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How to Add Help Instructions to Microsoft Lists Columns

Camila Milosovich Sep 30, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to add help instructions or tooltips to Microsoft Lists columns without causing unwanted vertical spacing or disrupting the customized layout of the list forms.

How to Add Help Instructions to Microsoft Lists Columns

Product: Microsoft Lists and Power Apps
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Customizing a data entry form in Microsoft Lists or SharePoint to provide guidance for specific columns.
Observed behavior: Using default column descriptions adds unwanted spacing and disrupts customized layouts, prompting the need for a more integrated solution like custom labels or buttons.

Before you start

Before modifying your form, ensure you have sufficient edit permissions for the Microsoft List or SharePoint site and that your Microsoft 365 subscription includes access to Power Apps.

Solution 1Recommended

Customize the Form with Power Apps

Using Power Apps allows you to add custom instructions, labels, icons, or interactive tooltips without breaking the list's default layout spacing.

Power Apps provides full control over the visual layout of your SharePoint or Microsoft Lists forms. By replacing the default list form with a customized Power Apps form, you can insert help icons or descriptive text exactly where you want it.

Open the List Integration Menu

Navigate to your Microsoft List or SharePoint list. Click on 'Integrate' in the top command bar, select 'Power Apps', and then click 'Customize forms'.

Insert a Help Icon or Label

Once the Power Apps Studio opens, select the data card for the column that needs instructions. Go to the 'Insert' tab and add an 'Icon' (like an information or question mark symbol) or a 'Label'.

Configure the Tooltip or Text

Select the newly added icon or label. In the properties pane on the right, locate the 'Tooltip' or 'Text' property and enter your custom help instructions.

Publish the Customized Form

Click 'File' > 'Save', and then select 'Publish to SharePoint'. Your list form will now display the custom help instructions seamlessly.

Layout Preserved: By using a custom icon with a tooltip, you can provide detailed instructions without altering the height or spacing of the form fields.

Solution 2

Use JSON Formatting for Column Headers

Apply JSON code to format the column directly in the list view to display a helpful hover-over tooltip.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does adding a standard column description mess up my Microsoft Lists form layout?

By default, Microsoft Lists allocates fixed vertical spacing for standard column descriptions. If the description is long, it expands the data card, which can disrupt a customized form layout or add undesirable empty space. Using Power Apps to create dynamic tooltips bypasses this limitation.

Can I revert my list form back to the default Microsoft Lists form after using Power Apps?

Yes. Go to 'List settings' > 'Form settings', select 'Use the default SharePoint form', and click 'OK'. You can also delete the custom form entirely from the same menu.

Is JSON formatting the same as customizing with Power Apps?

No. JSON formatting changes the visual appearance of columns and rows directly in the list view without changing the underlying form structure. Power Apps, on the other hand, replaces the entire data entry form with a highly customizable interface.

Where can I get help with specific Power Apps formulas or JSON code?

The official Microsoft Power Apps Community forums are the best resource. Specialists and experienced users frequently share complete JSON snippets and Power Apps formulas to solve highly specific layout requirements.

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