Dataverse table as knowledge source and URL column as citation Issue

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Posted on by AL-11110717-0

I am trying to create an agent that answers user queries based on data stored in a Dataverse table. The table contains a column named Link (URL datatype), where each record includes a unique reference link to its supporting file. When providing an answer, the agent should always display the corresponding URL from the Link column as a citation along with the final response. Each record used in the response must include its own citation, shown in the format:

Citation:<URL>

The agent should ensure:

All answers are derived only from the Dataverse table.
Each response includes one or more citations, depending on the number of records referenced.
URLs are provided as clickable links wherever possible
No intermediate details, raw data, or backend logic should be shown — only the final answer plus citations.

I have added Dataverse table as knowledge source and also instructed agent to showcase Link column value that is URL as clickable citation along with every answer but the agent give entire table as citation. Attached is the screenshot for the same. Any solution or lead would be highly appreciated.

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Michael E. Gernaey 53,963 Moderator on at

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Hi @AL-11110717-0

So what s confusing for me is, your instructions do essentially say use that as the Citation (which I am not going to say is going to work how you have it), but you also say don't use the link ( as a data source ),

If I can suggest, take a look at this. Customize Citations—by capturing responses, adding details such as last modified and download links in Copilot Studio Agents | LinkedIn

If these suggestions help resolve your issue, Please consider Marking the answer as such and also maybe a like.

Thank you!
Sincerely, Michael Gernaey

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AL-11110717-0 31 on at

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Hi @Michael E. Gernaey, Thank you for your response. Yes, i want the agent to use Dataverse table as knowledge source to ground answers and just give a citation as Link column having URL which is available in that Dataverse table itself but do not refer to it as knowledge source (Exclude only that column for knowledge source but give it as citation). The same logic works fine for Excel spreadsheet.

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DAnny3211 138 on at

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Hi, This issue seems to stem from how Copilot Studio currently handles citations when using Dataverse tables as a knowledge source. While you've correctly added the table and instructed the agent to use the `Link` column for citations, the agent may default to citing the entire table or dataset instead of individual records. To achieve per-record citations with clickable URLs, consider the following: 1. **Use a Generative Answers Node with Custom Formatting** In your agent's topic, configure a generative answers node and explicitly define how the citation should be formatted. You can use Power Fx or post-processing logic to append the `Link` column value to each referenced record. 2. **Exclude the Link Column from Knowledge Source** As you mentioned, the Link column should not be used for grounding but only for citation. This can be done by customizing the knowledge source description and synonyms so the agent doesn’t treat it as content but still accesses it for citation. 3. **Use a Custom Response Template** You can format the agent’s response to include: ``` Citation: View Source ``` This ensures the URL is clickable and styled appropriately. 4. **Reference Documentation** Microsoft provides guidance on customizing citations and formatting responses: - [Add a Dataverse knowledge source](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot-studio/knowledge-add-dataverse)[1](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot-studio/knowledge-add-dataverse) - [Knowledge sources overview](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot-studio/knowledge-copilot-studio)[2](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot-studio/knowledge-copilot-studio) - [Dataverse Indexer sample](https://github.com/microsoft/CopilotStudioSamples/blob/master/DataverseIndexer/README.MD)[3](https://github.com/microsoft/CopilotStudioSamples/blob/master/DataverseIndexer/README.MD) If the agent still cites the entire table, you may need to adjust the YAML configuration or use a cloud flow to enrich the response dynamically. Thanks and best regards, Daniele **Note: This response was prepared with support from Copilot to ensure clarity and completeness.**

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Michael E. Gernaey 53,963 Moderator on at

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I @AL-11110717-0

Does the link help you get what you need. Right now I am actually trying to make it happen (lol natural languagally) and haven't made it work exactly as well as the link.

I will let you know if I do promise, but right now I would see what you can do with the link and then come back and I promise to answer as best I can if its close but not quite what you need.

lets get this done :-)

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