I have a Flow in an existing solution for which I need to create several variants. Ideally I would copy the flow and edit the copy.
Unfortunately the copies are created outside the solution and are not visible to import into the solution.
Any ideas on how to replicate a Flow inside of a Solution?
Thanks,
Brian
Solved! Go to Solution.
Yes you can but only way is to edit the xml files.
Follows the below steps:
Note: Before you do this take a backup copy of your existing solution.
1. Export the current solution
2. Once the solution is exported then unzip the current solution
3. You will see the following files and directory
4. Go to Workflows directory. Here you can see the flow json file.
5. Duplicate the flow file and rename to another filename and new GUID. To generate new GUID use this site https://www.guidgenerator.com/online-guid-generator.aspx
6. Once the file is copied and renamed with new GUID you will have two json flow files like below. Makes sure GUID must be capital case.
7. Next go to back to parent folder and open customizations.xml file
8. Copy and paste (duplicate) the workflow element. See below. Here the highlighted part is the first flow you created. Below you can see my new workflow node I copied. change the GUID's workflowID (Use the GUID you generated), Name and JsonFilename. Please be careful that all are case sensitive. So follow the same pattern as the first workflow where you copied form.
Save the file.
9. Next open the Solution.xml file
Duplicate the Root Component. Again the id is case sensitive. Use the same flow GUID as above.
Save the file
10. Finally Zip all the files.
12. Delete your existing solution. (Please take a backup copy of your solution).
13. Import the new zip solution.
Here is my result
If you need any help in this please let me know.
Thanks
If you liked my response, please consider giving it a thumbs up
Proud to be a Flownaut!
Learn more from my blogSorry I know this is old but it might help someone.
Actually you can do it with Postman. Create a Skeleton destination flow (just through away steps in it) and save it.
In Chrome open the inspect window and navigate to the "network" tab and capture the PATCH post URL (we will use this in Postman) and Bearer token.
Go to the flow you want to copy and in Chrome open the inspect window and navigate to the "network" tab. Click the "Save" on it and capture the body of the Patch command (Request Payload - starts "properties:..).
Got to Postman and create a new Patch request (copying your Bearer token to the authentication) and past the body of the flow you want to copy. Lastly edit the "displayName" so it matches what you called the Skeleton flow.
Hit Post and the Flow should be be updated with the contents of the one you just copied.
Really ugly way of doing but its probably quicker than exporting the entire solution and updating it.
You might need to watch out for the only "16 connection limit" on one reference issue - if you get this open the Skeleton app and connect to CDS and create a new connection save it as before and examine the properties payload you will see the mentioned connection has changed name - copy this to the same field in the payload you want to test and you should be up and running.
Yes you can but only way is to edit the xml files.
Follows the below steps:
Note: Before you do this take a backup copy of your existing solution.
1. Export the current solution
2. Once the solution is exported then unzip the current solution
3. You will see the following files and directory
4. Go to Workflows directory. Here you can see the flow json file.
5. Duplicate the flow file and rename to another filename and new GUID. To generate new GUID use this site https://www.guidgenerator.com/online-guid-generator.aspx
6. Once the file is copied and renamed with new GUID you will have two json flow files like below. Makes sure GUID must be capital case.
7. Next go to back to parent folder and open customizations.xml file
8. Copy and paste (duplicate) the workflow element. See below. Here the highlighted part is the first flow you created. Below you can see my new workflow node I copied. change the GUID's workflowID (Use the GUID you generated), Name and JsonFilename. Please be careful that all are case sensitive. So follow the same pattern as the first workflow where you copied form.
Save the file.
9. Next open the Solution.xml file
Duplicate the Root Component. Again the id is case sensitive. Use the same flow GUID as above.
Save the file
10. Finally Zip all the files.
12. Delete your existing solution. (Please take a backup copy of your solution).
13. Import the new zip solution.
Here is my result
If you need any help in this please let me know.
Thanks
If you liked my response, please consider giving it a thumbs up
Proud to be a Flownaut!
Learn more from my blogProud to be a Flownaut!
Hi @Jcook
Thanks for the comment. Really appreciated it. Keep up the good work. I can see you doing well in this community sharing your knowledge.
If you liked my response, please consider giving it a thumbs up
Proud to be a Flownaut!
Learn more from my blogProud to be a Flownaut!
