SharePoint Document Issues

How to Add a SharePoint Document Library Folder Link to a List

Algirdas Jasaitis Oct 9, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to link a SharePoint document library folder directly to a SharePoint list so users can access updated files without needing to attach them individually.

How to Add a SharePoint Document Library Folder Link to a List

Product: SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Streamlining document access by connecting a specific document library folder to a list item.
Observed behavior: Users need a clickable hyperlink within a SharePoint list column that opens the corresponding document library folder where files can be viewed or uploaded.

Before you start

Ensure you have the necessary edit permissions for both the SharePoint list and the target document library before attempting to modify column settings or apply JSON formatting.

Solution 1Recommended

Add a Folder Link Using a Text Column and JSON Formatting

Create a dedicated text column for the folder URL and format it using a simple JSON script to convert the plain text into a clickable hyperlink.

This method avoids the need to upload individual attachments by directing users straight to the live document folder. It ensures everyone always accesses the most up-to-date files.

Copy the target folder path

Navigate to your SharePoint document library, open the specific folder you want to link to, and copy the full URL from your web browser's address bar.

Create a text column in your list

Open your SharePoint list, click 'Add column', and select 'Single line of text'. Name the column appropriately and paste the copied folder URL into the 'Default value' field for new items.

Format the column with JSON

Click the new column's header, select 'Column settings', and then 'Format this column'. Click 'Advanced mode' at the bottom and enter standard SharePoint JSON hyperlink formatting to turn the text into a clickable <a> tag.

Update existing list items

To add the link to older entries, switch your list to 'Edit in grid view'. This allows you to quickly paste or drag the folder URL down into the column for all existing items.

Add a Folder Link Using a Text Column and JSON Formatting

Display Custom Text: Within your JSON formatting, you can customize the 'txtContent' attribute to display a user-friendly label, such as a Project Number or 'Open Folder', instead of the long raw URL.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I display a project number instead of the full URL in the list?

Yes. When applying JSON formatting to your column, you can modify the 'txtContent' property to display dynamic list fields (like an existing Project Number column) or custom static text instead of the raw folder URL.

Will users automatically get permission to the linked document library?

No, providing a link in a SharePoint list does not alter permissions. Users must independently have at least 'Read' access to the target document library folder to successfully open the link and view the files.

How can I automatically apply relative paths for multiple libraries?

You can use SharePoint JSON formatting placeholders like '[$FileDirRef]' or construct dynamic links using the '[$Title]' field within the JSON script so that the column automatically maps to the correct folder relative to the current site.

Document & File Issues