Fix Microsoft Lists Board View Displaying Enriched Text as HTML Code
Question details
Users experience an issue in Microsoft Lists and SharePoint where enriched multiline text columns display raw HTML markup instead of formatted text when using the Board view.
- Product
- Microsoft Lists
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Viewing list items containing enriched text columns within the Microsoft Lists Board view.
- Observed behavior
- The Board view fails to render the text formatting properly, instead displaying raw HTML tags and code snippets to the user.
Verify that your multiline text column is actually configured to use 'Enhanced rich text' and assess whether the Board view format is strictly necessary for your team's workflow.
Switch to the 'All Items' List View
The simplest and most effective workaround is to change the view type, as the standard list view is designed to correctly render HTML markup.
Microsoft Lists currently has a limitation where the Board view cannot interpret HTML tags from rich text fields. By switching back to the traditional list layout, your formatted text will display exactly as intended.
Navigate to the affected Microsoft List or SharePoint list in your web browser.
Click on the view selector dropdown menu located in the top-right corner of the list (it will currently say 'Board' or your custom board view name).
Choose 'All Items' from the dropdown list. The view will switch to a standard grid layout, and your enriched text will render correctly.
Configure the Column to Store Plain Text
If using the Board view is mandatory for your project management workflow, converting the multiline text column to plain text will eliminate the distracting HTML tags.
Use Power Apps for Custom Rendering
For advanced users who need to retain rich text formatting while displaying data in custom layouts, Power Apps provides the tools to render HTML properly.
Enhance Document Management with WPS Office
While Microsoft Lists helps you track data items, WPS Office provides a lightweight, entirely free alternative for all your daily document, spreadsheet, and presentation creation needs, fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats.
- 1. Download the Suite: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free, lightweight installer.
- 2. Open Office Files: Double-click your existing .docx, .xlsx, or .pptx files to open them seamlessly within WPS Office.
- 3. Edit and Save: Make your edits using familiar tools and save them back to their original Microsoft formats without compatibility issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Microsoft Lists display HTML tags in the Board view?
This is a known limitation of the Board view feature in Microsoft Lists and SharePoint. The view's card interface currently lacks native support for rendering enhanced rich text fields, causing it to fall back and display the raw HTML markup instead of formatted text.
Can I fix the Board view formatting using SharePoint JSON view formatting?
No, standard JSON view formatting cannot currently parse and render HTML tags from an enhanced rich text column inside the Board view interface. You must either switch to the 'All Items' view or use a different tool like Power Apps for custom rendering.
Will changing my column to plain text delete existing formatting?
Yes. If you choose to work around the Board view issue by modifying your column settings from 'Enhanced rich text' to 'Plain text', all existing formatting such as bold text, colors, and embedded hyperlinks will be permanently stripped from your data.
