How to get the file path for a file or folder in SharePoint

As I build sites and Intranet portals for my clients, a frequent request that I hear is to create links to files and folders scattered across multiple sites and folders. In such cases, I always recommend grabbing a direct file path of the file or folder and using it to link to the desired content. In this article, I will explain what this is all about and how easy it is to generate a true file path.

The Problem with the “Copy link”

The usual way of generating a link to a file or folder would be by navigating to the item, choosing the Copy Link functionality, and using that to link to the content.

However, there are a few key issues with his approach:

• The link generated using this method often provides more access than initially intended. For example, if you have a site where certain users have read-only access, if you copy a link to a file or folder, it will generate a link that everyone can edit, which will allow the recipients to edit the document.
• The link generated using this method is a dynamic, encoded link. Looking at the link, it is hard to determine where the file lives (specific library, folder, subfolder). Here is an example of a link generated using Copy Link functionality: https://sharepointmaven.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/hr-team/EXBr53t-YIxEoRrp60E6q-cBfeePe78i333B1tuWPuj9yQ?e=paDgKo
• Links generated using this option tend to expire and break for no reason

As such, I always prefer linking directly to the item using its true file path/breadcrumb.

How to get the file path for a file or folder in SharePoint

1. To get the file path of an item, just click on the check box next to a file or folder, then click on the Details pane
2. Scroll all the way down, and you will get to see the path/breadcrumb at the bottom of the Details Pane. Click the copy icon next to the file path to copy it.
3. Use this path for linking from the Quick Links web part, navigation menu, or any other area you want to link from. It will look something like this: https://sharepointmaven.sharepoint.com/sites/hr-team/Shared%20Documents/General/Policies/Safety/OSHA%20Policy.PDF