Thanks @abm,
I was afraid that would be the answer. These Flows are part of a larger Model Driven App solution. So editing and replacing the solution is a little more involved. Does the content of the solution or whether it is managed/unmanaged make a difference to your workaround?
Thank you for the detailed directions.
Brian
I haven't checked the managed solution to extract and reconstruct the solution. It may be possible. Not sure that is supported or not?
Thanks
If you liked my response, please consider giving it a thumbs up
Proud to be a Flownaut!
Learn more from my blogAlso you can go to your flow click save as (a new copy will appear in "My flows") and add new flow to your solution.
@FIN wrote:Also you can go to your flow click save as (a new copy will appear in "My flows") and add new flow to your solution.
You would think it would be this easy. It would save a lot of time for larger projects. The copies are not available to me either when attempting to add them to my solution.
Now I see why I had this problem. So there is a list of known limitations (for example Button triggered flows are not available in solutions). So if you want to copy and import a flow you'll need to switch trigger (or anything else on the list) to be able to import it.
See:
So i created a solution and 2 flows:
Saved the copy:
And on add existing flows I see only Copy of - TestSaveAs - OneDrive
And i can add it.
So to be able to import existing flow you'll need to change/delete some steps.
Ah, good find.
In my case, I created the copy from a flow already in the Solution, so it didn't have any unsupported limitiations.
Sorry I know this is old but it might help someone.
Actually you can do it with Postman. Create a Skeleton destination flow (just through away steps in it) and save it.
In Chrome open the inspect window and navigate to the "network" tab and capture the PATCH post URL (we will use this in Postman) and Bearer token.
Go to the flow you want to copy and in Chrome open the inspect window and navigate to the "network" tab. Click the "Save" on it and capture the body of the Patch command (Request Payload - starts "properties:..).
Got to Postman and create a new Patch request (copying your Bearer token to the authentication) and past the body of the flow you want to copy. Lastly edit the "displayName" so it matches what you called the Skeleton flow.
Hit Post and the Flow should be be updated with the contents of the one you just copied.
Really ugly way of doing but its probably quicker than exporting the entire solution and updating it.
You might need to watch out for the only "16 connection limit" on one reference issue - if you get this open the Skeleton app and connect to CDS and create a new connection save it as before and examine the properties payload you will see the mentioned connection has changed name - copy this to the same field in the payload you want to test and you should be up and running.
Wow, this s/b the actual solution. Well done.
Awesome post @Welbywelb !
Proud to be a Flownaut!
Thanks Welbywelb!
Your solution worked great! Where you stated, "Click the "Save" on it and capture the body of the Patch command (Request Payload - starts "properties:..).", when I saved the file from Chrome Dev Tools, the double quotes were escaped by backslashes, that I had to remove (a simple find and replace).
In file saved from Chrome:
thx @Welbywelb for the fantastic workaround. I've added some more details including screenshots 🙂 The post is in german but this should be no problem. Klonen bzw. Kopieren von Power Automate Flows innerhalb von Solutions | applied technologies GmbH
Your article explains @Welbywelb solution in details! Precious! Thank you both!
The solution I found without exporting/reimporting the solution is to use "save-as" for the flow you're interested in. Then importing the new exported flow back into the solution. I'm always weary of deleting my solution and trying to reimport especially if it's a critical flow. I have seen odd issues over time and don't trust the solution import too much.
Has anyone tried this workaround and what has been your experience?
I really wish Microsoft would fix the "Save-As" and the "Clone" features so we can safely work/test our work. The "save-as" should just save the flow inside your solution if the flow is already inside, and not outside.
The "Clone" solution should clone the entire solution including flows and connection references (I read this article and made me scared to even try that feature: Solved: Clone Solution issue - Power Platform Community (microsoft.com) See also this for more info: Power Platform – Clone Solution | innovativeaj (wordpress.com)
Maybe MSFT will fix this in future releases. Hope MSFT is reading this blog 🙂
Hi Maxpower4522,
Very interested in this so I just tried to do a "save as" from within flow in a solution and the flow is placed in "My flows". If I try to "Add existing" ..."Cloud flow"-> "From Dataverse or Outside Dataverser" then the flow is not visible (I've assumed this is what you mean when you say "importing the new exported flow back into the solution") but perhaps there is another way to do it from inside a solution. FYI this was a "manually triggered flow" so this might be the issue.
