Data Type Control in PowerApps: How to Restrict Text Input to Whole Numbers Only
As developers and app creators, we often encounter challenges that require creative solutions. One common challenge in PowerApps is restricting a text input control to accept only whole numbers. In this blog, we will explore how to achieve this by leveraging PowerApps’ built-in functionalities.
Understanding Text Input Controls in PowerApps
Text input controls in PowerApps are versatile but can sometimes lack specific functionalities. For example, there’s no built-in way to limit entries to whole numbers. Although the Text Input control has a format property that allows for numeric input, it doesn’t differentiate between whole numbers and decimal numbers.
When the text format is set to “Number,” users can only enter numeric characters. In a browser environment, non-numeric characters are automatically discarded. On mobile devices, PowerApps intelligently displays the numeric keypad, ensuring only numeric input. However, this approach still allows decimal numbers, which may not be suitable for your requirements if you need whole numbers only.
Method 1: Using the Format Property to Restrict Input to Numbers
The simplest approach is to configure the Text Input control’s format property to only allow numeric input. Here’s how you can do it:
- Select the Text Input control.
- In the properties pane on the right, find the Format property, which allows you to control the input type. Set it to “Number” to restrict input to numeric values.
However, this method does not prevent decimal input. If you need to restrict the input to whole numbers only, continue reading for a more robust solution.
Method 2: Using the OnChange Property to Enforce Whole Numbers
To limit a text input control to whole numbers only, an effective solution is to use the formula in the OnChange property. This formula checks whether the entered value is a whole number, and if not, it notifies the user and resets the control.
Here is the suggested formula:
If(
!IsBlank(TextInput1.Text) && !IsNumeric(TextInput1.Text),
Notify("Please enter a valid whole number", NotificationType.Error),
Reset(TextInput1)
)
When implemented, if a user happens to enter a value with decimals, the app sends an alert once the user moves away from the control. Subsequently, the value is reset to its initial state. It’s essential to understand that the reset function discards the entire decimal value, and not just the decimal portion.
Conclusion
PowerApps’ text input controls might not have a native solution for restricting entries to whole numbers, but with the method described above, you can easily achieve this. It’s all about understanding the available tools and using them smartly to address specific requirements. And remember, if you ever need further assistance on this topic or any other technical issue, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help, guiding you to find the best solutions for your app-building needs.
