cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Reply
zak-elatt
New Member

Extract email content (HTML/Plaintext) and add to Excel?

Hello,

 

I'm using a contact form plugin on a website to collect form submissions which get emailed to me.

These emails are templated, so the subject is set, there are fields/values set all in HTML as well with values on each line

 

For example:

 

Subject: Student Applicant | James

HTML Body Preview:

<div>
<p><span>Full Name: </span><span>James</span></p>
<p><span>Email Address: </span><span>james@gmail.com</span></p>
<p><span>Phone Number: </span><span>08080808080</span></p>
</div>

Looks like:

Full Name: James

Email Address: james@gmail.com

Phone Number: 080808080

 

Now, I'm using Office 365 for Business. I've setup an email rule so that subjects with the above term automatically go into the "Students" email folder.

 

From Flow, I've created the first step which collects an email once it arrives in that folder, which is fine.

I also have an Excel Spreadsheet in my OneDrive Business which has a table with columns: "Full Name", "Email Address" and "Phone Number".

 

Now here's the problem: how can I select each value from the email body?

 

I want to be able to select the value of "Full Name" which is "James" and make sure that can be added to the spreadsheet, but the main problem is I can't even select these values.

 

I was wondering if JSON Parse can help, but I have no experience in using JSON or know how the functions work in Flow. I've got experience in programming, but this is a little out of scope from what I've done before.

 

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

5 REPLIES 5
Anonymous
Not applicable

Hi,

 

I made a quick example to help you on your way. I'm still learning a lot myself, so this my be one way to get there. But there will be others. Maybe others will chip in as well.

 

So here is the screencap of what I came up with (I used the HTML example you posted).

Screencap1.png

- I saved your HTML example into the first variable (named 'htmltest'). The first operation I did is sort of a hack to get everything to work. I noticed the colon between the column names (like Firstname) and the name itself. I wanted to split the text on colon so that I can put everything into an array.

 

- I created a variable that replaced every "</span></p>" combination with a colon :

 

This was the expression used in the variable (add seperator): 

replace(variables('htmltest'),'</span></p>',':')
 
- Then I used "HTML to TEXT" to strip all HTML content from your form. 
 
- I added a compose and entered this expression to split the text on the colon seperator:
split(body('Html_to_text'),':')
screencap3.png

 

- I Initialized a variable of type Array and added the output of the Compose action.
screencap2.png

 

 
- Then I created a variable for email adress and used the following expression to extract the mail address. You can do the same with another string variable for the name and phone number.
 
expression: 
variables('test')[3]
 
I named the array variable test. The 3 is the index of the mail of the student. This blogpost will help you with arrays and indexes.
 
I hope this helps you on your way. I did this quick and it is probably far from perfect. There will be other ways of doing this I guess. Let me know if I can do anything else for you.
 
If you are new be sure to check out the videos of Shane Young on Youtube. He made a few videos on Flow (and is normally going to do more).
 
And don't forget to watch the videos on MS Flow made by Laura Rogers. Here is her youtube channel. And here are the official docs.
v-yuazh-msft
Community Support
Community Support

Hi @zak-elatt,

 

@Anonymous 's solution is able to acheive your requirement.

Have @Anonymous answered your question?

 

If your question haven't been solved,please share more details about the Excel table and I would offer you the special workaround with steps.

 

Best regards,

Alice

Thank you! And sorry for the late reply. I've tried to understand your solution as much as I can. I can understand most of the last part I think, though I was wondering mostly how I can capture the body of the email in its HTML format and pick out each part.

 

And I don't clearly understand why some elements are used e.g. Compose.

 

Would it be alright if you expanded all the elements and showed me what each part contains so I can see how I can adapt mind and try it out, from the very beginning (Initialise Variable HTML). Also, another weird issue is that I can't find "Initialise Variable HTML" but only "Initialise Variable".

 

Thanks. I really appreciate your feedback! It's the closest I've gotten so far.

Hi there, i'd really appreciate it if you were able to also contribute with some examples or solutions if you had any to give us any ideas!

Anonymous
Not applicable

Hi,

Here are the screenshots you asked. I described everything in my previous post. These screencaps should help you further on your way. Try and follow the steps below in my example. This should help you on your way. Can you following along these 7 steps in your own Flow? If you can build this and it works, I guess you have the basis for your own solution. Can you try to copy the steps and let me know?

 

Example flow screenshot:

Screencap1.png

 

Step 1 is the trigger (manual button trigger, not important for you. The trigger for your actual flow would be an email you receive.

 

Step 2: part of the example. I added a variable (type string) and pasted in the example HTML you provided to work with.

screencap2.png

Step 3: I created another string variable called "add seperator" and used the following formula: 

replace(variables('htmltest'),'</span></p>',':')
 
This is a replace formula. I took the variable named 'htmltest' (name of the variable in step 2) and replaced every occurence of </span></p> with a colon. This is important later in the example flow I quickly put together. I use the colon to split the HTML input into an array (next steps) so that we can work with the data (mail adres, name, ...) as seperate columns (like and Excel table or CSV).

