Custom PCF Controls Development
Purpose-built PowerApps Component Framework controls in TypeScript and React — for model-driven apps, canvas apps, and Power Pages.
Solzet is a specialized PCF (PowerApps Component Framework) controls development team. We build custom UI components in TypeScript and React that extend Dynamics 365 and Power Apps beyond what out-of-the-box controls offer — interactive data grids, map visualizations, signature capture, rich text editors, drag-and-drop interfaces, and domain-specific widgets. Our developers have deep experience with the PCF lifecycle (init, updateView, getOutputs, destroy), Dataverse Web API integration, and responsive design for both model-driven and canvas app hosting. Based in Yerevan, Armenia, we deliver PCF controls remotely to Microsoft partners and end clients across Europe and the US on B2B contracts.
What is a PCF control and when do you need one?
A PCF (PowerApps Component Framework) control is a custom UI component written in TypeScript (optionally with React or other frameworks) that replaces or enhances a standard field, dataset, or section in a Dynamics 365 or Power Apps form. You need a PCF control when the out-of-the-box controls cannot deliver the user experience your business requires — for example, an interactive map showing customer locations pulled from a Dataverse table, a Gantt chart for project scheduling, a barcode scanner for warehouse operations, a rich signature capture pad for field service, or a custom data grid with inline editing, conditional formatting, and export capabilities. PCF controls are the Microsoft-recommended successor to legacy HTML web resources, offering better performance, lifecycle management, and cross-device compatibility.
How does Solzet build PCF controls?
Our PCF development process starts with a detailed specification: what data the control reads and writes, which Dynamics 365 form or canvas app it lives in, and the exact UX requirements including responsive behavior. We then build the control using TypeScript and React (our standard choice for complex UIs), leveraging the Fluent UI component library for visual consistency with the Dynamics 365 interface. Development follows Microsoft best practices: proper use of the ComponentFramework.Context API, efficient rendering with updateView, cleanup in destroy, and manifest configuration for bound/input/output properties. We test across browsers (Edge, Chrome, Firefox) and devices (desktop, tablet, mobile). Delivery includes the managed solution (.zip) ready for import into your Dataverse environment, plus source code and documentation so your team can maintain it.
How do you scope and price a custom PCF control?
PCF control effort varies significantly by complexity. A simple field-level control (formatted display, custom input mask) is a quick engagement. A medium-complexity control (interactive chart, filtered lookup with custom UI) takes more time. A complex dataset control (full custom grid, map visualization, drag-and-drop scheduler) is a larger project. All engagements include specification, development, testing, managed solution packaging, and documentation. Solzet offers volume pricing for Microsoft partners who need multiple controls built across client projects. Pricing is always transparent and fixed-price after specification approval — contact us for a detailed quote.
Can Solzet build PCF controls for canvas apps?
Yes. Since Microsoft enabled PCF code components for canvas apps (GA since 2021), we build controls that work in both model-driven and canvas app contexts. Canvas app PCF components use the same TypeScript/React codebase but are configured with the "virtual" control type in the manifest and interact with canvas app properties rather than Dataverse fields directly. This is particularly powerful for organizations that use canvas apps for mobile scenarios but need richer UI than standard canvas controls provide — things like camera integration, offline-capable data entry, or custom calendar views.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PowerApps Component Framework (PCF)?+
The PowerApps Component Framework (PCF) is Microsoft's official framework for building custom code components that run inside Power Apps (both model-driven and canvas) and Dynamics 365 forms. PCF controls are written in TypeScript, can use React or other JavaScript frameworks, and follow a defined lifecycle (init → updateView → getOutputs → destroy). They replace the older approach of HTML web resources and offer better performance, mobile compatibility, and integration with the Power Platform ecosystem.
Should I use PCF controls or HTML web resources?+
PCF controls are the Microsoft-recommended approach going forward. HTML web resources are legacy and come with limitations: they run in iframes (poor mobile experience, security restrictions), cannot access the ComponentFramework API, and do not work in canvas apps. PCF controls render natively in the form, have full API access, support responsive design, and are distributable as managed solutions. If you have existing web resources, Solzet can help migrate them to PCF controls.
Can I hire Solzet to build PCF controls as a white-label subcontractor?+
Yes. Many Microsoft partners hire Solzet to build PCF controls under their brand for their end clients. We work under NDA, use your project tooling and communication channels, and deliver controls that your team packages and deploys. This is ideal for partners who need TypeScript/React expertise for a specific project without hiring a permanent developer.
What technologies does Solzet use for PCF development?+
Our standard PCF stack is TypeScript + React + Fluent UI, built with the PAC CLI (Power Platform CLI) and bundled with Webpack. For simpler controls we use vanilla TypeScript without React. We test with PCF Test Harness during development and browser DevTools for runtime debugging. Version control is Git (GitHub or Azure DevOps), and we deliver managed solutions (.zip) for import into your Dataverse environment.
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