Want to create a SharePoint list with dynamic formatting? In our tutorial today, we will learn how to apply formatting to fields in a column in your list based on the value in the field, using JSON.
Why would you want to color code columns in a SharePoint list? Well, in my example, I have a team of project managers who are providing project information via a centralized list. We want our department heads to view project metrics in visual way.
With JSON, we will color the fields dynamically, using a choice field's values to determine whether the field displays as green, white, yellow, orange, or red. The code provided also includes a visual indicator icon. Decision makers can quickly scan a list, easily spotting projects that are experiencing issues, no matter how the list is sorted or filtered.
To follow along with this guide:
Full Control: You should have full control or owner level permission for the list or library where you want to format the columns.
Choice Column: The list or library should have a choice column that you will use to determine column formatting. In my example, I am using a choice column called Status with 5 options.
Notepad: You'll want to use Notepad or your favorite script editing application in order to edit the JSON more easily. I use a very useful -AND FREE!- application called Notepad++ (Download).
Modern Experience: The list must be in the modern experience. JSON formatting does not display in classic experience.
STEP 1: Navigate to the list.
STEP 2: Create a new choice column.
STEP 3: Add options to the choice column.
STEP 4: Open Format Column pane. Click the choice column title menu, select column settings, select Format this column.
STEP 5: Customize JSON code if necessary (JSON code provided below).
You can replace the choice option names (highlighted below in green) with your own options, just make sure you match the capitalization - JSON is case sensitive.
You can replace the syntax @currentField if you want to reference a different column by using the syntax [$YourColumnName].
You can pick your own icons by replacing the icon names in the code (highlighted in blue). Microsoft Fabric UI icons and their names can be found here.
STEP 6: Paste the JSON code in the Format Column pane that appears.
STEP 7: Click Save.
{
"$schema": "http://columnformatting.sharepointpnp.com/columnFormattingSchema.json",
"elmType": "div",
"attributes": {
"class": {
"operator": "?",
"operands": [
{
"operator": "==",
"operands": [
"@currentField",
"No Issues"
]
},
"sp-field-severity--good",
{
"operator": "?",
"operands": [
{
"operator": "==",
"operands": [
"@currentField",
"Inactive"
]
},
"sp-field-severity--low",
{
"operator": "?",
"operands": [
{
"operator": "==",
"operands": [
"@currentField",
"Warning"
]
},
"sp-field-severity--warning",
{
"operator": "?",
"operands": [
{
"operator": "==",
"operands": [
"@currentField",
"In Review"
]
},
"sp-field-severity--severeWarning",
"sp-field-severity--blocked"
]
}
]
}
]
}
]
}
},
"children": [
{
"elmType": "span",
"style": {
"display": "inline-block",
"padding-left": "4px"
},
"attributes": {
"iconName": {
"operator": "?",
"operands": [
{
"operator": "==",
"operands": [
"@currentField",
"No Issues"
]
},
"CheckMark",
{
"operator": "?",
"operands": [
{
"operator": "==",
"operands": [
"@currentField",
"Inactive"
]
},
"Forward",
{
"operator": "?",
"operands": [
{
"operator": "==",
"operands": [
"@currentField",
"In Review"
]
},
"Error",
{
"operator": "?",
"operands": [
{
"operator": "==",
"operands": [
"@currentField",
"Warning"
]
},
"Warning",
"ErrorBadge"
]
}
]
}
]
}
]
}
}
},
{
"elmType": "span",
"txtContent": "@currentField",
"style": {
"padding-left": "10px",
"font-weight": "bold"
}
}
]
}