Folder name split

[sthor]

Is there a way to split folder name? For example lets say my folder is called "1745 - Buildings"

I would need so separate the "1745" from "buildings". 

Is this possible?

[ScottShearer]

@sthor 

The easiest way is to use a split() expression.  See my example below and let me know if you have any questions.

The split() expression produces an array.

The first() expression returns the first element in an array.

The trim() expression removes spaces before or after your value.

[rzaneti]

Hi @sthor ,

It is possible, and you need to use the "split expression" to achieve it. I created this variable to simulate your file name and in the second variable ('numbers_only') were have the expression to isolate the 1745. 

The complete expression is: trim(split(variables('file_name'), '-')[0])

In the expression:

• Split (marked in green) will break your text (marked in red) and by the separator that you want to split by (marked in blue)
• The split will result in an array, so the zero (marked in pink) will access the first element of its array (the 1745).
• As the 1745 will have an extra blank space at its end, we are including a trim expression to remove it. 

Output:

I recently wrote an article about 'data types in Power Automate' that contains a section dedicated to explore how to transform strings into arrays (like we did above): http://digitalmill.net/2023/08/03/data-types-in-power-automate/  

As you want to change a folder name, we also you need to access it before apply this operation. Could you please provide a little more context about where is your folder located and how do you intent do identify it with Power Automate?

Also, let me know if the instructions above are clear or if you need any additional help with it!

[sthor]

@rzaneti @ScottShearer 

I have a flow that automatically moves photos from one folder into another based on the file name. It matches the file name to parent folder-subfolder-sub subfolder. The files all have a name like this example: USA_1745_5. The problem is the second folder: USA_1745_5

The second folder with Project number also includes site name. Example: 1745 - Greenfield. 

Currently when I want the flow to run I have to delete the site name which creates confusion for the rest of the team. I'd like to be able to split the destination folder so it only searches for the project number and omits the site name.

My flow currently looks like this:

The folder I need "split" looks like this:

[ScottShearer]

@sthor 

The example that I presented will work for you - just use the Folder name when doing the split()

[sthor]

@ScottShearer Thanks for your reply. How do I do this if my folder name is dynamic? I never know what the second part of the folder name will be and I can't search for it based on where the file currently is located, as the file name is moved to the located based on what its name is.