Import or link to data in a SharePoint list

You can bring data from SharePoint into Access in either of two ways — by importing, or by linking.

The import process creates a copy of the SharePoint list in an Access database. During the import operation, you can specify the lists that you want to copy, and, for each selected list, you can specify whether you want to import the entire list or only a specific view.

The linking process connects to data in another program, so that you can view and edit the latest data both in SharePoint and in Access without creating and maintaining a copy of the data in Access. If you don't want to copy a SharePoint list into your Access database, but instead want to run queries and generate reports based on the contents of that list, you should link to the data.

This article describes the steps both for importing from and for linking to a SharePoint list.

Note:  This article doesn't apply to Access web apps – the kind of database you design with Access and publish online.

What do you want to do?

Import a SharePoint list

What else should I know about importing?

Related tasks on importing

Link to a SharePoint list

Are you using Access 2007 and looking for the Move to SharePoint Site Wizard? If so, see the section Use the Move to SharePoint Site Wizard in Access 2007 later in this article.

Import a SharePoint list

When you import data, Access creates a table and copies the columns and items from the source list (or view) into that table as fields and records. At the end of the import operation, you can choose to save the details of the import operation as a specification. An import specification helps you to repeat the import operation in the future without having to step through the Import Wizard each time.

Here are common reasons for importing a SharePoint list into an Access database:

• To permanently move data, such as a contacts list, to an Access database, because you no longer need the information on your SharePoint site. You can import the list into Access, and then delete the list from the SharePoint site.

• Your department or workgroup uses Access, but you are occasionally pointed to a SharePoint list for additional data that must be merged into one of your databases.

Complete these steps before you import the list

1. Locate the SharePoint site that contains the lists that you want to copy, and make a note of the site address.

   A valid site address starts with http:// or https:// followed by the name of the server, and ends with the path to the specific site on the server.

2. Identify the lists that you want to copy to the database, and then decide whether you want the entire list or just a particular view. You can import multiple lists in a single import operation, but you can import only one view of each list. If necessary, create a view that contains just the columns and items that interest you.

3. Review the columns in the source list or view.

   The following table explains some considerations to keep in mind when importing different elements:

   Element	Considerations
   Columns	Access imports only the first 256 columns, since it supports only 256 fields in a table. To avoid this problem, create a view and add to it only the columns that you want, ensuring that the total number of columns doesn't exceed 256.
   Folders	Each folder in the SharePoint list becomes a record in the Access table. Items inside a folder also appear as records, immediately below the record corresponding to that folder.
   Lookup columns	If a source column looks up values in another list, you have two choices: Import the display values as part of the field itself. In this case, you do not need to import the related list. Force the destination field to look up another table. In this case, if the database does not contain a table that can supply the lookup values, you must also import the related list. Note: A source column of type Person or Group is a special type of lookup column. It looks up values in the User Information list, so you must decide whether you want to import the User Information list along with other lists.
   Calculated columns	The results in a calculated column are copied to a field whose data type depends on the data type of the calculated result. The expression that performs the calculation is not copied.
   Attachments	The attachment column of the list is copied to a field named Attachments.
   Multivalued columns	A column of type Choice or Lookup can contain multiple values. When you import a column that supports multiple values, Access creates a column that supports multiple values.
   Rich text formatting	Columns containing rich text formatting are imported into Access as Memo fields. The Text Format property of the Memo Field is set to Rich Text, and the formatting is preserved. Note, beginning in Access 2013, Memo data fields were renamed to Long Text fields.
   Relationships	Access does not automatically create relationships between related tables at the end of an import operation. You must manually create the relationships between the various new and existing tables by using the options on the Relationships tab. To display the Relationships tab, on the Database Tools tab, in the Relationships group, click Relationships.

4. Identify the database into which you want to import the lists.

   Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to add data to the database. If you don't want to store the data in any of your existing databases, create a blank database.

5. Review the tables in the database.

   The import operation creates a table with the same name as the SharePoint list. If that name is already in use, Access appends "1" to the new table name — for example, for Contacts1, if Contacts1 is also already in use, Access will create Contacts2, and so on.

Note: Access does not overwrite a table in the database as part of an import operation, and you cannot append the contents of a list or a view to an existing table.

Import the list

1. Open the Access database in which the imported data will be stored. If you don't want to store the data in any of your existing databases, create a blank database.

2. The location of the import/link text wizard differs slightly depending upon your version of Access. Choose the steps that match your Access version:

   • If you're using the latest version of the Office 365 subscription version of Access, on the External Data tab, in the Import & Link group, click New Data Source > From Online Services > SharePoint List.

