JSON Formatting in SharePoint Online: A Comprehensive Guide
JSON formatting in SharePoint Online enables users to customize the visual presentation of list and library data without requiring complex code. It allows for dynamic styling, icons, calculated values, and even conditional formatting based on field data. In this article, we’ll explore JSON formatting basics, advanced examples, limitations, and best practices.
What is JSON Formatting in SharePoint Online?
JSON formatting is a declarative approach to customize how fields, rows, or views appear in SharePoint lists and libraries. It involves writing JSON code that defines the logic and styling based on field values.
Examples of JSON Formatting
1. Change Background Color Based on Approval Status
If the field "ApprovalStatus" has a value of `"pending"`, set the background color to yellow. JSON Code:
{
"$schema": "https://developer.microsoft.com/json-schemas/sp/v2/column-formatting.schema.json",
"elmType": "div",
"style": {
"background-color": "=if(@currentField == 'pending', '#FFFF00', '')",
"padding": "5px"
},
"txtContent": "@currentField"
}
2. Display an Alert Icon if Cost Equals 100 Add a warning icon next to the Cost field if its value is `100`. JSON Code:
{
"$schema": "https://developer.microsoft.com/json-schemas/sp/v2/column-formatting.schema.json",
"elmType": "div",
"children": [
{
"elmType": "span",
"txtContent": "@currentField"
},
{
"elmType": "span",
"style": {
"margin-left": "10px",
"color": "red"
},
"attributes": {
"iconName": "Warning"
},
"condition": "=if(@currentField == 100, true, false)"
}
]
}
3. Concatenate Two Fields Combine two text fields, FirstName and LastName, into a single formatted output. JSON Code:
{
"$schema": "https://developer.microsoft.com/json-schemas/sp/v2/column-formatting.schema.json",
"elmType": "div",
"txtContent": "='Full Name: ' + [$FirstName] + ' ' + [$LastName]"
}
4. Add 3 Days to a Date Field Display a date that is 3 days later than the value in a field called StartDate. JSON Code:
{
"$schema": "https://developer.microsoft.com/json-schemas/sp/v2/column-formatting.schema.json",
"elmType": "div",
"txtContent": "=formatDate(addDays(@currentField, 3), 'yyyy-MM-dd')"
}
Limitations of JSON Formatting
1. Read-Only:
- JSON formatting is purely visual; it does not change the actual field value or data in the list.
2. Complex Logic:
- While simple conditions are supported, JSON formatting cannot handle complex business logic or external data calls.
3. Limited Interactivity:
- JSON formatting cannot create interactive elements like buttons with advanced event handling.
4. Field Dependencies:
- If a calculated field is hidden in the view, JSON that relies on it may break.
5. Performance Impact:
- Excessive formatting, especially on large lists, may slow down rendering.
Best Practices for JSON Formatting
1. Keep it Simple:
- Avoid overly complex JSON. Keep the code readable and maintainable.
2. Validate JSON:
- Use online JSON validators or tools like VS Code with JSON extensions to catch syntax errors.
3. Optimize for Performance:
- Test formatting on large lists to ensure it doesn’t degrade performance.
4. Use Conditional Logic:
- Use `if` statements sparingly and test all possible conditions.
5. Test Across Browsers:
- Ensure formatting looks consistent across browsers, especially for icons and colors.
6. Document Your JSON:
- Add comments (externally, as SharePoint JSON doesn’t support comments) to document logic and purpose.
Conclusion
JSON formatting in SharePoint Online is a powerful tool to enhance list and library views. By applying dynamic styling and conditional logic, you can improve data visualization and user experience. However, its read-only nature and complexity for advanced scenarios mean it’s best suited for lightweight customizations.
By following best practices and understanding its limitations, you can use JSON formatting effectively in your SharePoint projects.