SharePoint Document Issues

How to Create Dynamic Links for SharePoint File Path Elements

Anum Mushtaq Oct 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to display individual file path segments in a SharePoint list and assign a dynamically generated clickable link to each separate element.

How to Create Dynamic Links for SharePoint File Path Elements

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Configuring SharePoint list column formatting to display interactive, segmented file paths instead of a single text string.
Observed behavior: Standard JSON column formatting can display the path text elements, but it lacks the capability to automatically convert each separated path segment into an individual, dynamically generated hyperlink.

Before you start

Ensure you have Site Owner or List Administrator permissions in your SharePoint environment and possess access to Power Automate to create and manage automated cloud flows.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Power Automate to Populate Separate Hyperlink Columns

Since column formatting JSON alone cannot dynamically generate individual links for every path segment, the recommended workaround is using Power Automate to populate dedicated columns.

To achieve clickable elements for different parts of a path, create individual hyperlink columns for each segment of your path. You can then use Power Automate combined with the SharePoint REST API to populate these fields automatically whenever a file is added or modified.

Create hyperlink columns

Navigate to your SharePoint list and create three new Hyperlink columns named SitePathLink, FolderPathLink, and FilePathLink.

Set up a Power Automate flow

Open Power Automate and create an automated cloud flow that triggers 'When an item is created or modified' targeting your specific SharePoint list.

Add an HTTP request action

Add a 'Send an HTTP request to SharePoint' action to your flow to utilize the SharePoint REST API.

Configure the POST request

Set the method to POST and target the list item endpoint, for example: _api/web/lists/getbytitle('YourListName')/items(id).

Update the request body

In the request body, supply the dynamically derived URL and description for each segment to update the SitePathLink, FolderPathLink, and FilePathLink columns appropriately.

Microsoft Feedback Portal: Because native JSON formatting is limited in this regard, consider submitting a feature request for multi-link dynamic formatting through the Microsoft Feedback portal.

Solution 2

Display Visually Separated Path Elements Using JSON Formatting

If you only need to display the path segments visually separated without needing individual clickable links, you can use basic JSON column formatting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I use JSON column formatting to make each path segment a clickable link?

SharePoint's JSON column formatting applies transformations to the entire column value. While it can alter text appearance and wrap the whole column in a single link, it lacks the functional capability to iterate through a split string and assign distinct, interactive hyperlink properties to each individual element.

Do I need a premium Power Automate license to use the SharePoint REST API?

No. The 'Send an HTTP request to SharePoint' action is a standard connector included with most base Office 365 licensing plans. It does not require a premium Power Automate license.

Can I hide the original raw file path column after setting up the new hyperlink columns?

Yes. You can edit your default list view settings to uncheck and hide the original file path column, ensuring users only see the neatly formatted SitePathLink, FolderPathLink, and FilePathLink columns.

Document & File Issues