SharePoint Document Issues

How to Open SharePoint List Items in a Full Window with JSON

Algirdas Jasaitis Oct 10, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user wants to configure a SharePoint Online list so that clicking an item's Title opens the EditForm.aspx page in a new, full browser window rather than the default side panel.

How to Open SharePoint List Items in a Full Window with JSON

Product: SharePoint Online
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Customizing the modern SharePoint list experience using column formatting to improve data entry or viewing workflows.
Observed behavior: By default, modern SharePoint list items open in a narrow side panel. The goal state is to force the item to open in a dedicated, full-size browser window when clicked.

Before you start

Ensure you have the necessary list editing permissions in SharePoint Online and know the exact internal name of your list as it appears in your browser's address bar.

Solution 1Recommended

Apply JSON Formatting to the Title Column

Use Microsoft's built-in column formatting feature in Advanced mode to turn the Title column into a hyperlink that targets a new window.

In the modern SharePoint experience, you can override default click behaviors by applying JSON to a specific column. This method modifies the HTML anchor properties to point directly to the EditForm.aspx page.

Access Column Settings

Open your SharePoint Online list. Click on the Title column header, choose 'Column settings' from the drop-down menu, and select 'Format this column'.

Enter Advanced Mode

At the bottom of the formatting pane that appears on the right side of the screen, click on 'Advanced mode'.

Paste the JSON Code

Copy and paste the following JSON snippet into the editor: { "$schema": "https://developer.microsoft.com/json-schemas/sp/v2/column-formatting.schema.json", "elmType": "a", "txtContent": "@currentField", "attributes": { "href": "=@currentWeb + '/Lists/***YourListName***/EditForm.aspx?ID=' + [$ID] + '&Source=' + @currentWeb + '/Lists/***YourListName***/'", "target": "_blank" } }

Customize the List Name

In the JSON code you just pasted, locate the placeholder '***YourListName***' and replace it with your actual list name exactly as it appears in the URL of your browser's address bar.

Save and Test

Click 'Save' at the bottom of the pane. Click the hyperlink in the Title column for any list item to confirm it opens the edit form in a full, new browser tab.

Apply JSON Formatting to the Title Column

List Name Verification: If your list name contains spaces, it may be represented with '%20' in the URL. Be sure to use the exact string found in the URL to prevent broken links.

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Manage Your Exported SharePoint Documents with WPS Office

While WPS Office does not natively host SharePoint lists, it is the perfect free alternative for opening, editing, and managing Excel spreadsheets or Word documents exported from SharePoint. It offers a familiar interface, lightweight performance, and seamless file handling.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free suite and follow the installation wizard.
2. Export SharePoint Data: In your SharePoint list, use the 'Export to Excel' feature to download your data locally.
3. Open with WPS Office: Open the downloaded .xlsx or .csv files in WPS Spreadsheets to view, edit, and analyze your data seamlessly.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) and Word (.docx) formats exported from SharePoint.Lightweight, fast, and completely free to use for your daily document workflows.Familiar user interface ensuring a seamless migration from Microsoft Office.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the list item open in a full window without using JSON?

In the modern SharePoint experience, the default behavior is a side panel. To open an item in a full window natively without JSON, users have to manually right-click the item and select 'Open in new tab'. Alternatively, administrators can customize the list form using Power Apps.

Why does my JSON formatted link result in a 'Page Not Found' error?

This typically occurs if the list name defined in the JSON's URL path does not perfectly match the internal list name. Check your browser's address bar when viewing the list to find the correct internal name and update your JSON accordingly.

Does this JSON formatting affect my item-level permissions?

No, column formatting only changes how the data and links are visually displayed. Users will still need the appropriate SharePoint permissions to view or edit the item when they reach the EditForm.aspx page.

Document & File Issues