SharePoint Document Issues

How to Copy or Recreate a SharePoint Team Folder Structure

Bushra Parveen Sep 25, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to duplicate a complex folder and page structure in SharePoint or Microsoft Teams for tracking commitments.

How to Copy or Recreate a SharePoint Team Folder Structure

Product: Microsoft SharePoint / Teams
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Setting up a new project or workspace that requires the exact same folder layout, pages, and headings as an existing SharePoint team site.
Observed behavior: SharePoint Online does not offer a native, built-in feature to copy an empty folder structure or save a complex directory layout as a reusable template.

Before you start

Ensure you have administrative or owner permissions for the SharePoint site and access to Microsoft Power Automate, as recreating complex structures requires building custom workflows.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Microsoft Power Automate to Recreate Folder Structures

Since SharePoint lacks a native template feature, creating a custom Power Automate flow is the most effective way to duplicate complex folders and files automatically.

Power Automate can automate the creation of folders and files based on a trigger. While it requires some initial setup, it is highly scalable for organizations that frequently create standard project folders.

Access Power Automate

Create a new flow

Start a new automated cloud flow triggered by a specific action, such as creating a new project item in a SharePoint list.

Add SharePoint actions

Use the 'Create new folder' and 'Copy file' actions within the flow to replicate your standard folder hierarchy and template pages into the target SharePoint site.

Consult the community for complex logic

For intricate structures involving multiple headings and pages, visit the Microsoft Power Automate Community forums to find specific flow templates or scripting advice.

Use Microsoft Power Automate to Recreate Folder Structures

Technical Requirement: Building a flow for complex structures requires familiarity with Power Automate. Searching for 'Copy Folder Structure' in community templates can significantly speed up this process.

Solution 2

Submit a Feature Request for Native Folder Templates

If using Power Automate is too complex for your organization's needs, you can submit a request directly to Microsoft to add this functionality natively.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Your Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office

While managing complex SharePoint structures can be challenging in the Microsoft ecosystem, WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for your daily document creation and team collaboration needs. Enjoy an intuitive interface and built-in cloud support for easy file organization.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and click the download button for your operating system.
2. Install and Set Up: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to set up the software.
3. Start Creating: Open WPS Office to instantly view, edit, and organize your documents with ease.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Built-in WPS Cloud for easy document organization, sharing, and folder management.Lightweight installation and fast loading times for improved daily productivity.Familiar user interface requiring zero learning curve for seamless migration.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I save a SharePoint folder structure as a template?

Currently, SharePoint Online does not support saving a folder hierarchy directly as a reusable template natively. You must manually recreate it or automate the process using Microsoft Power Automate.

Does the 'Copy to' feature in SharePoint duplicate folders and files?

The native 'Copy to' feature can copy a specific folder and its existing contents to a new destination, but it does not support copying only the empty structure or complex multi-page layouts automatically across different Team sites without bringing over the files as well.

Do I need a premium license to use Power Automate for SharePoint?

Standard SharePoint connectors in Power Automate are generally included in most Microsoft 365 business licenses. You usually do not need a premium license just to create basic automated folder structures.

Document & File Issues