New file from template not saving in specified location using Office URI schemes

NFT
1

I’m having trouble with the Office URI schemes when creating a new file from a template. I’m trying to use the optional parameter ‘|s’ to set the default save location, but it’s not working as expected.

Here’s what I’m doing:

  1. I have a template in our Office 365 group drive.
  2. I want the new file to save in the same group drive, but in a different folder.
  3. I’m using this URI:
ms-word:nft|u|https://example.sharepoint.com/sites/mysite/docs/templates/report.dotx|s|https://example.sharepoint.com/sites/mysite/docs/output

When I open the URI, it creates a new file based on the template, but the save dialog doesn’t default to the specified location. The documentation indicates that this should work when both the template and the save location are on the same host. Any ideas on how to resolve this issue?

2

hey Elias87, i’m curious about your setup. have you tried using the desktop app instead of the web version? sometimes the uri schemes work better with the full office apps.

also, i wonder if there’s any difference between personal and group sharepoint sites for this? maybe try creating a test template in your personal onedrive and see if the save location works there?

what version of office are you using? i’ve heard some people say older versions can be finicky with these uri schemes.

let us know if you figure it out! i’m always interested in learning new workarounds for these kinda issues :slight_smile:

3

I have encountered similar issues with Office URI schemes, particularly when working with SharePoint locations. In my experience, one workaround is to use the full UNC path instead of the SharePoint URL for the save location parameter.

You can try modifying your URI like this:

ms-word:nft|u|https://example.sharepoint.com/sites/mysite/docs/templates/report.dotx|s|\\example.sharepoint.com@SSL\DavWWWRoot\sites\mysite\docs\output

This method has worked for me when the standard SharePoint URL wasn’t recognized properly. If the problem persists, verify that permissions are correct and that your Office client is fully updated.

4

hey there, i’ve run into this before. try using the full file path instead of the sharepoint url for the save location. so like:

ms-word:nft|u|https://example.sharepoint.com/sites/mysite/docs/templates/report.dotx|s|C:\\Users\\YourUsername\\Documents\\Output

that might do the trick. let me kno if it works!