# Power Automate resources

> Power Automate resources for building cloud flows and desktop automation. Covers expressions, connectors, performance optimization, custom connectors, and best practices for workflow automation.

Source: https://ali.id.au/platforms/power-platform-d365/power-automate/ (last edited 2026-10-12)

## Official resources

* [Power Automate documentation](https://learn.microsoft.com/power-automate/)
* [Power Automate learning paths](https://learn.microsoft.com/training/powerplatform/power-automate/)
* [Connector reference](https://learn.microsoft.com/connectors/connector-reference/) - 1000+ pre-built connectors
* [Desktop flows docs](https://learn.microsoft.com/power-automate/desktop-flows/introduction)

## Getting started

* [Types of flows](https://learn.microsoft.com/power-automate/flow-types) - when to use which
* [Desktop flows vs. cloud flows](https://learn.microsoft.com/power-automate/desktop-flows/introduction#desktop-flows-vs-cloud-flows)
* [Triggers and actions](https://learn.microsoft.com/power-automate/triggers-introduction)

## Community resources

### YouTube creators

* [Kevin Stratvert](https://www.youtube.com/c/KevinStratvert/playlists) ([website](https://www.kevinstratvert.com/)) - beginner to advanced tutorials
* [April Dunnam](https://www.youtube.com/@AprilDunnam/playlists) ([website](https://www.aprildunnam.com/)) - practical Power Automate guides
* [IWMentor Wonder Laura](https://www.youtube.com/c/Wonderlaura/playlists) ([website](https://www.iwmentor.com/)) - practical automation patterns
* [John Liu](https://www.youtube.com/@JohnLiuNet/videos) ([blog](https://johnliu.net), [GitHub](https://github.com/johnnliu)) - advanced techniques and custom solutions
* [DamoBird365](https://www.youtube.com/c/DamoBird365/playlists) ([blog](https://damobird365.com/)) - creative automation solutions
* [Shane Young](https://www.youtube.com/@ShanesCows/playlists) of [PowerApps911](https://www.powerapps911.com/blog) - comprehensive tutorials
* [Anders Jensen](https://www.youtube.com/@andersjensenorg) - the go-to for desktop flows / RPA
* [SharePains (Pieter Veenstra)](https://sharepains.com/) - prolific blog on expressions and patterns

### Communities

* [Power Automate Community](https://community.powerplatform.com/forums/) - official forums for questions and knowledge sharing
* [Power Automate + Microsoft Flow subreddits](https://www.reddit.com/r/PowerAutomate+MicrosoftFlow/)
* [ILoveAutomation Discord](https://discord.com/invite/iloveautomation) - very active community
* [Dynamics 365 + Power Platform Discord](https://discord.gg/sPSYyYgU39)

## Common patterns and techniques

* [Data operations](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxFx0hqJxj4) - working with arrays, objects, and JSON
* [Expressions and functions](https://learn.microsoft.com/power-automate/use-expressions-in-conditions) - dynamic content manipulation
* [Loops and iterations](https://learn.microsoft.com/power-automate/apply-to-each) - processing collections
* [Parallel branches](https://learn.microsoft.com/power-automate/parallel-modern-approvals) - improve performance
* [Child flows](https://learn.microsoft.com/power-automate/create-child-flows) - reusable flow components

## Best practices and performance

* [Coding guidelines](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-automate/guidance/coding-guidelines/)
* [Anti-patterns (things to avoid)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-automate/guidance/coding-guidelines/avoid-anti-patterns)
* [Limits and configuration](https://learn.microsoft.com/power-automate/limits-and-config)
* [Solution-aware flows](https://learn.microsoft.com/power-automate/overview-solution-flows)
* [Testing strategy](https://learn.microsoft.com/power-automate/guidance/planning/testing-strategy)
* [Monitoring and analytics](https://learn.microsoft.com/power-automate/monitor-manage-processes)

## Development

* [Flow Studio](https://flowstudio.app/) - visual tool for building and debugging flows
* [Power CAT Tools](https://github.com/microsoft/Power-CAT-Tools) - solution review and documentation toolkit
* [Dataverse solution scanner](https://github.com/alirobe/dataverse-solution-scanner) - sample solution backup and scan scripts, not a security assessment
* [Power Platform CLI](https://learn.microsoft.com/power-platform/developer/cli/introduction) - command-line tools
* [Power Automate management connectors](https://learn.microsoft.com/power-automate/web-api) - programmatic flow management

## Advanced topics

* [Custom connectors](https://learn.microsoft.com/power-automate/developer/register-custom-api) - integrate with any REST API
* [Process mining](https://learn.microsoft.com/power-automate/process-advisor-overview) - discover automation opportunities (was 'process advisor')
* [Copilot Studio agent flows](https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-copilot-studio/flows-overview) - see also [Copilot Studio](/platforms/power-platform-d365/copilot-studio/)
* [AI Builder integration](https://learn.microsoft.com/power-automate/use-ai-builder) - add AI capabilities to flows

See also: [Azure](/platforms/cloud-it/azure/) for Logic Apps and Functions.