Add HTML Rich Text Editor to PowerApps Forms

Modern business applications often require users to enter formatted text such as descriptions, comments, meeting notes, knowledge articles, and announcements. Standard text input controls in Power Apps are limited because they do not provide formatting capabilities like bold text, bullet points, hyperlinks, or headings.

The HTML Rich Text Editor control solves this challenge by allowing users to create and edit formatted content directly within Power Apps forms.

What is the Rich Text Editor in Power Apps?

The Rich Text Editor is a modern Power Apps control that enables users to create HTML-formatted content without writing HTML code manually.

Users can:

Apply bold formatting
Create numbered lists
Insert hyperlinks
Format headings
Add colors and styles
Create structured content

The output is stored as HTML and can be saved to SharePoint, Dataverse, SQL Server, or other connected data sources.

Why Use Rich Text Editor?

Traditional text fields only support plain text.

Rich Text Editor provides:

Better User Experience

Users can format content easily.

Professional Content

Create documentation, notes, announcements, and descriptions.

Improved Readability

Support headings, bullets, and hyperlinks.

HTML Output

Store formatted content for websites and portals.

Adding Rich Text Editor to Power Apps

Step 1: Open Power Apps Studio

Navigate to your Canvas App.

Step 2: Insert Rich Text Editor

Select:
Insert → Input → Rich Text Editor

Power Apps adds the control to your screen.

Step 3: Configure Default Content


<h2>Welcome</h2>
<p>Enter content here...</p>

Step 4: Save Rich Text Data

Store the HTML output:


Patch(
    Requests,
    Defaults(Requests),
    {
        Description: RichTextEditor1.HtmlText
    }
)

This saves the formatted HTML into the target data source.

SharePoint Integration

The Rich Text Editor works well with SharePoint Multiple Lines of Text columns configured for Enhanced Rich Text.

Benefits include:

Store formatted descriptions
Capture project updates
Maintain knowledge articles
Save meeting notes

Dataverse Integration

Dataverse supports rich text columns that can store HTML content.

Common use cases:

Case Notes
Knowledge Base Articles
Product Descriptions
Customer Communications

Example Scenario

A Help Desk Application requires users to submit detailed issue descriptions.

Instead of plain text:

Issue: Application Error

Users can create:

Error Summary
Steps to Reproduce
Screenshot References
Resolution Notes

This significantly improves readability and troubleshooting.

Best Practices

Sanitize HTML if displayed externally.
Limit excessive formatting.
Validate user input before saving.
Test mobile responsiveness.
Use Dataverse Rich Text fields when available.
Store content in HTML format consistently.

Benefits

Professional Forms

Create enterprise-grade forms.

Better User Adoption

Users prefer formatted content.

Enhanced Readability

Structured information is easier to consume.

Improved Documentation

Maintain detailed notes and articles.

Seamless Integration

Works with SharePoint, Dataverse, and Power Platform solutions.

Conclusion

The HTML Rich Text Editor is one of the most useful controls available in Power Apps. By enabling formatted content creation, organizations can build professional applications that capture richer information while improving usability and data quality.