Sort files into specific SP library folders - if a folder name not found a new folder is created

[mesan123]

Dear developers, 

I would have a question, please refer to the step #3 in my flow design below. 

I am building a flow which would extract SP list attachement(s) and copies them into a general folder. A 2nd flow should move files from a general library into specific folders based on file names. 

1. Power App form creates a SP list item with attachment.
2. Power Flow extracts the attachment(s) and creates files with naming convention "AppSubmitterName_AttachmentName" (AppSubmitterName can be a random person's full name) in a general SP Document library.
3. 2nd flow will trigger a new file in the folder, then reads the AppSubmitterName (the part until'_' from the original file name) and moves the file to a folder named AppSubmitterName. And now the tricky part, IF the folder with the AppSubmitterName does not exist in a document library the flow creates a folder named AppSubmitterName and moves the file into it.

I am not sure whether the 3rd step is technically buildable.

Thank you for comments. 

[abm · Accepted solution]

Hi @mesan123 

Please follow the below steps

Above compose expression is as follows:

first(split(outputs('Compose_2'),'_'))

Also watch my video tutorial regarding file move.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9ZxAd9JVVo&t=22s

[mesan123]

Hi @abm ,

Thank you very much for this design.
I was wondering whether a 'folder existence check' condition can be added into your flow in order to determine the folder with the name already exists or not in the library (it can happen that the same person submits more app records which would cause folder name duplicates or flow fail).

Something like after 'Compose' action where we extracted the folder name to put a condition for folder existence check based on the name. If the folder exists -> do a Move file into it, if not perform the Create new folder and move file into it.

Thank you for suggestions.

[abm]

Hi @mesan123 

Thanks for your reply.

You can use the create folder action step without checking whether folder exists or not. If folder already exists it won't recreate the folder. If you want explicitly check then please see my blog link below.

https://mydevexperience.wordpress.com/2020/02/08/power-automate-how-to-find-a-folder-exists-dynamic-...

Thanks

[mesan123]

Hi @abm , 

Thank you for your explanation and help on this design. 

Am I right in my understanding of your comment that if the folder already exists the action step 'Create a folder' will not create a duplicated folder and the action step 'Create a folder' will be passed as successful without any action done and the file will be moved in the subsequent action step into it. 
And this way the initially created folder will absorb new and new attachments if the same person submits the app again (the folder to be named always as the appsubmitter). 

Thank you once again.

mesan123

[abm]

Hi @mesan123 

Yes that's my understanding. 

Thanks