How to Add Attachment Control to Canvas App

Adding an attachment control to your Power Apps canvas app allows users to easily upload files associated with specific records or items from your data source. This control is particularly useful when working with data sources like SharePoint lists, Dataverse tables, or SQL Server databases that support file attachments.

The most common way to add an attachment control is by integrating it within a form connected to a data source that supports attachments. This will allow the users to attach files to this specific list item, as mentioned in the reference.

Steps to Add an Attachment Control

While you can insert the control directly, it's most effective when used within an Edit or Display form linked to a data source.

1. Add or Select a Form: If you don't already have one, add an "Edit form" or "Display form" control to your screen from the Insert tab. Connect this form to your desired data source (e.g., a SharePoint list).
2. Connect Data Source: Set the DataSource property of the form to your list or table. Set the Item property to the specific record you want to work with (e.g., Gallery.Selected or Defaults('YourListName') for a new item).
3. Add the Attachments Field:
   • Select the form control.
   • In the properties pane on the right, click Edit fields.
   • Click Add field.
   • Find and select the Attachments field from the list (this field must exist in your data source schema).
   • Click Add.
   • The Attachment control will be automatically added to your form, typically within a Data card.

Alternatively, you can insert the control directly, though connecting it to a specific record requires more manual configuration:

1. Go to the Insert tab.
2. Expand Media or Input.
3. Select Attachment.

However, the form method is standard as it automatically handles the connection to the current record's attachments.

Capabilities of the Attachment Control

Once added, the attachment control provides several features for file management:

• Attach Files: Users can click the control to open a file browser and select files to upload.
• Attach to Record: Files are automatically associated with the specific record being displayed or edited in the connected form (e.g., a SharePoint list item).
• Multiple Files: Users can also select multiple files at once.
• Drag and Drop: Users can select multiple files and drag and drop them right in here.
• View Attached Files: Lists files already attached to the record.
• Delete Attached Files: Allows users to remove files.

Common Use Cases

• Adding supporting documents to a task or work order.
• Uploading photos or scans related to an inspection report.
• Attaching resumes or cover letters to an application form.
• Including supplementary materials for a project item.

Feature	Description
Adding Files	Select files via browser or drag and drop
Data Binding	Associates files with a specific data record
Multi-Select	Supports uploading multiple files at once
Drag & Drop	Convenient drag-and-drop functionality
File Management	View and delete attached files

By adding the Attachment control, you empower your app users to enrich their data entries with necessary files, directly linked to the relevant records.