Canvas apps vs model-driven apps

1. Core difference

Aspect	Canvas apps	Model-driven apps
Design approach	Pixel-perfect, drag-and-drop UI design. You control placement of controls, colors, and layout.	Data-first, form-driven. The UI is generated automatically based on Dataverse tables, forms, and relationships.
Data source	Can use Dataverse, SharePoint, SQL, Excel, APIs, etc.	Primarily Dataverse (must use structured tables and relationships).
Customization flexibility	Very high — full control of UI, interactions, and formulas (Power Fx).	Limited UI customization — layout is mostly defined by system forms, views, and dashboards.
Complexity	Best for specific tasks, workflows, or dashboards where UI matters.	Best for complex business processes that involve many related tables and forms.
Development skill	Low to medium — drag-and-drop, Power Fx formulas.	Medium — understanding of Dataverse, tables, relationships, and business process flows.
Responsive design	Yes, fully customizable to phone, tablet, or desktop	Limited — automatically adapts, but layout is system-driven
Use cases	Custom portals, surveys, expense forms, approval apps	CRM, helpdesk systems, inventory management, case management

2. Key characteristics of canvas apps

• You start with a blank canvas and design your app like PowerPoint.
• You choose the layout: phone, tablet, or web.
• You define logic with Power Fx formulas (similar to Excel).
• You can connect to many data sources, not limited to Dataverse.
• Ideal for task-specific apps or mobile-friendly interfaces.

Example: A mobile app for field technicians to submit maintenance reports using a custom layout and camera input.

3. Key characteristics of model-driven apps

• You start with data: Dataverse tables and relationships define the structure.
• UI is auto-generated based on forms, views, and dashboards.
• Includes business process flows (step-by-step guided processes).
• Security roles control who sees what data at the table or record level.
• Ideal for complex business processes, multiple related entities, and enterprise applications.

Example: A helpdesk system where tickets, departments, employees, and SLA rules are all tracked and related.

4. When to use each

Scenario	Recommended app type
You want a custom branded mobile app with precise layout	Canvas
You need to manage and relate complex data with processes	Model-driven
Data comes from multiple external sources	Canvas
Data is mainly in Dataverse and has complex relationships	Model-driven
You want quick automation for a task	Canvas
You want a full CRM or ERP-like system	Model-driven

5. How they fit in Power Platform

Power Platform
   ├─ Power Apps
   │     ├─ Canvas Apps  (UI-first, flexible, multi-data source)
   │     └─ Model-driven Apps (Data-first, Dataverse, process-driven)
   ├─ Power Automate
   ├─ Power BI
   └─ Power Virtual Agents