Hi, I have a workflow that starts with the trigger "When an item is created or modified." In the workflow, we have several approvals, and we want to attach a file from a document library for the approvers to review before they make their decisions, but we're having trouble linking to the file. Is there an action item we can use to retrieve a specific file from the library? So far, the only options I see are getting files from a list, but not from a library. I'm on SharePoint online. Thank you

Hi @Wangmo T , Are you using Power Automate flow? Per my test, I would suggest you use the following flow with "get file metadata using path" and "get file content using path" options. Using this flow you could add attachments(files you want to attach from document library) to the Approval. If the answer is helpful, please click " Accept Answer " and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment". Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

How to link to a file in a document library in SharePoint online workflow?

Accepted answer

CaseyYang-MSFT 10,341 Reputation points

2021-11-24T06:20:42.643+00:00

Hi @Wangmo T ,

Are you using Power Automate flow?

Per my test, I would suggest you use the following flow with "get file metadata using path" and "get file content using path" options. Using this flow you could add attachments(files you want to attach from document library) to the Approval.

If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.
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CaseyYang-MSFT 10,341 Reputation points

2021-11-26T07:30:57.677+00:00

Hi @Wangmo T ,

I'm checking how the things are going on about this issue. Is there any progress on this issue?

Wangmo T 21 Reputation points

2021-11-29T04:43:52.293+00:00

Hi, Thank you so much for your help.

Yes, I'm using a PowerAutomate flow. What you suggest is a good option, but we were hoping we can attach the link to the document or the document itself to the Approval instead of sending the document in an email. That way the process goes faster than having an Approval and then sending an email. Is there a way to link the document to the Approval? I appreciate your help.

CaseyYang-MSFT 10,341 Reputation points

2021-12-01T08:57:05.037+00:00

Hi @Wangmo T ,

Sorry for my late reply. I have updated my answer. You could add attachment with "get file metadata using path" and "get file content using path" options.

Wangmo T 21 Reputation points

2021-12-02T00:57:03.04+00:00

Thank you so much, your answers have been very helpful. One last question, so if I have to send different files each time from the document library to the approvers, would using "get files (properties)" work? And then filter by which document needs to be sent? In every iteration of the workflow, approvers should get a different file to review. It looks like "Get file metadata using path" sends the same file every time the workflow is run. Thank you so much

CaseyYang-MSFT 10,341 Reputation points

2021-12-03T09:22:36.173+00:00

Hi @Wangmo T ,

You can only get file properties with "get files properties" option. To add file into approvals we have to get file content.

Wangmo T 21 Reputation points

2021-12-07T03:32:48.903+00:00

Thank you so much, you've been great help!
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How to link to a file in a document library in SharePoint online workflow?

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