Can you share the navigation steps you do which successfully imported a previously "save as"'d flow please if different from above?
Also what kind of flow trigger is used with within it?
FYI it appears that there are many reason for this not to work see - https://docs.microsoft.com/en-gb/powerapps/maker/data-platform/solutions-overview#known-limitations
This is the reason I provided my solution above which basically allows you cut and paste the code content for a any flow into a skeleton flow which you have created where you want it (inside a solution or not).
I totally agree that we shouldn't have to do this but until MS gets the finger out its the best solution I've found to date.
Thanks.
Welcome to our November Newsletter, where we highlight the latest news, product releases, upcoming events, and the amazing work of our outstanding Community members. If you're new to the Community, please make sure to follow the latest News & Announcements and check out the Community on LinkedIn as well! It's the best way to stay up-to-date with all the news from across the Power Platform and beyond. This month's highlights:- - Our most active community members- Microsoft Power Up Program- Microsoft Community Days website - The latest blogs and more COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS Check out the most active community members of the last month. These hardworking members are posting regularly, answering questions, kudos, and providing top solutions in their communities. We are so thankful for each of you--keep up the great work! If you hope to see your name here next month, just get active! FLMikePstork1Nived_NambiarWarrenBelzSprongYeManishSolankiLaurensMwskinnermlcAgniusExpiscornovuscreativeopinion KatieAUinzil2kHaressh2728hafizsultan242douicmccaughanwoLucas001domliu Power Up Program Click the image below to discover more about the amazing Microsoft Power Up Program, as Reem Omar, Abbas Godhrawala, Chahine Atallah, Ruby Ruiz Brown, Juan Francisco Sánchez Enciso, Joscelyne Andrade Arévalo, Eric G. and Paulina Pałczyńska share how non-tech professionals can successfully advance into a new career path using Microsoft #PowerPlatform. To find out more about this amazing initiative, click here to apply for the program and reboot your journey into low-code app development today! Community Days - Event Website Have you checked out the Community Days website yet? Dedicated to the volunteer community organizers around the world, Community Days is the perfect place to find an event near you or add an event for wider exposure. Many thanks to Thomas Daly, Sharon Weaver, Sedat Tum, Jonathan Weaver, Manpreet Singh, David Leveille, Jason Rivera, Mike Maadarani, Rob Windsor and the team for all their hard work. Anyone can host a Community Day on any topic relevant to our industry, just click the image below to find out more. EVENT NEWS Power Platform French Summit - Paris/Virtual - 6-7th Dec It's not long now until the Power Platform French Summit, which takes place both virtually and in-person at the Microsoft France conference center in Paris on 6-7th December 2023. If you can't make it in-person, all sessions will also be broadcast on virtual networks for better distribution and accessibility. There's a fantastic array of speakers, including Jérémy LAPLAINE, Amira Beldjilali, Rémi Chambard, Erika Beaumier, Makenson Frena, Assia Boutera, Elliott Pierret, Clothilde Facon, Gilles Pommier, Marie Aubert, Antoine Herbosa, Chloé Moreau, Raphaël Senis, Rym Ben Hamida, Loïc Cimon, Joséphine Salafia, David Zoonekyndt, Aïcha Charpentier, Henry Jammes, Milene Rochard, Mehdi EL YASSIR, and many more. Click the image below for more information. LATEST COMMUNITY BLOG ARTICLES Power Apps Community Blog Power Automate Community Blog Copilot Community Blog Power Pages Community Blog
This is the TENTH post in our ongoing series dedicated to helping the amazing members of our community--both new members and seasoned veterans--learn and grow in how to best engage in the community! Each Tuesday, we feature new content that will help you best understand the community--from ranking and badges to profile avatars, from Super Users to blogging in the community. Our hope is that this information will help each of our community members grow in their experience with Power Platform, with the community, and with each other! This Week: All About Community Support Whether you're a seasoned community veteran or just getting started, you may need a bit of help from time to time! If