SharePoint Designer 2013 workflow action "Create a List Item" custom content type template is not used

Question

I am using SharePoint 2013 On Premises. I have create two document libraries. One is called "Primary Docs" and 2nd is called "2ndary Docs". "Primary Docs" has only one content type called "Primary CT". 2ndary Docs also has one content type called "2ndary CT". Primary CT is having "Documents" as parent Content Type whereas "2ndary CT" is having "Primary CT" as its Parent. Primary CT and 2ndary CT both have custom document templates. These templates are created in another library called "Template Library". Their content types are Primary CT and 2ndary CT respectively. Their relative URL is added to the advance settings of respective content types.

I need to create a workflow which runs when a new "Primary CT" document is created in Primary Docs library. During second stage, It uses action "create a list item" to create an item in "2ndary Docs" and copies all properties from Current Item to 2ndary Docs Item. When workflow finishes, both documents are created with common properties having same values.

Problem is when I click on link of 2ndary docs item to edit it using client application word, It uses default document template i.e. template.dotx. No properties appear in word application. Although I can view and edit 2ndary CT properties using browser i.e. in SharePoint 2013 website.

When I create a document in "2ndary Docs" using new button, correct/required template appears. I gave read permissions to Everyone to template library. Gave permissions to workflow app using this article

Answer 1

With the help of a friend of mine (Thanks to Mr. Sohail sb) I figured out the answer. I created another library. Created a document with the required content type template using "New 2ndary Docs" button. Then using ID as filter I updated that library item with information. Next I used "copy document" action to copy the document to "2ndary Docs". It solved my problem

Answer 2

Hi @muhammad masood,

Apologize for the late reply. It took me a while to replicate your situation and test it on my end.

However, on my end the workflow successfully creates the file with the 2ndary CT as the template and the file customization properties work fine.

However, we can work together to narrow down and resolve the situation. So, Please kindly provide more information below to let us work further.

1.Maybe the workflow is configured successfully, and you can find the custom document properties from Quick Parts->Field->DocProperty.

2.Whether all SharePoint libraries have the same problem? You could create a new Primary CT library and a new 2ndary CT library to run the workflow again.

3.Are other users facing the same problem? Ask your colleague to recreate the workflow on another computer.

4.You can try to use SharePoint 2010 workflow, I have tested it on my side, and it works as well.

5.You could try to clear browser cache then restart it.

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Answer 3

Hi @muhammad masood,

Thank you for your detailed reply.

I found that the properties of the new 2ndary CT file you created are the current item's.

The current item refers to the item you are currently creating (2ndary CT file), while you should be selecting the properties of the current Primary CT file.

Your current item has no property values, so your file attributes are not created.

Yours:

Mine:

Also make sure that the file properties of your Primary CT file are filled out before the file is saved. This is because once the file is saved to the document library it will be considered that the item has been created and will trigger this workflow.

Here is the result in my side:

Primary Docs Library:

2ndary Docs Library:

The property "CaseSubject_2ndary" of 2ndary CT_6:

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Answer 4

Thank you Masood sb, I'm happy that my suggested solution worked for you. @muhammad masood