TL;DR: Use a browser bookmarklet to jump straight from a running Power App into maker/edit mode without navigating back through the environment.
💡 Challenge
You’re using a Power App in play mode and realize you need to make some adjustments. Normally you’d navigate back to the environment, locate the app, and click Edit, a time-consuming detour that disrupts your workflow.
✅ Solution
Use a simple bookmarklet (a small JavaScript snippet) that lets you switch from play mode to maker mode instantly, without closing the app.
🔧 How It’s Done
1. Create the bookmarklet
🔸 Grab the JavaScript code from PowerAppsPlayToMake.js.
🔸 Create a new browser bookmark and paste the code into the URL field.
2. Activate it in play mode
🔸 While viewing an app in play mode, click the bookmarklet.
3. Land in maker mode
🔸 You transition instantly to maker mode, with the app open and ready for edits.
🎉 Result
You’ve streamlined the switch between play and maker modes in Power Apps, enabling rapid iterations and a smoother development experience.
🌟 Key Advantages
🔸 Time-Saving: No more navigating through multiple steps to edit your app
🔸 Seamless Workflow: Stay in the zone by switching modes without disruptions
🔸 Faster Iterations: A smoother development experience for quick edits
🎥 Video Tutorial
🛠️ FAQ
Q: How do I add this bookmarklet to my browser?
Open your browser’s bookmark manager, create a new bookmark, and paste the JavaScript code from the GitHub link into the URL field. Save it and you’re ready to use it.
Q: Which browsers support this bookmarklet?
Most modern desktop browsers support bookmarklets, including Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari. Mobile browsers may have limitations executing custom scripts.
Q: Is this an official Microsoft feature?
No. This is a user-created workaround using a bookmarklet. It’s not officially supported by Microsoft, so use it at your own discretion.
Marcel Lehmann
Microsoft MVP