SharePoint Document Issues

How to Use Word Content Controls to Update SharePoint Columns

Muhammad Talha Oct 12, 2026 868 views

Question details

Extract values from Word Content Controls and write them to matching SharePoint library columns when a document is uploaded.

How to Use Word Content Controls to Update SharePoint Columns

Product: Microsoft Word, SharePoint, Power Automate
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Uploading a Word document containing content controls to a SharePoint library and automatically populating the corresponding metadata columns.
Observed behavior: The user needs an automated process to map data entered in a Word document's content controls to SharePoint library properties without manual data entry.

Before you start

Ensure your Word document is saved with properly configured content controls (each with a unique title or tag) and that your account has the necessary permissions to create Power Automate flows for the target SharePoint library.

Solution 1Recommended

Create a Power Automate Flow to Extract and Map Word Data

Use a Power Automate flow to trigger upon file creation, extract the data from Word Content Controls, and update the corresponding SharePoint columns.

By utilizing the Microsoft Power Automate platform, you can bridge the gap between Word documents and SharePoint metadata. This requires using both the Word Online (Business) connector and the SharePoint connector.

Prepare Your Word Document

Open your Word template, navigate to the Developer tab, and insert Content Controls for the fields you want to extract. Ensure each control has a unique 'Title' and 'Tag' defined in its properties.

Set Up the SharePoint Trigger

Log into Power Automate and create an automated cloud flow. Set the trigger to 'When a file is created (properties only)' and select your SharePoint site address and library name.

Read Word Content Controls

Add a new action and search for 'Word Online (Business)'. Select the action to read or populate the Microsoft Word template. Point it to the file identifier generated by the SharePoint trigger.

Update SharePoint File Properties

Add another action for SharePoint called 'Update file properties'. Enter your Site Address, Library Name, and the Item ID. Map the dynamic content extracted from the Word controls to your designated SharePoint columns.

Save and Test the Flow

Save your flow and ensure the connection has access to both the library and the Word file. Upload a test document to your SharePoint library and verify that the columns update automatically.

Create a Power Automate Flow to Extract and Map Word Data

Permission Check: Confirm that the account establishing the flow connection has read access to the Word file and edit permissions for the SharePoint library columns.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Word Content Controls not showing up in Power Automate?

Power Automate requires Content Controls to have distinct Titles and Tags to recognize them. Open your document in Word, go to the Developer tab, click on the Content Control, select Properties, and verify that the Title and Tag fields are filled out.

Can I update SharePoint columns from a Word document without Power Automate?

Historically, SharePoint supported a feature called Quick Parts to map document properties directly to library columns. However, for customized Content Controls and modern SharePoint environments, Power Automate is the standard and most reliable method.

Do I need a premium license to use the Word Online connector?

Yes, using the Word Online (Business) connector in Power Automate to extract or populate Word templates often requires an eligible premium Power Automate license or a specific Microsoft 365 enterprise plan.

Document & File Issues