I'm able to populate a Word template using the Plain Text Content Control. Once I've attempted to remove the content control in the populated Word document, the populated text is also removed. I've searched, but I haven't found anything that explains why it's happening or how I can prevent it. It looks like it has something to do with the text of the placeholder being replaced instead of text being actually added. Anybody have an idea?
Is your workaround still effective? If so, could you please provide more details about the typing space? When I leave it empty, it seems to remove the plain text content control for me.
To prevent this, click into the plain text content control and enter a space (make sure you're not in design mode).
Hey everyone,
This is also doable with the Plumsail Documents tool. This tool makes it much easier to work with document generation. It also offers helpful features like checkboxes, conditional hiding, and more. Have a look at this article:
The solution is paid, but there is a free 30-day trial available.
I believe I figured out a workaround.
After Power Automates populates the template, it appears I can remove all the content controls without removing the text. I'm not sure why it works but it seems like Power Automate was populating the placeholder text and not the actual content if I don't type something into the content control itself.
Sorry for such a late reply. But I tried your method but editing will delete everything much like removing the content control. It seems like it's replacing the placeholder text ("Click or tap here to enter text.") instead of inserting the data from SharePoint as text. Any more insight?
Best,
Jason
Hi @JaysYi ,
Thanks for your further statement.
I'm afraid that's how things work from Power Automate. Text you added by Power Automate is added to these content control rather that Word main body. Here the control works as a container, it tells the flow where to put the text.
Sorry for any inconvenience caused by this design. Would you like to try settings in above response to see whether it helps you to some extent?
Best regards,
Wenjuan Zou
@v-wenjuan-msft to clarify:
I'm unsure why deleting the content control will also delete the text populated by Power Automate. It's very strange that in other projects (separate Word template), it does not behave this way (i.e., when deleting the content control the underlying text remains). Thanks!
Hi @JaysYi ,
Do you mean you add content to the plain text content control via Power Automate flow, and now you would like to remove the control but leave the text in word still?
As we know we have to put a control in word template so that we can add content via Power Automate. There's no doubt.
We can set controls to disappear when users type in their own text. Please try and see whether it meets your request:
Check this link for further details:
About content controls - Microsoft Support
Best regards,
Wenjuan Zou
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