Is it possible to upload links in bulk to SharePoint (a list) but include Document Sets

Question

We currently have a document library on SharePoint, but we need to overhaul it for new regulations coming in and update a lot of policies. Our new document library will be links rather than actual content (pdfs, etc.). The links are active connections to a third-party document management application which will ensure that the end users get to most current version of the policies. 

I know we can mass upload the links to SharePoint as a list with an Excel spreadsheet of the document name in Column A and the URL in Column B. However, we also want to keep it in line with our current document library so it is a seamless change for all staff across the organisation. We currently have subsets such as Document Type, Area, Team, Path and Review Date on the documents. Are we able to add this data to the spreadsheet list to be uploaded to the new Document Library, or will adding all this extra information and creating the document sets be a manual effort on each URL on SharePoint? I have had a good google but can't seem to find an answer to this.

Answer 1

Hi Hannah W

Thanks for sharing your plans to update the SharePoint document library. I just want to make sure I’ve understood everything correctly before we move forward:

• You’re planning to replace the current library of uploaded files (like PDFs and Word documents) with links that point to documents stored in a third-party system. This way, users will always access the latest version of each policy.
• You already have an Excel file with document names and URLs, and you’d like to bulk upload this into SharePoint as a list.
• You also want to include extra details like Document Type, Area, Team, Path, and Review Date, and ideally, you’d like to automate this process instead of manually editing each item.
• You’re considering using Document Sets to organize the content, but you’re not sure if that can be done in bulk or if it has to be manual.

Did I get that right? Also, if possible, could you please share:

• Any before-and-after screenshots to show what the current setup looks like and what you’re aiming for
• Any sample files you’re working with
• A rough idea of the layout or structure you’d like to see in the new library

This will help me better understand your goals and support you more effectively.