Use authentication settings

Oct 13, 2025 by magicalceylontours.com 75 views

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the process of creating a list item in SharePoint using Power Automate (formerly Microsoft Flow) via an HTTP request, focusing on more complex columns beyond single-line strings. This is particularly relevant for scenarios where users upload files of a specific type, and the automation needs to process and create a list item with detailed information.

Background

Working on a SharePoint/Power Automate situation that is causing some issues. I have an automation that copies multiple files of a certain type to a list for easier processing. The users upload a main file, and the automation needs to create a list item with detailed information, including file metadata, user details, and other relevant data. However, the list columns are more complex than single-line strings, requiring a more sophisticated approach.

Power Automate Flow Setup

To create a list item via HTTP request using more complex columns, we need to set up a Power Automate flow. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Create a New Flow

Log in to Power Automate and click on "Create from blank" to start a new flow.
Choose "When an HTTP request is received" as the trigger.
Set the HTTP method to "POST" and the URL to the SharePoint list's REST API endpoint.

Step 2: Add HTTP Request Action

Click on "Add an action" and search for "HTTP request".
Select the "HTTP request" action and configure it to send a POST request to the SharePoint list's REST API endpoint.
Set the request body to the JSON payload containing the list item data.

Step 3: Configure List Item Data

In the request body, create a JSON object with the list item data.
Use the SharePoint list's column names as keys and the corresponding values as the JSON object values.
For more complex columns, such as multi-line text or choice fields, use the SharePoint REST API's GetListItem method to retrieve the list item data.

Step 4: Add Authentication

Click on "Add an action" and search for "Get access token for SharePoint".
Select the "Get access token for SharePoint" action and configure it to retrieve an access token for the SharePoint site.
Use the access token to authenticate the HTTP request.

Step 5: Add Error Handling

Click on "Add an action" and search for "Condition".
Select the "Condition" action and configure it to check for errors in the HTTP request.
If an error occurs, send an email or log the error for further investigation.

Example Flow

Here's an example Power Automate flow that creates a list item via HTTP request using more complex columns:

{
  "definition": {
    "triggers": [
      {
        "type": "http",
        "inputs": {
          "method": "POST",
          "uri": "https://example.sharepoint.com/_api/web/lists/GetByTitle('MyList')/items"
        }
      }
    ],
    "actions": [
      {
        "type": "http",
        "inputs": {
          "method": "POST",
          "uri": "https://example.sharepoint.com/_api/web/lists/GetByTitle('MyList')/items",
          "body": {
            "Title": "My Item",
            "Description": "This is a multi-line text field.",
            "ChoiceField": "Option 1"
          }
        }
      },
      {
        "type": "getAccessToken",
        "inputs": {
          "resource": "https://example.sharepoint.com",
          "audience": "https://example.sharepoint.com"
        }
      },
      {
        "type": "condition",
        "inputs": {
          "expression": "@equals(body('HTTP_request')?.status, 200)"
        },
        "else": {
          "actions": [
            {
              "type": "sendEmail",
              "inputs": {
                "to": "admin@example.com",
                "subject": "Error creating list item",
                "body": "Error creating list item: @body('HTTP_request')?.error"
              }
            }
          ]
        }
      }
    ]
  }
}

Conclusion

Creating a list item via HTTP request using more complex columns in Power Automate requires a step-by-step approach. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a flow that sends a POST request to the SharePoint list's REST API endpoint with the list item data. Remember to configure the flow with authentication and error handling to ensure a smooth and reliable experience.

Best Practices

When working with Power Automate flows, keep the following best practices in mind:

Use the SharePoint REST API to retrieve list item data for more complex columns.
Configure the flow with authentication to ensure secure access to the SharePoint site.
Add error handling to catch and log any errors that may occur during the flow execution.
Test the flow thoroughly to ensure it works as expected.

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the process of creating a list item in SharePoint using Power Automate (formerly Microsoft Flow) via an HTTP request, focusing on more complex columns beyond single-line strings. This article will provide a Q&A section to address common questions and concerns related to this topic.

Q&A

Q: What are the benefits of using Power Automate to create list items via HTTP request?

A: Power Automate offers several benefits when creating list items via HTTP request, including:

Automation: Power Automate allows you to automate the process of creating list items, reducing manual effort and increasing efficiency.
Flexibility: Power Automate provides a flexible and scalable solution for creating list items, making it suitable for large-scale deployments.
Integration: Power Automate integrates seamlessly with SharePoint, enabling you to leverage the power of SharePoint's REST API to create list items.

Q: What are the system requirements for Power Automate?

A: The system requirements for Power Automate are:

Operating System: Windows 10 or later
Browser: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome
Power Automate Plan: A Power Automate plan is required to create and manage flows

Q: How do I configure the HTTP request action in Power Automate?

A: To configure the HTTP request action in Power Automate, follow these steps:

Click on "Add an action" and search for "HTTP request".
Select the "HTTP request" action and configure it to send a POST request to the SharePoint list's REST API endpoint.
Set the request body to the JSON payload containing the list item data.

Q: What are the common errors that occur when creating list items via HTTP request?

A: Common errors that occur when creating list items via HTTP request include:

Authentication errors: Ensure that the authentication settings are correct and that the access token is valid.
JSON payload errors: Verify that the JSON payload is correctly formatted and that the list item data is accurate.
HTTP request errors: Check the HTTP request settings and ensure that the request is sent to the correct endpoint.

Q: How do I troubleshoot issues with my Power Automate flow?

A: To troubleshoot issues with your Power Automate flow, follow these steps:

Check the flow's execution history to identify any errors or warnings.
Verify that the authentication settings are correct and that the access token is valid.
Check the JSON payload and ensure that it is correctly formatted and that the list item data is accurate.

Q: Can I use Power Automate to create list items in other SharePoint lists?

A: Yes, you can use Power Automate to create list items in other SharePoint lists. To do this, follow these steps:

Create a new flow and select the "When an HTTP request is received" trigger.
Configure the HTTP request action to send a POST request to the SharePoint list's REST API endpoint.
Set the request body to the JSON payload containing the list item data.

Q: How do I secure my Power Automate flow?

A: To secure your Power Automate flow, follow these steps:

Use authentication settings to ensure that only authorized users can access the flow.
Use encryption to protect sensitive data.
Use access control to restrict access to the flow.

Conclusion

In this Q&A article, we addressed common questions and concerns related to creating list items via HTTP request using Power Automate. By following the best practices and troubleshooting tips outlined in this article, you can create a reliable and efficient Power Automate flow that meets your business needs.

Best Practices

When working with Power Automate flows, keep the following best practices in mind:

Use authentication settings: Ensure that only authorized users can access the flow.
Use encryption: Protect sensitive data using encryption.
Use access control: Restrict access to the flow using access control.
Test thoroughly: Test the flow thoroughly to ensure it works as expected.

By following these best practices and the steps outlined in this article, you can create a reliable and efficient Power Automate flow that meets your business needs.