 

screencap3.png

Step 4: Now that the colons are in place I use the HTML to text action to remove all the extra HTML from the example (this will also strip all HTML from an email you would receive).

 

 screencap4.png

 Step 5: I use the compose action. The compose is just a blank "canvas" action you can use to work with text, JSON or just about anything else. Here I use it to split the output from the HTML_to_text action. 

 

 Look at the formula: split(body('Html_to_text'),':')

 

I split the text into an array using the colon (:). I added this in step 2. Thanks to the split I will now be able to extract the important information that you require, such as the mail or name.

screencap5.png

Step 6: Here I just created a variable namd test of type 'Array'. The output of the compose action was added as the value of this variable.

 

 

screencap6.png

Step 7: Since I now have an array with all the information you need. I made a variable for the mailadress. The value was retrieved from the array. Each part of information (name, mail, ...) in an array has a number. Using the number you can retrieve the information and put it in a variable. This variable can than be used in your flow. For instance you can write this value to an excel document or to a sharepoint list (create sharepoint list item action).

 

Here is the formula: variables('test')[3]

 

 screencap7.png

 

Helpful resources

Announcements

Exclusive LIVE Community Event: Power Apps Copilot Coffee Chat with Copilot Studio Product Team

It's time for the SECOND Power Apps Copilot Coffee Chat featuring the Copilot Studio product team, which will be held LIVE on April 3, 2024 at 9:30 AM Pacific Daylight Time (PDT).     This is an incredible opportunity to connect with members of the Copilot Studio product team and ask them anything about Copilot Studio. We'll share our special guests with you shortly--but we want to encourage to mark your calendars now because you will not want to miss the conversation.   This live event will give you the unique opportunity to learn more about Copilot Studio plans, where we’ll focus, and get insight into upcoming features. We’re looking forward to hearing from the community, so bring your questions!   TO GET ACCESS TO THIS EXCLUSIVE AMA: Kudo this post to reserve your spot! Reserve your spot now by kudoing this post.  Reservations will be prioritized on when your kudo for the post comes through, so don't wait! Click that "kudo button" today.   Invitations will be sent on April 2nd.Users posting Kudos after April 2nd at 9AM PDT may not receive an invitation but will be able to view the session online after conclusion of the event. Give your "kudo" today and mark your calendars for April 3, 2024 at 9:30 AM PDT and join us for an engaging and informative session!

Tuesday Tip: Unlocking Community Achievements and Earning Badges

TUESDAY TIPS are our way of communicating helpful things we've learned or shared that have helped members of the Community. Whether you're just getting started or you're a seasoned pro, Tuesday Tips will help you know where to go, what to look for, and navigate your way through the ever-growing--and ever-changing--world of the Power Platform Community! We cover basics about the Community, provide a few "insider tips" to make your experience even better, and share best practices gleaned from our most active community members and Super Users.   With so many new Community members joining us each week, we'll also review a few of our "best practices" so you know just "how" the Community works, so make sure to watch the News & Announcements each week for the latest and greatest Tuesday Tips!     THIS WEEK'S TIP: Unlocking Achievements and Earning BadgesAcross the Communities, you'll see badges on users profile that recognize and reward their engagement and contributions. These badges each signify a different achievement--and all of those achievements are available to any Community member! If you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, you too can earn badges for the great work you do. Check out some details on Community badges below--and find out more in the detailed link at the end of the article!       A Diverse Range of Badges to Collect The badges you can earn in the Community cover a wide array of activities, including: Kudos Received: Acknowledges the number of times a user’s post has been appreciated with a “Kudo.”Kudos Given: Highlights the user’s generosity in recognizing others’ contributions.Topics Created: Tracks the number of discussions initiated by a user.Solutions Provided: Celebrates the instances where a user’s response is marked as the correct solution.Reply: Counts the number of times a user has engaged with community discussions.Blog Contributor: Honors those who contribute valuable content and are invited to write for the community blog.       A Community Evolving Together Badges are not only a great way to recognize outstanding contributions of our amazing Community members--they are also a way to continue fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. As you continue to share your knowledge and assist each other these badges serve as a visual representation of your valuable contributions.   Find out more about badges in these Community Support pages in each Community: All About Community Badges - Power Apps CommunityAll About Community Badges - Power Automate CommunityAll About Community Badges - Copilot Studio CommunityAll About Community Badges - Power Pages Community

