SharePoint Document Issues

How to Fix Pasted Images Disappearing in Microsoft Lists Rich-Text Columns

John Wilson Oct 12, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users need to paste screenshots into a Microsoft Lists rich-text column, but the embedded images fail to save properly.

Product: Microsoft Lists
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Submitting a Microsoft Lists form and attempting to insert an image directly into a rich-text field via copy and paste.
Observed behavior: Pasted images render temporarily while editing the form, but disappear completely from the field after the list item is saved and reopened.

Before you start

Ensure you have the necessary SharePoint design permissions to customize list forms, and verify that your Microsoft 365 license includes access to Power Apps.

Solution 1Recommended

Customize the List Form with Power Apps

Replace the standard list form using Microsoft Power Apps and change the field control to a Rich Text Editor, allowing pasted image HTML to be stored and rendered natively.

The standard Microsoft Lists form does not natively persist embedded screenshots because it does not automatically convert them into attachments. By utilizing Power Apps, you can handle the rich-text HTML and base64 image data correctly.

Open Power Apps Integration

Navigate to your SharePoint list or Microsoft List, click on 'Integrate' in the top menu, hover over 'Power Apps', and select 'Customize forms'.

Select the Text Field Data Card

Once the Power Apps studio opens, locate the data card corresponding to your multi-line text field and select its input control.

Change to Rich Text Editor

Change the control type from a standard text input to a 'Rich text editor' control so it can process HTML and pasted image data.

Save and Publish

Save your changes in the upper right corner of Power Apps, then click 'Publish to SharePoint' to apply the newly customized form to your list.

Configuration Tip: You can start with a multi-line plain-text field in your SharePoint list settings; the Power Apps Rich Text Editor control will automatically convert and store the inputted content as HTML.

Solution 2

Attach Images Manually Instead of Pasting

Bypass the rich-text embedding limitation entirely by uploading the screenshots directly as list item attachments.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Switch to WPS Office for Seamless Document and Image Management

While Microsoft Lists handles structured online data, managing complex rich text and embedded images is often much easier in dedicated desktop applications. WPS Office offers a free, lightweight productivity suite that fully supports Microsoft Office formats and makes working with documents, spreadsheets, and image insertions completely hassle-free.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to set up the software suite.
3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and start editing your documents with full support for embedded images and rich text.

Easily paste, edit, and retain high-quality images and screenshots in all your documents.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formats.Lightweight design ensures fast loading, even on older devices.Familiar user interface requires no steep learning curve to master.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do images copied from the web sometimes work while local screenshots fail?

Images copied directly from webpages are often inserted into the rich-text field as reference URLs linking to the original source, which the form handles easily. Local screenshots rely on embedding base64 data, which the standard Lists form does not persist upon submission.

Will Microsoft fix this standard form limitation in Lists?

This is currently a known limitation of the standard Microsoft Lists form. A potential future improvement might automatically upload pasted images as list-item attachments and reference them in the text field, but until then, custom forms or attachments are required.

Do I need special permissions to use the Power Apps workaround?

Yes, you need sufficient permissions within your SharePoint environment, typically Site Owner or Member access with list design capabilities, to customize forms using Power Apps.

Document & File Issues