A Step-by-Step Guide to SharePoint Embedded App Development

You can learn SharePoint Embedded App Development. You can make custom apps that use SharePoint to store documents. This API-only model gives you more control. It also gives you more choices when you build apps. You get more than just a place to store files. Your app also gets strong tools for managing content. It gets good security and ways to work together with others.

Key Takeaways

• SharePoint Embedded lets you make custom apps. These apps help you keep documents safe with Microsoft 365 tools.

• To start, you need a Microsoft 365 account. You also need Visual Studio or Visual Studio Code. Make sure you have the SharePoint Embedded extension.

• Use new ways to log in, like OAuth. This keeps your app and its data safe.

• Put your project files and code in order at the start. This makes building your app easier and saves time later.

• Check and update your app often. This keeps it safe, fast, and good for users.

SharePoint Embedded Overview

What Is SharePoint Embedded

SharePoint Embedded lets you make new kinds of document apps. You do not see the normal SharePoint screen. Instead, you use APIs to link your app to Microsoft 365 storage. This headless model lets you build your own look and feel. You choose how users open and use documents.

SharePoint Embedded uses the same platform as SharePoint and OneDrive. It makes a special storage space in your Microsoft 365 tenant. Regular users cannot get into this space. This keeps your files safe and private. You control everything with code. This gives you more power and options.

Note: SharePoint Embedded uses containers to keep your files safe and organized. Containers help your app grow and keep your data safe.

Key Scenarios

You can use SharePoint Embedded in many ways. Here are some main uses:

• Make custom apps for customers to upload documents.

• Build portals where users can see or change files without using SharePoint.

• Add safe document storage to your business apps.

• Manage files for apps that need strong security and rules.

SharePoint Embedded App Development is best when you need more control than regular SharePoint. You can make your own screens and steps. You can also make sure your app fits your business needs.

You can use SharePoint Embedded to make apps that match your ideas. You choose how users work with documents. You also get the power of Microsoft 365 for your app.

Getting Started

Prerequisites

You need some things before you start SharePoint Embedded App Development. First, get a Microsoft 365 account. You can try a free trial if you do not have one. You also need Visual Studio or Visual Studio Code on your computer. Install the Office Developer Tools to help you use SharePoint features.

Here is a simple checklist to help you get ready: 1. Open Visual Studio Code. 2. Go to Extensions and look for "SharePoint Embedded". 3. Add the SharePoint Embedded extension. 4. Sign in to the extension with your Microsoft 365 account. 5. Make a container type for testing or development. 6. Register the container type in your tenant.

Tip: You do not need to use an Azure billing account for basic testing or development.

Environment Setup

Set up your workspace so you can work easily. You need to access a Microsoft 365 tenant. Put Visual Studio or Visual Studio Code on your computer. Learn the basics of SharePoint development. Change SharePoint Embedded settings as the guidelines tell you.

• Access to a Microsoft 365 account

• Installation of Visual Studio or Visual Studio Code

• Basic knowledge of SharePoint development

You can now start making and testing your app containers. This step lets you use SharePoint Embedded features.

Authentication

SharePoint Embedded uses modern ways to sign in. You can use OAuth or OpenID Connect for safe API access. If you want your server to talk to another server, use app-only authentication with client credentials.

Here are the main ways to sign in: - Modern Authentication (OAuth, OpenID Connect) - App-Only Authentication (client credentials)

You must set permissions for your app. The table below shows common permission models:

You can now connect your app to SharePoint Embedded and start making safe document solutions.

SharePoint Embedded App Development

Project Structure

Start by making a clear plan for your project. Organize your files and code in folders. Put API logic, authentication code, and UI parts in different folders. This helps you keep everything neat. It also makes your app easier to fix and grow.

• Use metadata and content types to sort documents. This helps you find files fast.

• Use SharePoint’s document tools to make your app better.

• Make rules to keep your app safe and tidy.

• Teach users how to use SharePoint features. This helps everyone use your app well.

Tip: If you organize things early, you save time later.

The API-only model lets you control how users use documents. You choose how your app looks and works. Only your app can use the SharePoint Embedded API. This keeps your data safe from changes you do not want.

• The API-only way checks tokens. Only apps with permission can use the API.

• You can add SharePoint’s content tools to any app.

• Your app keeps security, teamwork, and rules strong.

• You control what users do. Only your app can change or see documents.

Container Management

Containers are important in SharePoint Embedded App Development. Each container is a safe place for documents. You can make, change, or remove containers with the API. You can also set who can use each container.

Here is a table that shows how to manage containers:

Plan what happens to each container. Decide who owns it and how much space it needs. Think about what rules it must follow. Use SharePoint Admin Center or PowerShell for harder tasks.

Note: Only the app that made a container can use it with the API. This keeps your data safe and private.

