Step-by-Step Guide for Building Apps with SharePoint Embedded

You can make strong apps with SharePoint Embedded. It is good for document management and API-only development. SharePoint Embedded App Development lets you store documents and use Microsoft 365 features in your own app. You do not need to use all of SharePoint. Many developers pick this way when they want a headless, cloud-based way to manage files.

• You can work on just the document management you need.

• You can add SharePoint features to your app without extra work.

• You get strong teamwork tools with less work.

Key Takeaways

• SharePoint Embedded lets developers make apps for document management. You do not need the full SharePoint interface for this.

• Using SharePoint Embedded can help save time and money. It does this by automating tasks you do often. It also needs less code. Setting things up the right way is very important. Make sure you have the correct accounts and permissions. You also need the right Azure subscriptions before you start.

• Containers help keep files organized. They also help control who can see or use them.

• Plan what types of containers you need. Also, plan their permissions to keep things safe and working well.

• Use advanced features like semantic indexing. You can also use retrieval-augmented generation.

• These features can make your app work better and be easier to use.

SharePoint Embedded App Development

Key Features

SharePoint Embedded App Development gives you many strong features. This platform is different because it only uses APIs. You can make apps that use Microsoft 365 features. You do not need the full SharePoint interface. This way, you get more control and choices.

You can change your apps to fit what you want. SharePoint Embedded App Development lets you use features from Office, Purview, and Copilot. You can use document libraries, version control, and check-in/check-out. These tools help you keep, track, and protect your files.

Tip: Try Power Automate to make tasks and approvals automatic. This helps you save time and make fewer mistakes.

You can also use enterprise search and metadata navigation. These tools help you find and manage files fast.

Optimal Scenarios

SharePoint Embedded App Development works best for some business needs. You can use it for line-of-business (LOB) apps. These apps give users and admins one easy place to work. Independent software vendors (ISVs) can use it too. They can add Microsoft 365 content management to their own apps.

You can also use SharePoint Embedded App Development to handle data for non-employees. This helps you follow rules and keep data apart. These examples show how flexible and strong this platform is for managing your documents.

Environment Setup

Prerequisites

You need to get ready before you build with SharePoint Embedded App Development. Make sure you have the right accounts and permissions. Here is what you need:

• You need a Microsoft 365 tenant with SharePoint turned on.

• You need an Entra ID account. It can be a member or a guest.

• You need admin permissions. You must be a SharePoint Embedded Administrator or a Global Admin.

• The app should only get access to the containers it makes. This helps you work better with your admins.

• You need an Azure subscription if you want to use standard billing containers.

• You need a resource group linked to your Azure subscription.

Tip: Always check if your admin account has owner or contributor permissions for the Azure subscription. This helps you stop problems when setting up.

Now you can keep going. Your setup is ready for SharePoint Embedded App Development.

Licensing

You also need the right licenses and subscriptions. The table below shows what you need:

Check your licenses and subscriptions now. This step helps you avoid problems later.

Getting Started

Provisioning

You must set up your system before you build with SharePoint Embedded App Development. Provisioning gets your system ready for new apps. Here are the steps to begin:

1. Pick your app domain. This is the web address for your app.

2. Add the app domain to your DNS server. This makes your app easy to find.

3. Make a wildcard SSL certificate for your app domain. This keeps your app safe.

4. Turn on the Subscription Settings and App Management service applications. These help you manage your app’s settings.

5. Set up the Subscription Settings service application. This connects your app to the right settings.

6. Set up the App Management service application. This lets your app control permissions and access.

Tip: Check each step as you do it. This helps you stop problems later.

You are now ready to keep going. Your system is set for the next step.

Containers

Containers are important for storing documents in SharePoint Embedded App Development. You use containers to sort and control who can see your files. Each container type shows how your app works with stored documents.

You can make containers for testing or for real use. Trial containers help you try features before you pay. If you need more space or time, use billable containers.

Note: Always plan your container types for your app’s needs. This makes it easier to manage files and keeps your app neat.

Security and Permissions

Roles

It is important to know how roles work in SharePoint Embedded App Development. Roles help you decide who can look at or change things in your app. Each role lets people do different things. You can use the roles that come with SharePoint, or you can make new ones for your group.

You can give these roles to people based on what they need to do. Custom roles let you make special rules for your team or company. This helps keep your app safe and tidy.

Tip: Check user roles often. This makes sure only the right people can get in.

Authentication

You need to keep your app safe so only the right people can use it. SharePoint Embedded App Development uses strong ways to check who is signing in. These ways help protect your files and your app.

• Azure Active Directory (AAD)

• OAuth

To keep your API safe in SharePoint Embedded, you should:

• Register your app in Azure AD.

• Use a server library to keep your API safe with that AAD app.

• Set up your SPFx package so it can ask your API for information.

• Give your SPFx package the right permissions in SharePoint central administration.

