'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Link OFT Email Templates in SharePoint Online
Question details
The user needs to add links to OFT (Outlook File Template) email files within the SharePoint Online modern Links web part.
- Product
- SharePoint Online
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to link to an OFT email template stored in a document library subfolder using the modern Links web part on a SharePoint page.
- Observed behavior
- OFT files are not supported or selectable natively in the Links web part file picker, whereas other formats like MSG files appear as supported options.
Ensure you have the appropriate site permissions to generate sharing links for files within your SharePoint document libraries.
Use Sharing Links for OFT Files in the Links Web Part
Bypass the native file selection restriction by generating a direct sharing link to the OFT file and pasting it into the Links web part.
SharePoint Online's modern Links web part currently restricts the direct selection of OFT files from document libraries. To work around this limitation, you can create a standard sharing URL for the specific OFT file and manually insert it as a web link.
Navigate to the SharePoint document library and open the subfolder where your OFT email template is currently stored.
Click the vertical ellipsis (three dots) next to the OFT file and select 'Copy link' or 'Share' to generate a URL. Adjust the link settings to ensure the target audience has access to view or download the file.
Navigate to the modern SharePoint page where you want to add the link, click 'Edit' in the top right corner, and locate your Links web part.
Click 'Add a link' within the web part, select the 'From a link' option from the menu, and paste the sharing URL you copied earlier.
Enter a display name for the OFT file link, save your changes, and click 'Republish' to make the link available to your site visitors.
Manage Your Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office
While working around specific Microsoft SharePoint web part restrictions, consider WPS Office for a highly compatible, lightweight alternative for your daily document creation and template management needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can I select MSG files but not OFT files in the SharePoint Links web part?
SharePoint Online modern pages currently have specific native support limitations for the Links web part. While the file picker recognizes MSG files as supported link targets, OFT files are excluded from direct selection.
Can I store OFT email templates safely in SharePoint document libraries?
Yes, OFT files can be uploaded and stored securely in SharePoint document libraries without data loss. The limitation only applies to selecting them natively within the modern Links web part interface.
Will users be able to download the OFT template using the sharing link?
Yes. When users click the sharing link you added to the Links web part, they will be directed to a page where they can download the OFT template, provided the link permissions were set to allow viewing or downloading.