App Registration

To connect your app to SharePoint Embedded, you need to register it with Microsoft Entra ID. This gives your app the right permissions. It also lets your app use the API safely.

Follow these steps to register your app:

1. Sign in to the Microsoft Entra admin center.

2. Pick the right tenant if you have more than one.

3. Go to Identity > Applications > App registrations and click New registration.

4. Type a display Name for your app.

5. Choose who can use the app in Supported account types.

6. Leave Redirect URI empty for now.

7. Click Register to finish the first step.

8. Under Manage, click Authentication to set up platform settings.

9. Click Add a platform and pick the right type.

10. Click Configure to finish setting up the platform.

After you register, you can set permissions and set up authentication. This step is important for SharePoint Embedded App Development. It lets your app use the API and manage containers and documents.

Remember: The API-only model means your app controls everything. Only your app can use the API to manage containers and documents.

Integration

Microsoft 365 Features

You can make your app better by using Microsoft 365 features. SharePoint Embedded lets you use tools like Teams and ERP systems. You can build apps that help people work together. These apps also help users manage files easily. Many developers use SharePoint Embedded for storing files. This gives your app good security. Users can work on documents together with Office tools.

Here is a table that shows how SharePoint Embedded works with Microsoft 365 features:

Tip: These features help your app do more. They also help users work together better.

Microsoft Graph API

You can use Microsoft Graph API to manage containers and files. The API lets you make, change, or remove containers. You can also control who can see or change files. You can set up columns and metadata to sort documents. You can lock or unlock containers to control access.

Here is a table that shows what you can do with Microsoft Graph API:

Note: These functions help keep your app neat and safe.

Document Management

You can manage documents in many ways with SharePoint Embedded APIs. You can use the API to do tasks like updating metadata. This saves time and helps stop mistakes. You can set user permissions with the API. This keeps files safe and makes sure only the right people can see or change them. You can also cache data to make your app faster.

Here is a table that shows some ways to manage documents:

SharePoint Embedded App Development helps you build apps with these tools. You can make strong document solutions for your users.

Examples

Container Creation

You can make containers in SharePoint Embedded for many uses. Here are some examples:

• Artist Portfolio: You can build an app for artists. They can upload and sort their artwork.

• Curatorial Review App: You can make a safe place for jury members. They can look at and talk about submissions.

• Public Artwork Gallery Website: You can create a site for people to see art. Only some users can add or change files.

To make a container, use the Microsoft Graph API. Here is a simple example using HTTP:

POST https://graph.microsoft.com/v1.0/storage/containers
Content-Type: application/json

{
  "displayName": "Artist Portfolio",
  "description": "Container for artist's artworks"
}

Tip: Always give each container a clear name and description. This helps you and your users stay organized.

Authentication Flow

You must sign in your app before using SharePoint Embedded APIs. Most apps use OAuth 2.0. Here is a basic flow:

1. Your app asks Microsoft Entra ID for an access token.

2. Your app uses the token to call the SharePoint Embedded API.

Here is a sample code snippet in JavaScript:

const token = await getAccessToken();
const response = await fetch('https://graph.microsoft.com/v1.0/storage/containers', {
  method: 'GET',
  headers: { 'Authorization': `Bearer ${token}` }
});

Note: Keep your access tokens safe. Never share them in public code.

Graph API Usage

You can use Microsoft Graph API to manage containers and documents. Here are some common actions:

You can also update metadata or set permissions with similar calls. This gives you full control over your app’s document storage.

Best Practices

Security

You need to keep your SharePoint Embedded app safe. Start by turning off anonymous access. Set up tenant-level policies to stop data leaks. Always monitor and log user activity. This helps you spot problems early. Protect your app from common threats by checking and cleaning all user input. Use Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and Information Rights Management (IRM) to keep sensitive data safe. When you add third-party apps, check them for security risks and make sure they follow the rules.

• Disable anonymous access and set strong tenant policies.

• Monitor and log every user action.

• Sanitize and validate all user input.

• Use DLP and IRM for sensitive data.

• Check third-party apps for security and compliance.

You may face some common security issues. The table below shows two examples and how you can fix them:

⚠️ Always update your app to fix known issues like CVE-2025-53770. Run regular checks to find and fix risks fast.

Performance

You want your app to run fast and smooth. Use SharePoint REST APIs instead of client-side CAML queries. Keep your search queries simple. Only ask for the data you need. Avoid making the same call more than once. Batch your REST requests when possible. Use built-in tools like spPageContextInfo to cut down on extra data requests.

• Use REST APIs for data requests.

• Limit search fields and wildcards.

• Avoid duplicate data calls.

• Batch requests with OData Batching.

• Use resource files to speed up your app.

