web
You’re offline. This is a read only version of the page.
close
Skip to main content

Notifications

Announcements

Community site session details

Community site session details

Session Id :
Power Platform Community / Forums / Power Automate / How to create an empty...
Power Automate
Unanswered

How to create an empty 'dummy' object in an array?

(0) ShareShare
ReportReport
Posted on by

Hi, how to create an empty 'dummy' object in an array?

 

I have a flow that initializes a variable that is a picture but only if that picture exists. If it doesn't, I would like to have it blank, but it must have a value of an object:

 

plona95_0-1716216761480.png

 

 

Is there any way to create something dummy that will return an empty object? '', 0, etc. isn't allowed

Categories:
I have the same question (0)
  • creativeopinion Profile Picture
    10,502 Super User 2025 Season 2 on at

    @plona95 It'd be helpful to see a screenshot of your full flow. Using a variable may not be necessary—depending on the logic of your flow. Instead, you could use an expression. However, it's really hard to say without seeing a full screenshot. 

     

    If you want more specific recommendations, toggle off the New Designer (if you are using it) and click to expand each action in edit mode.

     

    In the meantime, you may find this YT Tutorial helpful: 5 Power Automate Troubleshooting FAQs and Helpful Tips for Creating Better Flows

     

    In this Power Automate tutorial, I explore 5 frequently asked questions that pop up when troubleshooting a flow. If you’d like to to level up your Power Automate flow skills and learn how to troubleshoot your Power Automate flow—this tutorial is for you!

     

    IN THIS VIDEO:

    ✅ How to troubleshoot a false Condition action result

    ✅ How to get dynamic content when it isn’t selectable from the list of dynamic content

    ✅ How to troubleshoot an Apply to Each action that isn’t looping through

    ✅ How to troubleshoot a skipped Apply to Each action

    ✅ How to troubleshoot a Filter Query

    ✅ How to use a SharePoint yes/no column in a Filter Query

    ✅ How to use Compose actions to troubleshoot a Power Automate flow

    ✅ How to troubleshoot multiple emails being sent

    ✅ How to troubleshoot multiple Teams messages being sent

     

    Hope this helps!

    If I helped you solve your problem—please mark my post as a solution ✅.
    Consider giving me a 👍 if you liked my response!

    👉 Level up your Power Automate skills by checking out my tutorials on YouTube
    👉 Tips and Tricks on TikTok and Instagram
  • plona95 Profile Picture
    on at

    Sorry but this looks rather like an advertisment than a genuine help - you didn't try to help at all and you show lack of PA knowledge (I guess that what I asked for is quite simple for semi-advanced PA users)

  • creativeopinion Profile Picture
    10,502 Super User 2025 Season 2 on at

    @plona95 Thanks for your feedback. I understand that it can be frustrating when you need a quick solution. My intent was to provide the most accurate and helpful advice possible—which is why I asked for a screenshot of your full flow. 

     

    Power Automate solutions can vary greatly depending on the specific configuration and actions used. Seeing the full flow helps me understanding the context so that I can offer precise and effective guidance tailored to your situation. 

     

    However, I can offer a general solution that you can try. To initialize a variable that holds an object, you can use the json() function in Power Automate.

     

    Use the following expression:

    json('{}')

    creativeopinion_1-1716302908674.png

     

     

    creativeopinion_0-1716302896537.png

     

    This way, your variable will have a valid object type even if it’s empty.

     

    If you need additional assistance, sharing the details of your flow will help to troubleshoot more effectively. Hope this helps. Have a wonderful day!

     

    If I helped you solve your problem—please mark my post as a solution ✅.
    Consider giving me a 👍 if you liked my response!

    👉 Level up your Power Automate skills by checking out my tutorials on YouTube
    👉 Tips and Tricks on TikTok and Instagram
  • plona95 Profile Picture
    on at

    Thank you for the response, @creativeopinion! That's almost it, could you please advise on how to make that object to be .jpg file? It can even be one pixel of a white space or blank

Under review

Thank you for your reply! To ensure a great experience for everyone, your content is awaiting approval by our Community Managers. Please check back later.

Helpful resources

Quick Links

Forum hierarchy changes are complete!

In our never-ending quest to improve we are simplifying the forum hierarchy…

Ajay Kumar Gannamaneni – Community Spotlight

We are honored to recognize Ajay Kumar Gannamaneni as our Community Spotlight for December…

Leaderboard > Power Automate

#1
Michael E. Gernaey Profile Picture

Michael E. Gernaey 519 Super User 2025 Season 2

#2
Tomac Profile Picture

Tomac 296 Moderator

#3
abm abm Profile Picture

abm abm 232 Most Valuable Professional

Last 30 days Overall leaderboard