Convert Word to PDF , Error "Unsupported media type"

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Posted on by CU31101829-0

I have this flow to create a word document, do a delay for 1 minute, get the file content , then convert the file to PDF:-

but on the convert action i am getting this error:-

{
  "status": 415,
  "message": "Unsupported media type. You may check if its a restricted document. \r\nclientRequestId: 1ce56d7c-5a21-4acb-95ee-23e7e04ef02d",
  "error": {
    "message": "Unsupported media type. You may check if its a restricted document. "
  },
  "source": "wordonlinebusiness-we.azconn-we-003.p.azurewebsites.net"
}

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MParikh 488 Super User 2026 Season 1 on at

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The error shows the Word document file is being treated as an "unsupported media type" when trying to convert to PDF. This happens because the file content isn't being passed correctly.

Fix the flow:

Check "Get file content" action outputs

The output should be File Content (binary data)

Don't use File content (string) or other outputs

Update "Convert Word Document to PDF" inputs

For the File parameter, use the dynamic content from "Get file content"

Make sure you select the correct output: File Content (not wrapped in any expression)

Verify file metadata

In "Get file content", ensure you're getting the actual .docx file

Check the file isn't corrupted or in an older Word format (.doc)

Common mistakes:

Using Get file content using path instead of Get file content

Selecting wrong dynamic content (like file identifier instead of file content)

Missing the binary file content and passing text/metadata instead

Quick test:

Add a "Compose" action after "Get file content" to inspect what you're getting. Output the File Content and check if it shows binary data or an error.

If the file source is SharePoint, make sure you're using the SharePoint connector's "Get file content" action, not OneDrive or other services.

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CU31101829-0 30 on at

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@MParikh

I tried to to pass the file content returned from the "Get File Content" to the convert action instead of passing the file name, but still the same error...

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WarrenBelz 155,291 Most Valuable Professional on at

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Hi @CU31101829-0,

I will add one of my prod Flows that does exactly what you are doing

Top item is a normal Word merge using a Template (I assume the same as yours). I then create a temporary .docx file in OneDrive and convert the content of that to PDF.I then use the content of the PDF output for whatever I need.

You do not need the delay and seem to be missing the file creation step.

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CU31101829-0 30 on at

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@WarrenBelz i ma uisng the "Create word document with the given content", where the content is an HTML table:-

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MParikh 488 Super User 2026 Season 1 on at

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The suggested solutions show the right approach, but they're missing a critical piece. The issue is how you're passing file content to the Word to PDF converter.

Here's what to do:

After "Get file content" action, add a "Compose" action

Input: Use the dynamic content body('Get_file_content')

This ensures you're extracting the actual binary content

In "Convert Word Document to PDF"

For the File parameter, use the output from the Compose action

Don't use the file name or file identifier

Alternative approach (more reliable):

Skip "Convert Word Document to PDF" action

Use "Create file" action (OneDrive/SharePoint) with these settings:

File name: filename.docx

File content: Output from "Get file content"

Then use OneDrive's "Convert file" action to convert to PDF

If still failing, try this workaround:

Create a two-step process:

Action 1: "Create a Microsoft Word document with the given content" (as shown in the second reply)

Action 2: Use that newly created Word file's content for conversion

The HTML table approach in the second reply works because you're creating a fresh Word document instead of passing through existing file content.

Root cause: Your flow is passing file metadata or a file reference instead of actual binary content. The Compose action forces evaluation of the file content before passing to the converter.

Test with a simple static Word file first to isolate whether the issue is with file retrieval or conversion.

Thank you!
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WarrenBelz 155,291 Most Valuable Professional on at

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HI @CU31101829-0,

What @MParikh is suggesting is exactly what I do - create a temporary .docx file in OneDrive and then convert that. Assuming that the output of your Word creation action is valid, it will work. If not, you need to go back a step and check that the temporary .docx file can be opened.

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CU31101829-0 30 on at

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@MParikh I tried this, using a compose as you mentioned: -

and i pass the outputs of the compose to the convert word Document to PDF, but still the same issue.

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CU31101829-0 30 on at

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@WarrenBelz and how do you pass the html to the document content ?

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WarrenBelz 155,291 Most Valuable Professional on at

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@CU31101829-0,

I use a Template, however several of these have HTML content in merge fields.

I did however test the Word element you are using in the Flow and it produces a valid Word document in the user's OneDrive, however it does not seem to want to convert the content to PDF using either the Word or OneDrive converters. It also does not want to (as I do) create a file in OneDrive using the content.

If you cannot solve this doing it your way, I suggest you use a Template with one merge field and insert the HTML into there, then use what I do - that will definitely work.

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WarrenBelz 155,291 Most Valuable Professional on at

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Hi @CU31101829-0,

A quick follow-up to see if you received the answer you were looking for. Happy to assist further if not.

Please ✅ Does this answer your question if my post helped you solve your issue. This will help others find it more readily. It also closes the item. If the content was useful in other ways, please consider answering Yes to Was this reply helpful? or give it a Like ♥
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