You can follow these steps to make your app even faster:

1. Do not use client-side CAML queries on busy pages.

2. Write simple CAML queries and test their speed.

3. Check your queries often and remove any that repeat.

Scalability

You need your app to grow as your users grow. Plan your containers so they fit your needs now and later. Set clear rules for storage and access. Watch your app’s usage and adjust resources as needed. Use SharePoint’s built-in features to handle more users and more data. Always test your app with more users to make sure it stays fast and safe.

🏗️ Good planning and regular checks help your app stay strong as it grows.

Troubleshooting

Authentication Issues

You might have trouble signing in to SharePoint Embedded apps. These problems can happen because of your browser or new Microsoft sign-in changes. Here are some reasons why you cannot sign in:

• Your browser does not let third-party cookies work.

• SameSite cookie rules can block the sign-in.

• Cross-origin iframe sandboxing can stop authentication.

• Microsoft may have changed how sign-in works.

To fix these problems, try these steps. Turn on third-party cookies in your browser. Add Power BI and SharePoint to your trusted sites. Switch on "Allow Authentication Context" in SharePoint Embed settings. These steps help your app sign in users without problems.

Tip: If you see sign-in errors, check your browser settings first.

API Limitations

SharePoint Embedded has some limits you should know about. These limits can change how your app works. The table below lists some important things:

You also need to watch for throttling. Each SharePoint Embedded container can use 3,000 resource units every minute. Microsoft can change these limits at any time. If your app uses too much, it may slow down or stop. Plan your app so it works well with these limits.

Error Handling

You should always get your app ready for errors. Use try-catch blocks in your main code to catch problems. Handle known errors with special exception types. Make a small error handler like you do in .NET projects. Log errors with SharePoint logs using Microsoft.Office.Server.Diagnostics.PortalLog.LogString. For big bugs, log them in the Windows event logger. This helps engineers find and fix problems fast.

Note: Good error handling keeps your app working and helps you fix issues quickly.

Deployment

Testing

You must test your SharePoint Embedded app before you launch it. First, check every part of your app. Make sure users can sign in. See if they can upload files. Test if they can manage containers. Try using different user roles. Enter wrong data to see what happens. Use your app in ways you do not expect. This helps you find problems early. Do manual tests and automated tests. Automated tests save time and catch mistakes. Always test your app in a setup like the real one. This shows how your app will work for users.

Tip: Let other people test your app. They may find problems you missed.

Checklist

A checklist helps you launch your app without trouble. Go over each step before you put your app online. Here are some important things to do:

• Change the name in your package-solution.json file so it is easy to read.

• Upload your package to the App Catalog and look for mistakes.

• Make sure your app launches without trouble.

• Test all settings in the property pane to see if they work.

• Make sure your app does not bother users unless they use it.

• Do not use other Microsoft product names in your app’s name.

• Do not put ads in your app’s description or screenshots.

• If your app has web parts for Teams, test syncing with Teams.

Remember the normal way to launch your app:

• Tenant administrators must approve all SharePoint Framework solutions before launch.

• Upload solutions as .sppkg files to the Apps for SharePoint library.

• Administrators get a consent box to approve the solution.

• After approval, turn on the solution on any site collection.

• Administrators can remove or turn off solutions from the app catalog anytime.

• To update, upload a new package version to the library.

Maintenance

After you launch your app, you need to keep it working well. Watch your app for mistakes and slowdowns. Update your app when you find bugs or want new features. Delete old or unused containers to keep storage neat. Check user permissions often to make sure only the right people can use it. Look at logs to find strange activity. Regular care keeps your app safe and working for everyone.

Regular updates and checks help your app stay safe and run well for all users.

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You have learned how to make SharePoint Embedded apps. You know how to set up, build, and launch your app. You learned how to handle containers and use APIs. You also learned ways to keep your app safe. Try these steps in your own work. Look for extra features to make your app better.

• Join Microsoft developer groups for help.

• Read the official guides for new info.

Apps that focus on documents are getting more popular. You can help by making smart and safe apps.

FAQ

What is a SharePoint Embedded container?

A container is a secure space for storing files in your app. You can create, manage, and delete containers using the API. Each container keeps your documents safe and organized.

How do you set permissions for users?

You set permissions by assigning roles like Reader, Writer, Manager, or Owner. Each role gives different access. Use the API to add or remove users from containers.

Tip: Always review permissions to keep your data safe.

Can you use SharePoint Embedded with other Microsoft 365 apps?

Yes, you can connect your app with Teams, Outlook, or other Microsoft 365 tools. This helps users work together and manage documents in one place.

What happens if you reach storage limits?

If you reach storage limits, your app may not upload new files. You should monitor usage and clean up old containers. Plan storage needs before you launch your app.

How do you handle errors in your app?

You should use try-catch blocks in your code. Log errors for review. Show clear messages to users when something goes wrong.

Note: Good error handling keeps your app reliable and easy to fix.