Efficient methods to bulk add rows to SharePoint list

Managing SharePoint lists can become quite tedious, especially when handling large volumes of data. However, whether you’re importing data from Excel or setting up automated workflows, there are several efficient ways to bulk add rows to a SharePoint list. By doing so, you can save time and avoid repetitive tasks that often hinder productivity. Moreover, these methods can significantly enhance your overall data management experience. In this guide, we will explore some of the top strategies for optimizing your data management, ensuring that you can work more efficiently and effectively.

1. Use quick edit mode 

This method is ideal for smaller sets of data, as it enables quick and straightforward input. Here’s how to use it

1. First, navigate to your SharePoint list.
2. Then, click on Quick Edit from the ribbon.
3. Next, copy and paste data directly from Excel into the SharePoint list.

While Quick Edit is effective for smaller batches, it’s important to note that handling hundreds of rows this way can still be cumbersome. Therefore, for larger datasets, you may want to consider alternative methods to streamline the process.

2. Import Spreadsheet 

For larger datasets, importing an Excel spreadsheet is one of the most efficient methods. SharePoint provides an “Import Spreadsheet” feature, which creates a new list based on an Excel file. 

Steps to import 

• Open SharePoint and go to Site Contents. 

• Click on Add an app and select Import Spreadsheet. 

• Upload your Excel file and map the columns. 

Although this method is quick, it only works when creating new lists. Consequently, this makes it impractical for updates to existing lists. 

3. Microsoft Power Automate 

If you’re looking for a more automated and scalable approach to bulk add rows to SharePoint list, Power Automate is the solution. This tool allows you to create workflows that can trigger data uploads from multiple sources, including Excel, databases, and cloud applications. 

Benefits of using Power Automate 

• Automate recurring data uploads. 

• Integrate with external systems like Dynamics 365 and Azure. 

• Schedule uploads at specific intervals for seamless management. 

To explore more about automating workflows using Power Automate, visit Microsoft Power Automate Documentation. 

4. Using SharePoint API with PowerShell 

For more tech-savvy users, leveraging the SharePoint REST API in combination with PowerShell scripting is an incredibly efficient method for bulk adding rows. With this approach, you can upload thousands of records at once directly through code, significantly enhancing your data management capabilities. Additionally, this method allows for greater customization and automation, making it an excellent choice for those looking to optimize their workflow further. By using these tools together, you can streamline your processes and save considerable time and effort.

How to set it up 

• Create a REST API endpoint to connect with SharePoint. 

• Write PowerShell scripts to automate data uploads. 

• This method offers the highest level of customization and scalability. 

5. Third-Party tools 

There are several third-party tools available to simplify bulk data uploads to SharePoint lists. Tools like ShareGate and Metalogix offer robust features for data migration, making them ideal for large enterprises with frequent data transfer needs. 

Choosing the right method for bulk adding rows to SharePoint lists depends on your dataset size, frequency of uploads and technical expertise. For smaller tasks, Quick Edit and Import Spreadsheet work well. For more sophisticated processes, Power Automate or SharePoint API with PowerShell offer automation and scalability. 

By leveraging these efficient methods, you can optimize your data management in SharePoint, save time and increase productivity.

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