Power Platform Community Forum Thread Details

I have a somewhat more complex form which has mutiple strange problems.

I have a container with a set of icons that build a collection step by step (sequentially, so 1 calls 2, 2 calls 3 etc) to avoid one enormous code.

In this container I am not allowed to change the order of the icons anymore, just nos response from the editor if I try.

I rebuild the container with new icons, transplanting the code, same result. I can shift icons directly after creation but aftersaving and opening they are fixed.

Also in ths form I often have the problem of extreme waiting times for each letter typed in the editor.

The weirdest problem is that if I just rename one component in a gallery the editor takes forever and afterwards I have 17 seemingly completely unrelated errors throughout my app.

What would be the first thing to look for if I want to make this form sane again?

Categories:

Building Power Apps

Here are some steps I would take.

!!If this answer helped you solve this problem please mark it as answer!!

1. Investigate Collection Build-Up and Dependencies

Since you mentioned a step-by-step collection-building process using icons:

Check for recursive dependencies: If icon 1 calls icon 2, which calls icon 3, etc., this could create unintended loops or long execution chains.
Use ClearCollect instead of Collect: If each step modifies the same collection, try using ClearCollect() at the start to prevent unnecessary buildup.
Monitor collection sizes: Add a Label with CountRows(yourCollection) to see how large it gets.

2. Performance Optimization for Slow Typing in the Editor

Check for long formulas in OnChange or OnSelect properties: If controls have complex calculations, especially those referencing collections or LookUp functions, simplify them.
Reduce dependencies on dynamic calculations: Instead of referencing another control dynamically in multiple places (e.g., Gallery1.Selected.SomeValue), store the selected item in a variable (Set(selectedItem, Gallery1.Selected)) and reference selectedItem.SomeValue instead.
Use local variables (Set()) instead of global (UpdateContext()): PowerApps performs better when working with single-screen variables rather than global ones.

3. Container and Icon Order Issues

Possible Editor Bug: If the editor refuses to let you reorder icons inside a container, try:
1. Moving the entire container out, reordering icons outside, then moving it back.
2. Copying the container, pasting it into a new screen, making changes, then copying it back.
3. Checking if the container is locked (DisplayMode) or affected by an unexpected dependency.

4. Unexplained Errors After Renaming in a Gallery

Check for formula dependencies: If renaming a component triggers errors in unrelated parts, PowerApps may be struggling with internal dependencies. Try:
- Checking App > Variables to see what depends on the renamed component.
- Searching the entire app (Ctrl + Shift + F) for references to the old component name.
Manually update formulas: If renaming a component breaks other formulas, manually update them before the system auto-updates.
Test in a copy: Before renaming, duplicate the gallery and test changes in isolation.

5. General Debugging Tips

Turn off Experimental & Preview Features: Some PowerApps updates introduce bugs. Disable unnecessary experimental features via Settings > Upcoming Features.
Check for editor updates: If the issue persists across different apps, try a different browser or clear cache.
Profile the app performance: Use Monitor (Alt + Shift + M) to check for excessive API calls, large datasets, or slow functions.