How to Format SharePoint JSON to Show More Multiline Text
Question details
The user wants to display full multiline text in a SharePoint list using JSON column formatting without losing the ability to view the complete content.
- Product
- SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Customizing a SharePoint list column to handle long, multiline text where the default 'Show More' link behavior gets overridden or breaks due to custom JSON formatting.
- Observed behavior
- When custom JSON formatting is applied to a multiline text column, the built-in 'Show More' form behavior fails to respond, leaving the text permanently truncated in the list view.
Before modifying your SharePoint list, ensure you have the appropriate site permissions to edit column formatting and save a copy of your existing JSON code in a text editor as a backup.
Display the Full Text Using the @currentField Parameter
Replace the truncated substring expression with the @currentField parameter to natively display the complete multiline value.
By modifying the JSON to display the full field value rather than a truncated string, you bypass the need for a 'Show More' button entirely. Keep in mind that this approach will automatically increase the row height in your list view to accommodate the text.
Navigate to your SharePoint list, click the column header for your multiline text field, and select 'Column settings' followed by 'Format this column'.
At the bottom of the formatting pane on the right side of the screen, click on 'Advanced mode' to view the raw JSON code.
Locate the 'txtContent' property in your JSON schema. Replace the existing substring expression with '"txtContent": "@currentField"'.
Click the 'Save' button at the bottom of the pane to apply the formatting. Your list will refresh, and the full text will now be visible.
Implement a Custom Hover Card for Truncated Text
Keep the list view neat by retaining the truncated text, but display the complete value inside a custom hover card when users interact with the row.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't the built-in 'Show More' link work with my custom JSON in SharePoint?
The default 'Show More' functionality is tightly integrated with SharePoint's out-of-the-box field rendering. When you apply custom JSON column formatting, it overrides the default DOM structure, preventing the native link script from executing correctly.
Can I enable the 'Show More' button just by changing the txtContent property?
No, altering the txtContent property alone cannot enable the built-in 'Show More' link. You must either rely on custom hover cards to show full text or revert to the default list view without custom JSON formatting.
Where can I get advanced help for complex SharePoint JSON formatting?
For highly customized JSON list configurations, the best place to seek help is Microsoft Q&A. You can post your specific JSON code and list setup using the 'SharePoint Development' tag for expert assistance from Microsoft engineers and community members.
