Fix SharePoint Library Title Column JSON Formatting Not Working
Question details
The user is trying to apply JSON formatting to the Title column in a SharePoint document library to create a FileRef link, but the code fails to save.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Customizing document library views using JSON column formatting to change how the Title value is displayed.
- Observed behavior
- The JSON entered in the classic SharePoint 'Format this column' box is automatically deleted and discarded when applied to the Title column in a document library.
Ensure you have at least 'Edit' or 'Design' permissions for the SharePoint document library to modify column settings and views.
Use a Custom Text or Calculated Column as a Workaround
Bypass the Title column limitation in document libraries by creating a new supported column and applying your JSON formatting there.
While standard SharePoint Lists fully support formatting the default Title column, Document Libraries handle the Title column differently. Because of backend restrictions, JSON formatting applied to the library Title column is often rejected or silently deleted. The most reliable solution is to use a custom single-line text or calculated column instead.
Navigate to your SharePoint document library, click on '+ Add column' at the end of the header row, and select 'Single line of text' or 'Calculated'.
Give the new column a descriptive name (e.g., 'Document Link') and click 'Save' to add it to your library view.
Click the newly created column header, select 'Column settings' from the dropdown menu, and click on 'Format this column'.
Click on 'Advanced mode' at the bottom of the right-hand formatting pane. Paste your JSON code designed to display the FileRef link, and click 'Save'.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my JSON code disappear when I save the column format?
SharePoint automatically strips out JSON code if it determines the target column does not support custom formatting. The default Title column in Document Libraries is currently restricted from accepting these JSON customizations.
Does JSON formatting work for Title columns in SharePoint Lists?
Yes. Unlike Document Libraries, standard SharePoint Lists fully support JSON formatting for the default Title column. The restriction only applies to libraries.
Can I format other columns in a SharePoint document library?
Yes, you can successfully apply JSON formatting to most other column types in a document library, such as single-line text, date, choice, or calculated columns.