• Use the AadHttpClient in your web part to reach your API.

You should follow these steps to set up sign-in and security. This keeps your app safe and lets users sign in the right way. Always use the newest security tools and check your settings often.

Development Tools

VS Code Extension

The Visual Studio Code extension helps you build SharePoint Embedded apps. It puts useful tools right in your code editor. You can make and change Azure Entra app registrations without leaving VS Code. You can also set up free trial container types to test your app before using it for real.

• Make and set up Azure Entra app registrations

• Try out free trial container types for testing

• Load sample apps to see how things work

• Export your settings for more testing

• Use a SharePoint Embedded Postman Collection to test APIs

You can find sample apps in the extension. These samples show you how to build your own app. The extension gives you quick links to guides and resources. This saves time and helps you avoid mistakes.

Tip: Try the trial container types first. You can test features before setting up everything. This lets you learn and try things without worry.

SDKs

You can use the SharePoint Embedded SDK with many programming languages. The SDK works with JavaScript, TypeScript, and React. You can also use frameworks like Angular, Vue.js, and Handlebars. This lets you pick how you want to build your app.

• SharePoint Embedded SDK works with React, JavaScript, and TypeScript

• You can use JavaScript frameworks like React, Angular, Vue.js, and Handlebars

To start, you should know a bit about REST APIs and Microsoft Entra ID apps. You will also need Node.js, version 18, to make REST APIs. Many people use React to build single-page apps that connect to SharePoint Embedded.

Note: You should know how to use OAuth2 and call Microsoft Graph REST APIs. This helps you connect your app to Microsoft 365 services.

With these tools and SDKs, you can make strong and flexible apps. These apps use SharePoint Embedded to store and manage documents.

Build Your App

Containers

You start by creating containers to organize your files. Containers act like folders, but they give you more control over who can see and use the files inside. Follow these steps to create a container:

1. Open your development tool, such as Visual Studio Code with the SharePoint Embedded extension.

2. Choose the option to create a new container type.

3. Set the name and description for your container. Pick a name that matches your app’s purpose.

4. Decide on the access rules. You can set who can read, write, or manage files in this container.

5. Save your container type. You can now use it to store files.

Tip: Plan your container types before you start. This helps you keep your files organized and makes it easier to manage permissions later.

You can use trial containers to test your setup. Trial containers let you try features for free, but they have limits on storage and time. When you finish testing, switch to standard containers for real projects.

Files

Uploading and managing files is a key part of your app. You want to make sure your files stay safe and easy to find. Here are the steps to upload files:

1. Select the container where you want to store your file.

2. Use the upload command in your app or through the API.

3. Choose the file from your computer.

4. Wait for the upload to finish. You will see the file in your container.

To manage files well, follow these best practices:

• Check permissions before you let someone access a file.

• Set time limits for access if people only need files for a short time.

• Avoid using anonymous links for private files.

• Turn on activity auditing to track what users do with files.

• Require two-factor authentication for extra security.

• Use data loss prevention policies to stop accidental sharing.

• Apply sensitivity labels to protect important documents.

Note: If you work with sensitive files, always use strong security settings. This keeps your data safe and helps you follow rules.

You may face some challenges, like handling lots of files or making sure your app works with other systems. SharePoint Embedded App Development helps you manage files and keep everything in one place.

Metadata

Metadata helps you describe and find your files. You can add custom columns to your containers to store extra information, like project names or document types. Here is how you manage metadata:

To add metadata:

1. Go to your container settings.

2. Choose to add a new column.

3. Name the column and pick the type (text, number, date, etc.).

4. Save your changes.

You can now use these columns to tag files. This makes it easier to search and sort your documents.

Tip: Use clear and simple names for your metadata columns. This helps everyone understand what each column means.

Previews

You can preview files in many ways. Previews help users see file contents without downloading them. Here are some methods you can use:

1. Document Information Panel: Select a file and click the info icon to see details in a small window.

2. Tiles View: Change the view to Tiles to see thumbnails of your files.

3. Preview Command: Right-click a file and choose Preview to open it in view-only mode.

4. Hover Over the Document: Move your mouse over a file to see a pop-up with text from the document.

5. Thumbnail Column: Add a custom column called 'Thumbnail' to show images of your files.

6. Dynamic Preview via File Viewer Web Part: Create a page with a Document Library and File Viewer Web Part for dynamic previews.

7. Open a Document in the Browser: Click a file to open it quickly in your browser.

Tip: Use previews to help users find the right file fast. This saves time and makes your app easier to use.

You may run into some challenges, such as scaling your app for lots of users or making sure you follow rules like GDPR. You can solve these by planning your app well and using the tools in SharePoint Embedded App Development. This platform gives you a simple way to manage files, keep your data safe, and meet your business needs.

