than creating them own Validations and Error Handling but this part is not easy and require more coding rather No Code approach personally if a project not require any fancy UI or weird control placement I will use Form it's easy and fast 🙂