Setting Up the Linear Slider UI Control in Dynamics 365

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Setting Up the Linear Slider UI Control in Dynamics 365

Dynamics 365 provides several modern UI controls that improve user interaction and simplify data entry. One such control is the Linear Slider UI Control, which allows users to select numeric values by dragging a slider instead of manually typing numbers.

The Linear Slider Control enhances usability, improves accuracy, and provides a more interactive experience for users working with numeric fields.

In this article, we'll explore how to configure and use the Linear Slider UI Control in Dynamics 365 Model-Driven Apps.

What is a Linear Slider UI Control?

A Linear Slider is a visual control that allows users to select a value from a predefined range.

Instead of entering:

Users can simply drag a slider:

0 -----------●--------- 100
             75

This creates a more intuitive user experience.

Why Use a Linear Slider?

Traditional numeric fields require manual input.

Example:

Customer Satisfaction Score

Without Slider:

User Types:
85

With Slider:

Drag Slider
↓
Select Value
↓
85

Benefits include:

Faster data entry
Better user experience
Reduced typing errors
Modern UI design

Common Business Scenarios

Customer Satisfaction Rating

0 - 100

Project Progress

0% - 100%

Employee Performance Score

1 - 10

Risk Assessment

Low → High

Survey Responses

Poor → Excellent

Prerequisites

Before configuring the slider:

Create a Numeric Field

Example:

Project Progress

Data Type:

Whole Number

Decimal Number

The Linear Slider Control works with numeric columns.

Step 1: Open Form Editor

Navigate:

Solutions
↓
Table
↓
Forms
↓
Main Form

Open the form where the numeric field exists.

Step 2: Select the Numeric Field

Example:

Project Progress

Click the field on the form.

Step 3: Change Control

Select:

Controls

Then:

Add Control

Available controls will appear.

Step 4: Select Linear Slider

Choose:

Linear Slider

Click:

Add

The control is now associated with the selected field.

Step 5: Configure Devices

Enable the control for:

Web
Tablet
Phone

Example:

✓ Web
✓ Tablet
✓ Phone

This ensures the slider appears across all supported devices.

Step 6: Configure Slider Properties

Typical properties include:

Minimum Value

Maximum Value

Step Value

Example:

Users can move between values based on the configured increment.

Example Configuration

Field:

Customer Satisfaction

Settings:

Minimum = 0
Maximum = 10
Step = 1

Result:

0 ---1---2---3---4---5---6---7---8---9---10
                        ●

Users can quickly select a satisfaction score.

How the Slider Works

Workflow:

User Opens Form
↓
Slider Displayed
↓
Drag Control
↓
Value Updated
↓
Record Saved

The field value updates automatically as the slider moves.

Real-World Example

Project Management

Field:

Project Completion %

Values:

0 - 100

Slider:

0 --------------------●-------------------- 100
                       65%

Instead of typing:

Users drag directly to the desired percentage.

Customer Feedback Example

Field:

Customer Rating

Range:

1 - 5

Display:

1 ⭐ 2 ⭐ 3 ⭐ 4 ⭐ 5 ⭐

Slider Position:

★★★★☆

This creates a more user-friendly experience.

Survey Application Example

Question:

How satisfied are you?

Scale:

0 - 10

User selects:

Using the slider instead of manually typing the value.

Benefits of Linear Slider Controls

Better User Experience

More interactive than text boxes.

Faster Data Entry

Users select values quickly.

Reduced Errors

Avoid invalid numeric input.

Modern Interface

Improves form design.

Mobile Friendly

Works well on tablets and phones.

Best Practices

Use Logical Ranges

Example:

0 - 100

instead of:

0 - 999999

Choose Appropriate Step Values

Example:

1
5
10

depending on business requirements.

Use for Numeric Data Only

Best suited for:

Ratings
Scores
Percentages
Measurements

Test Across Devices

Verify:

Web
Tablet
Mobile

Provide Labels

Help users understand the selected value.

Common Use Cases

Customer Satisfaction Surveys
Employee Performance Reviews
Project Tracking
Risk Assessments
Quality Control

Comparison

Standard Number Field	Linear Slider
Manual Input	Drag and Select
Higher Typing Errors	Lower Errors
Basic UI	Interactive UI
Less User Friendly	More User Friendly
Slower Data Entry	Faster Data Entry

Conclusion

The Linear Slider UI Control is a simple yet powerful enhancement for Dynamics 365 forms.

By replacing traditional numeric input fields with an interactive slider, organizations can improve user experience, reduce data entry errors, and create more engaging Model-Driven Apps.

Whether you're capturing ratings, percentages, scores, survey responses, or performance metrics, the Linear Slider Control provides a modern and efficient solution for numeric data entry.

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