SharePoint Document Issues

Fix SharePoint Multiline Text Field 255-Character Limit in Grid View

Kushani Nimanthika Sep 28, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users are encountering an unexpected 255-character restriction when trying to paste or enter text into a multiline text column.

Fix SharePoint Multiline Text Field 255-Character Limit in Grid View

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Pasting or typing long content into a SharePoint multiline text field using the grid view mode.
Observed behavior: The text field artificially caps input at 255 characters, and the options to toggle between plain-text and rich-text formatting are missing, despite the column previously supporting long text.

Before you start

Do not attempt to change the column settings to a restricted length format in an effort to fix the issue, as this can permanently truncate and destroy existing long-form data.

Solution 1Recommended

Escalate Server-Side Issue via Microsoft 365 Admin Center

This restriction is a known temporary server-side bug in SharePoint requiring Microsoft's backend intervention to resolve.

Because the disappearance of rich-text options and the sudden 255-character cap in grid view stem from a backend service issue, local workarounds are ineffective and risky. Microsoft 365 administrators must request a direct backend fix from Microsoft Support.

Confirm Administrative Privileges

Determine if your account has Microsoft 365 administrator rights. If you are a standard user, you must contact your organization's IT department or SharePoint administrator.

Access the Microsoft 365 Admin Center

As an administrator, log in to the Microsoft 365 admin center (admin.microsoft.com) using your admin credentials.

Open a Support Ticket

Navigate to the 'Support' section on the left-hand menu, select 'New service request', and provide details about the multiline text field 255-character limit occurring specifically in grid view.

Escalate Server-Side Issue via Microsoft 365 Admin Center

Wait for Microsoft Resolution: Once the support ticket is filed, wait for Microsoft to apply the backend fix to your tenant. Do not modify the document library settings in the meantime.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my SharePoint multiline text field suddenly drop to a 255-character limit?

This is typically caused by a temporary backend server issue or a glitch introduced in a recent SharePoint update, which incorrectly applies a single-line text restriction to multiline fields when viewed in grid view.

Can I fix the 255-character limit by changing the column settings?

No. Attempting to toggle or change the column settings to enforce a limited length can cause permanent data truncation. Existing data exceeding 255 characters might be lost. You should leave the settings alone and contact support.

Are the rich-text formatting options permanently gone?

No, the absence of plain-text and rich-text toggle options is a symptom of the same backend glitch. They will reappear once Microsoft Support resolves the underlying multiline field issue on your tenant.

Document & File Issues