   • If you're using Access 2016, Access 2013, or Access 2010, on the External Data tab, in the Import & Link group, click the More button to drop down a list of options and then click SharePoint List.

   • If you're using Access 2007, on the External Data tab, in the Import group, click SharePoint List.

3. Access opens the Get External Data – SharePoint Site dialog box.

   

4. In the wizard, specify the address of the source site.

5. Select the Import the source data into a new table in the current database option, and click Next.

6. From the list that the wizard displays, select the lists that you want to import.

7. In the Items to Import column, select the view that you want for each selected list.

8. The check box labeled Import display values instead of IDs for fields that look up values stored in another list controls which data is imported for lookup columns in the selected lists. Do one of the following:

   • To import the display values as part of the field itself, select the check box. In this case, the field will not look up another table for values.

   • For the destination field to look up another table for values, clear the check box. Doing this will copy the IDs of the display value rows to the destination field. The IDs are necessary for defining a lookup field in Access.

   When importing IDs, you must import the lists that currently supply the values to the lookup columns (unless the destination database already has tables that could act as lookup tables).

   The import operation places the IDs in the corresponding field, but it does not set all of the properties necessary to make the field work like a lookup field. The steps for setting the lookup properties of such a field are described under Set lookup fields in this article.

9. Click OK.

Access imports the lists, and then displays the status of the operation on the last page of the wizard. If you plan to repeat the import operation at a later time, you can save the details as an import specification.

What else should I know about importing?

• For information on how to save the details of your import into a specification that you can reuse later, see the article Save the details of an import or export operation as a specification.

• For information on how to run saved import specifications, see the article Run a saved import or export operation.

• For information on how to schedule specifications to run at specific times, see the article Schedule an import or export operation.

• For information on how to change a specification name, delete specifications, or update the names of source files in specifications, see the article Manage Data Tasks.

Related tasks on importing

After you have completed the import operation, consider performing some additional tasks:

Verify the data types    Access selects the appropriate data type for each field corresponding to a source column. Verify each field and its settings to make sure all the fields are set up the way you want.

Investigate additional fields    Depending on the type of list on which the table is based, you might also notice the presence in the table of a few extra fields (such as Edit, Modified, and Type). For more information about these fields and the information that they contain, see SharePoint Help. If you don't need these fields in the Access database, you can safely delete them.

Set lookup fields    If you imported IDs for lookup columns, you must manually set the lookup properties of the corresponding fields.

1. In Table Design view, in the field's Data Type list, click Lookup Wizard.

2. In the wizard, accept the default selection (I want the lookup column to look up the values in a table or query), and then click Next.

3. Select the table or query that will supply the lookup values for the field, and then click Next.

   Note:  This table can be a newly imported table or an existing table.

4. In the Field List pane, select the ID field and the field that contains the display values, and then click Next.

5. Specify a sort order, and then click Next.

6. Click Finish and then save your design changes.

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Link to a SharePoint list

When you link to a SharePoint list, Access creates a new table (often referred to as a linked table) that reflects the structure and contents of the source list. Unlike importing, linking creates a link only to the list, not to any specific views of the list.

Linking is more powerful than importing in two ways:

• Adding and updating data    You can make changes to data either by browsing to the SharePoint site or by working in Datasheet or Form view within Access. The changes that you make in one place are reflected in the other. But, if you want to make structural changes, such as removing or changing a column, you must do so by opening the list on the SharePoint site. You cannot add, delete, or modify the fields in a linked table while working in Access.

• Lookup tables    When you link to a SharePoint list, Access automatically creates linked tables for all lookup lists (unless the lookup lists are already linked to the database). If the lookup lists contain columns that look up other lists, those lists are also included in the linking operation, so that the lookup list of every linked table has a corresponding linked table in the database. Access also creates relationships between these linked tables.

Common scenarios for linking to a SharePoint list

Typically, you link to a SharePoint list from an Access database for these reasons:

• Your department or workgroup uses Access for rich reporting and querying, and uses Windows SharePoint Services for team collaboration and communication. Individual teams create lists to track various things (such as contacts and issues), but often this list data must be brought into a database for aggregation and reporting. Linking is the appropriate choice, because it allows users of both the SharePoint site and the database to add and update data, and to always view and work with the latest data.

• You are an Access user who only recently started using Windows SharePoint Services. You migrated several of your databases to your team SharePoint site, and most of the tables in these databases are linked tables. From now on, instead of creating local tables, you will create SharePoint lists, and then link to these lists from your databases.

