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Microsoft Power Automate underwent a significant transformation in April 2024 with the launch of its new Designer tool. This update brings a fresh, modern interface and several changes to default actions.
NOTE: All the screenshots below are based off a very simple flow that sends an email notification when an item is created in a SharePoint List.
This guide explores the key differences between the classic and redesigned Power Automate Designer, highlighting features and functionalities to help you transition to the new version.
Screen Changes
Old Designer:
New Designer:
How does the Old Power Point Designer compare to the New One?
Here are some key differences in features between the two versions:
Old Power Automate Designer:
- Screen displays the left-hand navigation when creating flows
- The information for each step shows below the name of the step
- You can use the … option on each step to add comments, rename, add notes, code, delete, etc.
- The default action for looping is Apply to Each
- The Dynamic Fields display box pops up on screen when you can use (both good and bad)
New Power Automate Designer:
- Has buttons in lower left of screen that allows for quick zoom and search for actions
- Dynamic Fields don't keep getting in the way (like it did in the old designer)
- You can drag the flow to a different position on the screen using the hand tool
- Screen displays the left-hand navigation when creating flows
- The information for each step shows to the left of the step in a separate window
- You can right+click on a step to see some options including delete, copy, and pin (allows you to pin a step so that is always is open on the left of the screen)
- Everything else that used to be available at the … is now in the display window on the left including rename, add notes, delete, and code.
- The default action for looping is For Next
- The Dynamic Fields display box pops up when you click the lightning bolt button. If you don't see a lightning bolt in a field that you want to add a dynamic field, then you may have to click Advanced Mode first.
- It is VERY easy to miss some important information when filling out the step because the new designer hides more under the Show all. My new rule: ALWAYS click on Show all within a step so you don't miss fields that may break your flow.
Editing Steps
Old Designer:
New Designer:
NOTE: As of this writing (Nov 2024) there are some actions in the new Designer that are not available in the old Designer, and you will not be able to switch back to the old Designer in some cases. The opposite is also true; not all flows created in the old Designer work correctly when converted to the new Designer. However, the more recent updates to Power Automate reduce those issues and the new Designer is improving with each version update. I personally am starting to love the new Designer!
Looking for Power Automate training? Our Power Automate courses include:
Written by Holly French, MOS Master.
For the past 30+ years, Holly has had a passion for software training, including instructor-led training, e-learning, instructional development, software development, software deployment, or just plain teaching a stranger how to use their computer. Her true passion is to debunk traditional training methods and train in an organized, fun, personable, knowledgeable, logical, IMPACTFUL, and easy-to-understand way, incorporating the most efficient method for everyone. Each learner is different, each day is different, each software is different, but the goal is the same...More Tricks. Less Clicks.
Holly trains all levels of the Microsoft & Adobe products including Microsoft 365, SharePoint Online, Teams, Power BI, Power Automate, Planner, and more. Holly is also a MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist) Master.