you need to share feedback with the Community Engagement team about the community or are looking for ways we can assist you with user groups, events, or something else, Community Support is the place to start. Community Support is part of every one of our communities, accessible to all our community members. Power Apps: https://powerusers.microsoft.com/t5/Community-Support/ct-p/pa_community_support Power Automate: https://powerusers.microsoft.com/t5/Community-Support/ct-p/mpa_community_support Power Pages: https://powerusers.microsoft.com/t5/Community-Support/ct-p/mpp_community_support Copilot Studio: https://powerusers.microsoft.com/t5/Community-Support/ct-p/pva_community-support Within each community's Community Support page, you'll find three distinct areas, each with a different focus to help you when you need support from us most. Community Accounts & Registration is the go-to source for any and all information related to your account here in the community. It's full of great knowledge base articles that will help you manage your community account and know what steps to take if you wish to close your account. ● Power Apps ● Power Automate ● Power Pages, ● Copilot Studio Using the Community is your source for assistance with everything from Community User Groups to FAQ's and more. If you want to know what kudos are, how badges work, how to level up your User Group or something else, you will probably find the answers here. ● Power Apps ● Power Automate ● Power Pages ● Copilot Studio Community Feedback is where you can share opportunities, concerns, or get information from the Community Engagement team. It's your best place to post a question about an issue you're having in the community, a general question you need answered. Whatever it is, visit Community Feedback to get the answers you need right away. Our team is honored to partner with you and can't wait to help you! ● Power Apps ● Power Automate ● Power Pages ● Copilot Studio
What an amazing event we had this year, as Microsoft showcased the latest advancements in how AI has the potential to reshape how customers, partners and developers strategize the future of work. Check out below some of our handpicked videos and Ignite announcements to see how Microsoft is driving real change for users and businesses across the globe. Video Highlights Click the image below to check out a selection of Ignite 2023 videos, including the "Microsoft Cloud in the era of AI" keynote from Scott Guthrie, Charles Lamanna, Arun Ulag, Sarah Bird, Rani Borkar, Eric Boyd, Erin Chapple, Ali Ghodsi, and Seth Juarez. There's also a great breakdown of the amazing Microsoft Copilot Studio with Omar Aftab, Gary Pretty, and Kendra Springer, plus exciting sessions from Rajesh Jha, Jared Spataro, Ryan Jones, Zohar Raz, and many more. Blog Announcements Microsoft Copilot presents an opportunity to reimagine the way we work—turning natural language into the most powerful productivity tool on the planet. With AI, organizations can unearth value in data across productivity tools like business applications and Microsoft 365. Click the link below to find out more. Check out the latest features in Microsoft Power Apps that will help developers create AI-infused apps faster, give administrators more control over managing thousands of Microsoft Power Platform makers at scale, and deliver better experiences to users around the world. Click the image below to find out more. Click below to discover new ways to orchestrate business processes across your organization with Copilot in Power Automate. With its user-friendly interface that offers hundreds of prebuilt drag-and-drop actions, more customers have been able to benefit from the power of automation. Discover how Microsoft Power Platform and Microsoft Dataverse are activating the strength of your enterprise data using AI, the announcement of “plugins for Microsoft Copilot for Microsoft 365”, plus two new Power Apps creator experiences using Excel and natural language. Click below to find out more about the general availability of Microsoft Fabric and the public preview of Copilot in Microsoft Fabric. With the launch of these next-generation analytics tools, you can empower your data teams to easily scale the demand on your growing business. And for the rest of all the good stuff, click the link below to visit the Microsoft Ignite 2023 "Book of News", with over ONE HUNDRED announcements across infrastructure, data, security, new tools, AI, and everything else in-between!