• You want to continue storing your lists on SharePoint sites, but you also want to work with the most recent data inside of Access to run queries and print reports.

Prepare to link to a SharePoint list

1. Locate the SharePoint site that has the lists to which you want to link, and make a note of the site address.

   A valid site address starts with http:// or https:// followed by the name of the server, and ends with the path to the specific site on the server.

2. Identify the lists to which you want to link. You can link to multiple lists in a single linking operation, but you cannot link to a specific view of any list.

   Note:  You also cannot link to surveys or discussions.

3. Review the columns in the source list. The following table explains some considerations to keep in mind when linking to different elements.

   Element	Considerations
   Columns	Access does not support more than 256 fields in a table, so the linked table includes only the first 256 columns.
   Folders	Each folder in the SharePoint list appears as a record in the Access table. Items inside a folder also appear as records, immediately below the record corresponding to that folder.
   Lookup columns	If a source column looks up values in another list and the related list isn't already in the database, Access automatically creates linked tables for the related lists. Note: A source column of type Person or Group is a special type of lookup column that looks up values in the User Information list. If you link to a list containing a Person or Group column, Access automatically creates a linked table for the User Information list.
   Calculated columns	The results in a calculated column are displayed in the corresponding field, but you are not able to view or modify the formula in Access.
   Attachments	The attachment column of the list is displayed as a field named Attachments.
   Read-only columns	The columns that are read-only in a SharePoint list will continue to be read-only in Access. In addition, you might not be able to add, delete, or modify columns in Access.
   Multivalued columns	A column of type Choice or Lookup can contain multiple values. For such columns, the linking operation creates fields that support multiple values. Multivalued lookup columns are created in the linked table if the source column is of type Lookup.

4. Identify the database in which you want to create the linked tables. Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to add data to the database. If you don't want to store the data in any of your existing databases, create a new, blank database.

5. Review the tables in the database. When you link to a SharePoint list, a table having the same name as the source list will be created. If that name is already in use, Access will append "1" to the new table name — for example, Contacts1. (If Contacts1 is also already in use, Access will create Contacts2, and so on.) The same rules apply for related lists.

   Note:  As you proceed, remember that Access never overwrites a table in the database as part of a link operation. Also, you cannot append the contents of a SharePoint list to an existing table.

Link to the data

1. Open the destination database.

2. The location of the import/link text wizard differs slightly depending upon your version of Access. Choose the steps that match your Access version:

   • If you're using the latest version of the Office 365 subscription version of Access, on the External Data tab, in the Import & Link group, click New Data Source > From Online Services > SharePoint List.

   • If you're using Access 2016, Access 2013, or Access 2010, on the External Data tab, in the Import & Link group, click the More button to drop down a list of options and then click SharePoint List.

   • If you're using Access 2007, on the External Data tab, in the Import group, click SharePoint List.

3. Access opens the Get External Data – SharePoint Site dialog box.

   

4. In the wizard, specify the address of the source site.

5. Select Link to the data source by creating a linked table, and then click Next

   The wizard displays the lists that are available for linking.

6. Select the lists that you want to link to, and then click OK.

   Note:  If some lists are already linked to the current database, the check boxes corresponding to those lists will be selected. If you want to remove any links, clear the check boxes of the links you want to remove.

   Access attempts to create linked tables, both for the lists that you selected during this operation and for each of the related lists. Also, Access attempts to refresh the linked tables corresponding to the lists that were selected in the wizard. Access also creates the relationships between the tables. Unlike an import operation, a linking operation maintains the lookup property settings between a lookup field and the related table. You need not manually set the properties of the lookup field in table Design view.

7. Review the new linked tables in Datasheet view. Ensure that all of the fields and records are displayed correctly.

   Access selects the right data type for each field that corresponds to a source column. It is important to note that each time you open either a linked table or the source list, you would see the latest data displayed in it. But, structural changes made to a list are not automatically reflected in a linked table. To update a linked table by applying the latest list structure, right-click the table in the Navigation Pane, point to More Options, and then click Refresh List.

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Use the Move to SharePoint Site Wizard in Access 2007

Note, this section only applies to Access 2007.

Overview

When you move a database from Access to a SharePoint site, you create lists on the SharePoint site that remain linked to tables in your database. The Move to SharePoint Site Wizard helps you to move the data from all your tables at the same time and to maintain their relationships.

After the SharePoint lists are created, people can work with the lists on the SharePoint site or in the linked tables in Access, while they use the features of a SharePoint site to manage the data and stay updated with changes.