Best Practices

Performance

You want your app to be fast and easy to use. SharePoint Embedded gives you tools to help with this. Here are some ways to make your app work better:

Only load the data you really need. Change just the parts of the page that are different. This helps your app stay quick and saves internet data. You can also use lazy loading for big files or pictures. This means your app starts faster and users do not have to wait long.

Tip: Try your app on computers and phones. Make sure it works well everywhere.

Security

It is very important to keep your app safe. Follow these steps to protect your files and users:

1. Make a plan to test your app for security problems.

2. Check what outside data your app shares.

3. Look for users who have too many permissions.

4. Watch any extra plugins or code you add.

5. Make a backup plan in case something goes wrong.

6. Teach your team how to keep data safe.

Check who can see or change files often. Always use safe connections. Train your team so everyone knows how to protect data.

Note: Checking security often helps you find and fix problems early.

Scalability

Sometimes, your app will need to handle lots of users or files. SharePoint Embedded makes it easy to grow your app.

“SharePoint can grow in many ways that used to be hard. SharePoint Embedded makes things easier for users. Now, we can have a container for each project. It grows with your needs and keeps things safe.”

• SharePoint Embedded makes a new storage space in your Microsoft 365 tenant. This helps you keep track of many files.

• You can build apps that use only APIs. This gives you good tools for teamwork and safety.

• The system is made to work well even when you have lots of users. Your app stays fast and works well as it gets bigger.

Tip: Plan your storage and containers early. This helps your app grow without trouble.

Troubleshooting

Authentication Issues

You might have trouble signing in when building apps with SharePoint Embedded. Some people see a sign-in box every time they open the app in SharePoint or Microsoft Teams. Others get messages about blocked third-party cookies or must sign in again in Power Apps, especially when using private browsing.

Some common problems are:

• You get asked to sign in each time you use the app in another place.

• Your browser shows a 'thirdPartyCookiesBlocked' message. You need to turn on third-party cookies.

• Power Apps asks you to sign in again, mostly in incognito mode.

You can fix many sign-in problems by following good steps. The table below lists common problems and ways to solve them:

Tip: Always test your sign-in setup before letting everyone use it. This helps you find and fix problems early.

API Errors

API errors can stop your app from working right. You might see errors about permissions, certificates, or data that does not match. Here are some common API errors and ways to fix them:

Note: Always check your permissions and certificates first. These are the cause of many errors.

Debugging

You can use different tools to find and fix problems in your SharePoint Embedded app. These tools help you solve issues fast.

Try Fiddler to watch how your app talks to SharePoint. Use F12 Developer Tools in your browser to check network requests and find errors. These tools help you see what happens behind the scenes and make your app better.

Tip: Use these tools often while you build your app. You will find problems early and save time later.

Next Steps

Advanced Features

You can make your apps better by using advanced features in SharePoint Embedded. These features help you build smarter and more flexible apps. As you learn more, you can use tools that help your app search faster, answer questions better, and control what information it uses.

Start with simple features first. Add advanced tools as your app gets bigger. SharePoint Embedded gives you a flexible way to build with only APIs. You can use Microsoft 365’s document storage and security to make custom experiences for users.

Tip: Try these features in a test app before using them in your main project. This helps you learn how each one works.

Resources

You can learn more about SharePoint Embedded by reading guides and blogs. These resources help you solve problems, learn new things, and stay updated.

• How SharePoint Embedded works and how to build AI apps on it – This blog explains how SharePoint Embedded connects with custom apps and AI.

Use these resources to go from basic to advanced app features. SharePoint Embedded helps you with strong APIs, security, and tools for growth.

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You now know how to make apps with SharePoint Embedded. You followed easy steps. Work together and share what you know. Begin with simple tasks that happen a lot. Pick jobs that save time and are simple to start. Try these best ways to work:

1. Give users roles for what they can do.

2. Always update your software.

3. Use HTTPS and SSL to keep things safe.

4. Turn on multi-factor authentication for more security.

5. Do not let people outside your group share files.

6. Watch what users do in the app.

7. Stop common security problems before they happen.

Look at advanced tools and read the official guides to learn more.

FAQ

What is a container in SharePoint Embedded?

A container is a place to store your files. You use containers to sort documents. Containers help you choose who can see or change files. Each container keeps your files safe. It also makes them easy to find.

How do I secure my SharePoint Embedded app?

You keep your app safe by using Azure Active Directory for sign-in. Set up user roles and permissions. Turn on multi-factor authentication. Always check who can get to your files. Use strong passwords. Keep your app updated.

Can I test my app before going live?

Yes! You can use trial containers to test your app. Trial containers let you try features for free. You can see how your app works. You can fix problems before using it for real projects.

What programming languages can I use?

You can use JavaScript, TypeScript, or React. Many developers use Angular or Vue.js too. The SharePoint Embedded SDK works with these languages. You can pick what you like best.

Where can I find more help or resources?

Go to the official SharePoint Embedded documentation.
You can join Microsoft tech communities or read blogs for tips and updates.