How can I create multiple site columns in SharePoint Online using PowerShell?

Question

Hi all, I need to create 64 site columns (not list columns) using PowerShell. I want these columns created at the Content Type Gallery level so I can reuse these columns across sites within our tenancy. They will mostly be text, choice, number, currency and people columns that I need to create.

I've had a search for similar problems but can only find the script and csv template for creating list columns, not site columns. My PowerShell experience is limited and so I don't know if it would be a case of removing the $ListName line from the script and "hey-presto, it works!". Something tells me there's a bit more involved.

I'm trying to find a .csv file template where I can include the display name, internal name, type of column, description of column, default value, whether it's required or not, the group the column should be created in and "other" to add columns choices for the "Choice" columns. And ultimately the script I'll need to run in PowerShell to get these site columns created.

If this has already be asked (and answered), I do apologise. Sharing the link would be great! Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi @Stephanie Dury ,

You can use PowerShell to create site columns in batches, but due to the differences in each column type, the creation will be somewhat different. Regarding your needs, I tested it and found that the people type site column cannot be created together:

#Config Variables
$SiteURL = "https://tenant.sharepoint.com/sites/sitename/"

$file = "C:\csvfile.csv" 

#Get the CSV file
$csv = Import-CSV $file

#Connect to PnP Online
Connect-PnPOnline -Url $SiteURL -Interactive  

ForEach($line in $csv)
{
 #write-host $line.ColumnTitle   
Try {
         #Create Site Column
         Add-PnPField -DisplayName $line.ColumnTitle -InternalName $line.InternalName -Group $line.ColumnGroup -Type $line.ColumnType
}
catch {
    write-host "Error: $($_.Exception.Message)" -foregroundcolor Red
}
}

This blog contains all the site column types you need for your reference:

https://www.sharepointdiary.com/2016/12/sharepoint-online-create-site-column-using-powershell.html

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