How to Add Multiple Buttons to a SharePoint List Field
Question details
The user needs to add multiple independent buttons or checkboxes to a single SharePoint list field to trigger different flows or display distinct status indicators.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Customizing a SharePoint list to execute multiple distinct Power Automate flows or independent actions directly from a single item field.
- Observed behavior
- Standard SharePoint list column settings do not natively support multiple independent buttons or checkboxes in a single field, requiring advanced customization.
Ensure you have the necessary permissions to customize list forms in your SharePoint environment and have access to Power Apps or Power Automate if your buttons will trigger external workflows.
Customize the SharePoint Item Form with Power Apps
Using Power Apps is the most reliable way to add multiple buttons, especially when each button must perform a distinct action or trigger a different flow.
Power Apps provides a flexible canvas to redesign your SharePoint list forms. By replacing the default form with a custom Power App, you can add unlimited interactive controls, including multiple buttons, to a single DataCard.
This method is highly recommended if your buttons need to pass specific list item data to different Power Automate flows.
Open your SharePoint list, click on "Integrate" in the top command bar, navigate to "Power Apps", and select "Customize forms".
Once the Power Apps Studio loads, select the specific DataCard where you want the buttons to appear. Go to the "Insert" tab on the top ribbon and add multiple Button controls.
Select each button and configure its "OnSelect" property in the formula bar to trigger your desired Power Automate flow. For example, use a formula like: flow1.Run(DataCardValue1.Text, DataCardValue3.Text).
Click "File", save your changes, and select "Publish to SharePoint" to make the multiple buttons visible to users interacting with the list item.
Apply JSON Column Formatting for Visual Buttons
If you prefer not to replace the default form with Power Apps, JSON formatting can be applied directly to a list column to render clickable visual buttons.
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- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free suite and install it on your PC or Mac.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add multiple buttons using just SharePoint out-of-the-box settings?
No, standard SharePoint column settings only allow basic field types like Choice or Yes/No toggles. To create multiple independent clickable buttons in a single field, you must use JSON column formatting or customize the form with Power Apps.
Do JSON formatted buttons work in the SharePoint mobile app?
Yes, buttons created using JSON column formatting generally render and function correctly in the SharePoint mobile app. However, if your workflows are highly complex, a dedicated Power Apps canvas app might provide a more reliable mobile user experience.
How do I link a JSON formatted button to a Power Automate flow?
You can link a JSON button to a Power Automate flow by setting the `customRowAction` property in your JSON code to `executeFlow`. You must also define the `actionParams` property with a JSON string containing the specific ID of the flow you want to trigger.