Links to the SharePoint lists are stored in your Access database, and the forms, queries, and reports also remain in Access. You can enter the data by using a table or a form in Access or by editing the list on the SharePoint site.

How data is moved

When possible, the Move to SharePoint Site Wizard moves data to lists that are based on list templates on the SharePoint site, such as a Contacts list. If a table can't be matched to a list template, the table becomes a custom list in datasheet view on the SharePoint site.

Depending on the size of the database, its number of objects, and system performance, the operation can take some time. If you change your mind during the process, you can click Stop to cancel it.

The wizard creates a backup copy of the database on your computer. In Access, it creates links to the lists from the tables, so that it is easy to locate the data on the SharePoint site when you are working in Access. Where possible, the relationships among the tables are represented as links between the SharePoint lists.

If any issues arise, the Move to SharePoint Site Wizard reports the issues and saves them in the Access database as a log table that you can use to help troubleshoot.

Use the Move to SharePoint Site Wizard

1. On the External Data tab, in the SharePoint Lists group, click Move to SharePoint.

2. Follow the steps in the Move to SharePoint Site Wizard, including specifying the location of your SharePoint site.

   To cancel the process, click Stop.

3. On the last page of the wizard, select the Show Details check box to see more details about the migration.

   This wizard page describes which tables have been linked to lists and provides information about a backup location and the URL for your database. It also provides a warning if some migration issues were encountered and provides the location of a log table where you can see more details about the issues.

4. Click Finish when the wizard completes its actions.

   If the wizard displays a warning, you should review the log table and take any actions necessary to ensure that your data was migrated successfully. For example, certain fields may not be moved or may be converted to another data type that is compatible with a SharePoint list.

Note: To view your lists on the SharePoint site, click Lists on the Quick Launch, or click View All Site Content. You may need to refresh the page in your Web browser. To make your lists appear on the Quick Launch on the SharePoint site or to change other settings, such as enable versions to be tracked, you can change the list settings on the SharePoint site. For more information, see Help on the SharePoint site.

Limitations of migration

When the Move to SharePoint Site Wizard finishes, you see a message if Access encountered any issues with the data. Access creates a log table called Move to SharePoint Site Issues and adds the table to the database. The Move to SharePoint Site Issues table is stored in the database but is not published as a list on the SharePoint site.

The following table lists the limitations in how data is migrated, typically when Access and SharePoint don't share the identical feature or, in some cases, don't share a data type. For example, if your Access table supports referential integrity, it is not enforced in the list on the SharePoint site. The information in the following table may help you to decide whether to migrate your data, and it may be helpful if you are reviewing any issues reported in the Move to SharePoint Site Issues table.

Type of data or issue	Issue	Result
COM object data type	SharePoint sites do not support the COM Object data type.	Field is not moved.
Binary data type	SharePoint sites do not support the Binary data type.	Field is not moved.
Date	SharePoint sites do not support dates prior to 1900.	Data with dates prior to 1900 is not moved.
New line characters in text fields	SharePoint sites do not support new line characters in a Single Line of Text field.	Field is converted to a Multiple Lines of Text field or Memo field.
Decimal data type	SharePoint sites do not support the Decimal data type.	The Number field or Double Integer field is used instead.
Replication ID data type	SharePoint sites do not support the Replication ID data type.	A Single Line of Text data type is used instead, depending on the type of data.
Referential integrity	SharePoint sites do not support referential integrity.	Referential integrity is not enforced in the new list.
Default values that are not supported in a SharePoint list	SharePoint sites accept default values that are static, such as text or a number, as well as standard dates. Default values from Access that are dynamic are not migrated.	Certain default value properties are not moved.
Data validation on a field or table	No data validation rules are moved to SharePoint sites.	Any data validation on a field or table is not moved or enforced.
Unique index fields	SharePoint sites use one unique index field for its ID column in a list.	Other unique index fields or sets of fields are not moved.
Relationships with cascading deletes or updates	SharePoint sites do not support cascading deletes to related records.	Deletes are not cascaded to related records, and updates are not cascaded to related fields.
Relationships that enforce referential integrity	SharePoint sites do not support referential integrity.	Referential integrity is not enforced in the relationships between data in the lists.
Fields that enumerate automatically (other than the ID field)	SharePoint sites support only automatic numbering for the field used for the ID column in a list.	Automatic numbering is not applied to columns other than the ID column.
Relationships in which lookups cannot be created	Some relationships are not supported in SharePoint sites, such as when the primary key is not related to the ID column or is not an integer.	The relationship is not moved.

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