Unzip and Upload SharePoint List Attachments to Document Library Using Power Automate

Unzip and Upload SharePoint List Attachments to Document Library Using Power Automate

Organizations often receive ZIP files as attachments in SharePoint Lists. Instead of manually downloading, extracting, and uploading files to a document library, Power Automate can automate the entire process.

This approach improves efficiency, reduces manual effort, and ensures documents are stored in a centralized SharePoint Document Library for easier management and collaboration.

Business Scenario

Users upload ZIP files as attachments to a SharePoint List item. Power Automate automatically:

• Detects the uploaded attachment
• Retrieves the ZIP file
• Extracts the contents
• Uploads extracted files into a SharePoint Document Library

Flow Overview

• Trigger when a SharePoint List item is created or modified
• Get attachment content
• Extract ZIP file contents
• Loop through extracted files
• Create files in SharePoint Document Library

Step 1: Trigger the Flow

Use the SharePoint trigger:

When an item is created or modified

Step 2: Get Attachments

Retrieve the attachment details and content from the SharePoint List item.

Get Attachments

Get Attachment Content

Step 3: Extract ZIP File

Use an unzip connector or ZIP extraction action available in your environment.

Extract Archive to Folder

OR

Extract ZIP Contents

The action returns all files contained within the ZIP archive.

Step 4: Upload Files to Document Library

Loop through each extracted file and create it inside the target SharePoint Document Library.

Apply to Each

Create File

Map the extracted file name and content to the Create File action.

Common Use Cases

• Vendor document submissions
• HR onboarding documents
• Project deliverables
• Invoice and receipt processing
• Bulk document uploads
• Compliance document management

Benefits

• Eliminates manual extraction
• Improves document management
• Reduces processing time
• Ensures centralized storage
• Supports scalable automation

Best Practices

• Validate attachment types before extraction.
• Handle extraction errors gracefully.
• Implement duplicate file checks.
• Use dedicated document libraries.
• Monitor storage usage regularly.

Key Takeaways

• Power Automate can automate ZIP file extraction.
• SharePoint attachments can be processed automatically.
• Extracted files can be uploaded directly to document libraries.
• Reduces manual document handling.
• Improves efficiency and document governance.