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Fix Power Automate Word Connector Error When Inserting SharePoint Images

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve an issue where Power Automate fails to insert multiple Base64-converted SharePoint images into a Word template report.

Product: Power Automate, Microsoft Word, SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Automating the creation of a Word report using data and multiple images submitted via Power Apps and stored in SharePoint.
Observed behavior: The Word connector rejects the Base64 converted image data, returning an error stating that a valid PNG or JPG file is required.

Before you start

Ensure you have the correct permissions to access the SharePoint document library and that your Microsoft Word template is saved with Picture Content Controls properly configured.

Solution 1Recommended

Troubleshoot Base64 Conversion and Word Picture Controls

Verify your file content conversion process and consult the Power Automate community for advanced array handling.

The issue typically occurs because the 'Populate a Microsoft Word template' action requires a specific binary format or properly formatted Base64 string for Picture Content Controls. When handling multiple images, the array mapping from SharePoint to the Word connector must strictly align with the connector's schema requirements.

Check SharePoint Image Data

Verify that the file content fetched from SharePoint is a valid image (PNG/JPG). Use the 'Get file content' action in Power Automate to retrieve the binary data properly.

Format Base64 Correctly

Ensure the expression used for conversion uses the base64() function directly on the file content. Check that you are not incorrectly passing or omitting the data URI scheme prefix (e.g., 'data:image/png;base64,') if your specific workflow configuration expects a raw string.

Configure Word Picture Content Control

Open your Word template, enable the Developer tab, and verify that the image placeholders are strictly set as 'Picture Content Controls'. For multiple images, ensure they are wrapped in a 'Repeating Section Content Control'.

Consult the Power Platform Community

Because handling multiple images in arrays involves complex JSON schema mapping, it is highly recommended to post your flow details (SharePoint column type, conversion expressions) to the official Power Automate Community forums for specialized support.

Community Support: You can find dedicated help for this specific workflow issue at the Power Platform Community forums: https://community.powerplatform.com/forums/thread/?groupid=46ce02a3-e1a7-4176-81fc-d93a4001d287

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Power Automate say the image needs to be a valid PNG or JPG?

This error occurs when the 'Populate a Microsoft Word template' action receives an improperly formatted Base64 string, an unsupported image format, or corrupted file content fetched from SharePoint.

How do I add a Picture Content Control in Word for Power Automate?

Open Microsoft Word, navigate to the Developer tab, place your cursor where you want the image, and click the 'Picture Content Control' icon. You must also assign it a Title and Tag in the Properties menu so Power Automate can recognize and map data to it.

Can I insert multiple images dynamically into a Word template using Power Automate?

Yes, but it requires wrapping your Picture Content Control inside a Repeating Section Content Control in Word. You must then format your Power Automate data as an array of objects that accurately match the repeating section's schema.

Does the base64() expression automatically make SharePoint images compatible with Word?

Not always. You must ensure you are passing the actual 'File Content' dynamic value into the base64() function. Depending on the connector version, you may also need to structure the output explicitly into the $content-type and $content JSON format expected by Word.

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