How to convert InfoPath to PowerApps?

Question

I am planning to migrate to SharePoint Online from SharePoint 2016. I want to migrate InfoPath froms to Power Apps? Is it possible to just move and convert existing InfoPath forms into PowerApps without rebuild the InfoPath froms in Power Apps from scratch? Is there any paid tools to do that?

Answer 1

Is it possible to convert InfoPath forms to Power Apps?

As a short answer: NO you can't convert InfoPath to PowerApps. both have different technology and behavior! Also, there is no tool to directly switch an InfoPath form to Power Apps. so it's not possible to do that right now.

Note: The support for InfoPath 2013 and SharePoint Designer 2013 will match the support lifecycle for SharePoint Server 2016, running until 2026. Read more at SharePoint Designer 2016 and InfoPath 2016 in SharePoint Server 2016, What’re the alternatives?

What are the alternatives for InfoPath in SharePoint Online?

1. Creating Custom Forms using SPFX. (Requires development background).
2. Using Power Apps with no code. (Strongly recommended)
3. Using 3rd party too like Nintex forms. (Paid tool)
4. Using Default SharePoint Forms. (Doesn't match complex business requirements)

Note: InfoPath is not supported in SharePoint Online with Modern Experience Site. Also, Code-based InfoPath forms are no longer supported in SharePoint Online.

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How to migrate InfoPath forms to Power Apps?

It mainly depends on Where your data is stored!

1) if it's stored in SharePoint Lists. so you just have to do the following:

1. Migrate SharePoint Lists to SharePoint Online (You can use the free SharePoint Migration Tool).
2. Build custom InfoPath forms using Power Apss with no code (Check Canvas app vs Model-Driven App vs Portal)

2) If your data is not stored in SharePoint Lists,

• Power Apps have the ability to create custom connectors and integrate with external data. Read more about the List of all Power Apps connectors

3) if your forms depend on custom code

• In Power Apps, you can use Azure functions and Custom API connectors.

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InfoPath Vs Power Apps

Unlike InfoPath, Power Apps has the below limitations:

1. Power Apps doesn't support submitting data for anonymous users.
2. Power Apps doesn't have an XML data connection.
3. Power Apps doesn't have OOTB printing functionality for the forms, and you have to find a workaround.
4. No code in Power Apps, otherwise, you have to use Azure functions and Custom API connectors.

On the other side,

1. Power Apps is fully supported in Mobile and can be used on the common smart devices.
2. It has a desktop client called Power Apps Studio that can be installed on many platforms.
3. Like InfoPath, it also supports offline capability.

From a terminology perspective,

1. In InfoPath, the Data Connections equivalent to the Connectors in Power Apps.
2. In InfoPath, the Rules equivalent to the Formulas in Power Apps.
3. In InfoPath, the Controls equivalent to Field Controls in Power Apps.
4. In InfoPath, the Views equivalent to the Screens in Power Apps.
5. In InfoPath, the Repeating Tables equivalent to the Galleries in Power Apps.
6. In InfoPath, theSections equivalent to the Group in Power Apps.

In conclusion, as we earlier mentioned, you can't convert InfoPath forms to Power Apps, and you have to build your logical business app from scratch using Power Apps or any other alternatives.