Tuesday Tips: Powering Up Your Community Profile

TUESDAY TIPS are our way of communicating helpful things we've learned or shared that have helped members of the Community. Whether you're just getting started or you're a seasoned pro, Tuesday Tips will help you know where to go, what to look for, and navigate your way through the ever-growing--and ever-changing--world of the Power Platform Community! We cover basics about the Community, provide a few "insider tips" to make your experience even better, and share best practices gleaned from our most active community members and Super Users.   With so many new Community members joining us each week, we'll also review a few of our "best practices" so you know just "how" the Community works, so make sure to watch the News & Announcements each week for the latest and greatest Tuesday Tips!   This Week's Tip: Power Up Your Profile!  🚀 It's where every Community member gets their start, and it's essential that you keep it updated! Your Community User Profile is how you're able to get messages, post solutions, ask questions--and as you rank up, it's where your badges will appear and how you'll be known when you start blogging in the Community Blog. Your Community User Profile is how the Community knows you--so it's essential that it works the way you need it to! From changing your username to updating contact information, this Knowledge Base Article is your best resource for powering up your profile.     Password Puzzles? No Problem! Find out how to sync your Azure AD password with your community account, ensuring a seamless sign-in. No separate passwords to remember! Job Jumps & Email Swaps Changed jobs? Got a new email? Fear not! You'll find out how to link your shiny new email to your existing community account, keeping your contributions and connections intact. Username Uncertainties Unraveled Picking the perfect username is crucial--and sometimes the original choice you signed up with doesn't fit as well as you may have thought. There's a quick way to request an update here--but remember, your username is your community identity, so choose wisely. "Need Admin Approval" Warning Window? If you see this error message while using the community, don't worry. A simple process will help you get where you need to go. If you still need assistance, find out how to contact your Community Support team. Whatever you're looking for, when it comes to your profile, the Community Account Support Knowledge Base article is your treasure trove of tips as you navigate the nuances of your Community Profile. It’s the ultimate resource for keeping your digital identity in tip-top shape while engaging with the Power Platform Community. So, dive in and power up your profile today!  💪🚀   Community Account Support | Power Apps Community Account Support | Power AutomateCommunity Account Support | Copilot Studio  Community Account Support | Power Pages

Super User of the Month | Chris Piasecki

In our 2nd installment of this new ongoing feature in the Community, we're thrilled to announce that Chris Piasecki is our Super User of the Month for March 2024. If you've been in the Community for a while, we're sure you've seen a comment or marked one of Chris' helpful tips as a solution--he's been a Super User for SEVEN consecutive seasons!   Since authoring his first reply in April 2020 to his most recent achievement organizing the Canadian Power Platform Summit this month, Chris has helped countless Community members with his insights and expertise. In addition to being a Super User, Chris is also a User Group leader, Microsoft MVP, and a featured speaker at the Microsoft Power Platform Conference. His contributions to the new SUIT program, along with his joyous personality and willingness to jump in and help so many members has made Chris a fixture in the Power Platform Community.   When Chris isn't authoring solutions or organizing events, he's actively leading Piasecki Consulting, specializing in solution architecture, integration, DevOps, and more--helping clients discover how to strategize and implement Microsoft's technology platforms. We are grateful for Chris' insightful help in the Community and look forward to even more amazing milestones as he continues to assist so many with his great tips, solutions--always with a smile and a great sense of humor.You can find Chris in the Community and on LinkedIn. Thanks for being such a SUPER user, Chris! 💪 🌠  

Find Out What Makes Super Users So Super

We know many of you visit the Power Platform Communities to ask questions and receive answers. But do you know that many of our best answers and solutions come from Community members who are super active, helping anyone who needs a little help getting unstuck with Business Applications products? We call these dedicated Community members Super Users because they are the real heroes in the Community, willing to jump in whenever they can to help! Maybe you've encountered them yourself and they've solved some of your biggest questions. Have you ever wondered, "Why?"We interviewed several of our Super Users to understand what drives them to help in the Community--and discover the difference it has made in their lives as well! Take a look in our gallery today: What Motivates a Super User? - Power Platform Community (microsoft.com)

March User Group Update: New Groups and Upcoming Events!

  Welcome to this month’s celebration of our Community User Groups and exciting User Group events. We’re thrilled to introduce some brand-new user groups that have recently joined our vibrant community. Plus, we’ve got a lineup of engaging events you won’t want to miss. Let’s jump right in: New User Groups   Sacramento Power Platform GroupANZ Power Platform COE User GroupPower Platform MongoliaPower Platform User Group OmanPower Platform User Group Delta StateMid Michigan Power Platform Upcoming Events  DUG4MFG - Quarterly Meetup - Microsoft Demand PlanningDate: 19 Mar 2024 | 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM Central America Standard TimeDescription: Dive into the world of manufacturing with a focus on Demand Planning. Learn from industry experts and share your insights. Dynamics User Group HoustonDate: 07 Mar 2024 | 11:00 AM to 01:00 PM Central America Standard TimeDescription: Houston, get ready for an immersive session on Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform. Connect with fellow professionals and expand your knowledge. Reading Dynamics 365 & Power Platform User Group (Q1)Date: 05 Mar 2024 | 06:00 PM to 09:00 PM GMT Standard TimeDescription: Join our virtual meetup for insightful discussions, demos, and community updates. Let’s kick off Q1 with a bang! Leaders, Create Your Events!  Leaders of existing User Groups, don’t forget to create your events within the Community platform. By doing so, you’ll enable us to share them in future posts and newsletters. Let’s spread the word and make these gatherings even more impactful! Stay tuned for more updates, inspiring stories, and collaborative opportunities from and for our Community User Groups.   P.S. Have an event or success story to share? Reach out to us – we’d love to feature you!

Users online (5,173)