SharePoint Document Issues

How to Copy Empty SharePoint Folders Without Files

Natalie Taylor Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to duplicate a folder structure from one SharePoint site or document library to another without bringing over the existing files.

How to Copy an Empty Folder Structure in SharePoint

Product: SharePoint Online
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Replicating organizational directory templates or standardized library structures across different SharePoint sites.
Observed behavior: SharePoint's native copying feature copies both the folders and all their contents, lacking a built-in option to exclude files.

Before you start

Ensure you have the necessary permissions to create flows in Microsoft Power Automate and have edit access to both the source and destination SharePoint document libraries.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Power Automate to Replicate Folder Structures

Build a custom flow in Power Automate to map and recreate your existing directory hierarchy without copying any documents.

Since SharePoint Online does not natively support copying only folders, Power Automate provides a powerful workaround. By querying the existing library and filtering for folder objects, you can automatically generate an identical empty structure in your target location.

Create a new Instant Cloud Flow

Log into Microsoft Power Automate, click on 'Create' in the left menu, and select 'Instant cloud flow' to trigger the process manually when needed.

Get folder properties

Add the 'Get files (properties only)' SharePoint action. Point it to your source site address and library name. Ensure you set it to include nested items so it captures all subfolders.

Filter for folders only

Add a 'Filter array' data operation step. Set it to filter the values from the previous step where the 'IsFolder' property is equal to 'true'.

Create the new folders

Add an 'Apply to each' loop using the output from your filter. Inside the loop, add the 'Create new folder' SharePoint action, mapping the 'Folder path' dynamic content to your destination site and library.

Save and test the flow

Save your flow and run a manual test. The flow will read your source directory and generate the exact empty folder hierarchy in the target location.

Use Power Automate to Replicate Folder Structures

Submit Feedback to Microsoft: Because a native 'copy folders only' button is heavily requested, consider submitting or upvoting this feature request on the official SharePoint feedback portal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't SharePoint's 'Copy to' feature let me exclude files?

SharePoint's native copying mechanics are designed to move or copy exact replicas of data sets in their entirety. Microsoft has not yet natively implemented a 'folder-only' toggle in the standard user interface.

Can I use File Explorer to copy the SharePoint folder structure?

Yes. If you sync both the source and destination SharePoint libraries to your local PC using OneDrive, you can use Windows command-line tools like XCOPY or robocopy with specific flags (e.g., /T /E) to copy just the folder tree without files.

Does saving a document library as a template preserve empty folders?

Yes. If you save a classic SharePoint document library as a template and choose not to include content, it will preserve the folder structure. However, this feature is often disabled or restricted in modern SharePoint communication and team sites.

Will the Power Automate flow copy folder permissions?

No, the basic 'Create new folder' action in Power Automate does not copy custom permissions. If your source folders have unique item-level permissions, you will need to add advanced flow actions or REST API calls to replicate those specific access rights.

Document & File Issues