Convert Word File to PDF Without Onedrive

[Skegnas]

Hi All,

Apologies if this has been covered, I've looked for a while and can't find the answer to this question.

I'm in the middle of creating a flow to create a certificate automatically after completing a form and send a PDF version of this certificate back to the responder.

The only snag I'm getting caught on now is the conversion of the file into a PDF using the Convert File (Preview) action.

My flow essentially does the below:

• Create new file from template that exists.
• Update file metadata with information submitted in the form for customisation on the certificate.
• (Get file properties is a remnant from trying alternatives using path rather than file ID as identifier for converting).
• Convert the new file created into PDF.
• Finally create a PDF file to be sent out in the email.
• I need to put in a final action to delete the temporary file but that comes after sorting conversion.

The issue I'm running into is it doesn't seem possible to use the OneDrive convert action for a file that's hosted on SharepPoint, despite some examples showing it as possible.

I don't really want to use OneDrive at all because I'd rather not host all of the temporary files on my personal business OneDrive and would rather do that in the Group SharePoint files for greater redundancy (i.e. if I leave and have my account closed in the future then my OneDrive will be deleted and the flow will break because there's nowhere for it to save). I'm also unable to use premium features due to issues with numbers of premium licences in my organisation.

Is there a way to convert the file in the SharePoint environment only without using individual OneDrive?

[creativeopinion · Accepted solution]

@Skegnas I don't believe there is. However, after creating the PDF file on OneDrive you can add it to SharePoint and then delete it form OneDrive. It's a few extra actions and you won't need a premium connector.

Hope this helps!

If I helped you solve your problem—please mark my post as a solution ✅.
Consider giving me a 👍 if you liked my response! 

👉 Watch my tutorials on YouTube
👉 Tips and Tricks on TikTok

[AlexEncodian]

@Skegnas 

Encodian's Convert Word action would do this for you and is not technically premium. Encodian is a Standard Connector. 
 

But it is 3rd party. So it depends if "premium" = strict definition / PA licensing issue or "premium" = 3rd party connectors. 

[Skegnas]

Thank you both for your answers!

I've resigned myself to the position that it's currently not possible avoiding OneDrive using built-in actions so have accepted @creativeopinion's answer as the most correct. I have managed to create the flow using this method now.

Hopefully there'll be a built-in SharePoint function created at some point as there are still pitfalls on relying on OneDrive (as well as potential issues if my account ever closes, I found that if my OneDrive account is full compared to organisational limits then the flow fails as well as the deleted temporary files not actually being deleted but moving to the recycle bin so I'll need to make sure these are deleted or create a rule) but it does work.

@AlexEncodian it does look like your solution would be a viable alternative, unfortunately I'm not authorised to sign up for third party software in my organisation and knowing our IT department the answer would probably be a no!