This is the ninth post in our series dedicated to helping the amazing members of our community--both new members and seasoned veterans--learn and grow in how to best engage in the community! Each Tuesday, we feature new content that will help you best understand the community--from ranking and badges to profile avatars, from Super Users to blogging in the community. Our hope is that this information will help each of our community members grow in their experience with Power Platform, with the community, and with each other! Today's Tip: All About the Galleries Have you checked out the library of content in our galleries? Whether you're looking for the latest info on an upcoming event, a helpful webinar, or tips and tricks from some of our most experienced community members, our galleries are full of the latest and greatest video content for the Power Platform communities. There are several different galleries in each community, but we recommend checking these out first: Community Connections & How-To Videos Hosted by members of the Power Platform Community Engagement Team and featuring community members from around the world, these helpful videos are a great way to "kick the tires" of Power Platform and find out more about your fellow community members! Check them out in Power Apps, Power Automate, Power Pages, and Copilot Studio! Webinars & Video Gallery Each community has its own unique webinars and videos highlighting some of the great work being done across the Power Platform. Watch tutorials and demos by Microsoft staff, partners, and community gurus! Check them out: Power Apps Webinars & Video Gallery Power Automate Webinars & Video Gallery Power Pages Webinars & Video Gallery Copilot Studio Webinars & Video Gallery Events Whether it's the excitement of the Microsoft Power Platform Conference, a local event near you, or one of the many other in-person and virtual connection opportunities around the world, this is the place to find out more about all the Power Platform-centered events. Power Apps Events Power Automate Events Power Pages Events Copilot Studio Events Unique Galleries to Each Community Because each area of Power Platform has its own unique features and benefits, there are areas of the galleries dedicated specifically to videos about that product. Whether it's Power Apps samples from the community or the Power Automate Cookbook highlighting unique flows, the Bot Sharing Gallery in Copilot Studio or Front-End Code Samples in Power Pages, there's a gallery for you! Check out each community's gallery today! Power Apps Gallery Power Automate Gallery Power Pages Gallery Copilot Studio Gallery
In the bustling world of technology, two dynamic leaders, Geetha Sivasailam and Ben McMann, have been at the forefront, steering the ship of the Dallas Fort Worth Power Platform User Group since its inception in February 2019. As Practice Lead (Power Platform | Fusion Dev) at Lantern, Geetha brings a wealth of consulting experience, while Ben, a key member of the Studio Leadership team at Lantern, specializes in crafting strategies that leverage Microsoft digital technologies to transform business models. Empowering Through Community Leadership Geetha and Ben's journey as user group leaders began with a simple yet powerful goal: to create a space where individuals across the DFW area could connect, grow their skills, and add value to their businesses through the Power Platform. The platform, known for its versatility, allows users to achieve more with less code and foster creativity. The Power of Community Impact Reflecting on their experiences, Geetha and Ben emphasize the profound impact that community engagement has had on both their professional and personal lives. The Power Platform community, they note, is a wellspring of resources and opportunities, fostering continuous learning, skill enhancement, and networking with industry experts and peers. Favorite Moments and Words of Wisdom The duo's favorite aspect of leading the user group lies in witnessing the transformative projects and innovations community members create with the Power Platform. Their advice to aspiring user group leaders? "Encourage diverse perspectives, maintain an open space for idea-sharing, stay curious, and, most importantly, have fun building a vibrant community." Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers Geetha and Ben encourage others to step into the realm of user group leadership, citing the rewarding experience of creating and nurturing a community of like-minded individuals. They highlight the chance to influence, impact, and positively guide others, fostering connections that extend beyond mere technology discussions. Joining a User Group: A Gateway to Growth The leaders stress the importance of joining a user group, emphasizing exposure to diverse perspectives, solutions, and career growth opportunities within the Power Platform community. "Being part of such a group provides a supportive environment for seeking advice, sharing experiences, and navigating challenges." A Year of Milestones Looking back at the past year, Geetha and Ben express pride in the group's growth and global participation. They recount the enriching experience of meeting members in person at the Microsoft Power Platform conference, showcasing the diverse range of perspectives and guest speakers that enriched the community's overall experience. Continuous Learning on the Leadership Journey As user group leaders, Geetha and Ben recognize the continuous learning curve, blending interpersonal skills, adaptability, and dedication to foster a vibrant community. They highlight the importance of patience, persistence, and flexibility in achieving group goals, noting the significance of listening to the needs and suggestions of group members.They invite all tech enthusiasts to join the Dallas Fort Worth Power Platform User Group, a thriving hub where the power of community propels individuals to new heights in the dynamic realm of technology.
Are you attending Microsoft Ignite in Seattle this week? If so, we'd love to see you at the Community Lounge! Hosted by members of our Community team, it's a great place to connect, meet some Microsoft executives, and get a sticker or two. And if you're an MVP there are some special opportunities to meet up! The Community Lounge is more than just a space—it's a hub of activity, collaboration, and camaraderie. So, dive in, explore, and make the most of your Microsoft Ignite experience by immersing yourself in the vibrant and dynamic community that awaits you.Find out the schedule and all the details here: Community Lounge at Ignite! See you at #MSIgnite!
User | Count |
---|---|
61 | |
53 | |
28 | |
26 | |
19 |
User | Count |
---|---|
111 | |
68 | |
51 | |
45 | |
41 |