Having problems Creating an array for "Apply to each" Action after creating "List files in folder"

[trt024]

Hello,

I am having trouble with the last step of my power automate flow that is triggers when I receive a new email, then it grabs that email and its attachment, then I want it moved to a file server so I create the "List files in folder" action so it can let me know if it the attachment is existing if it does not exist it will be moved to that file. I researched and it said used apply to each to create loop so it will go through all of the files in the folder. But I am putting in the previous step output because that what it says to do and it says it has to be an array not a string. How can I fix this?

[creativeopinion]

@trt024 I would recommend using a Filter Array action in your case or a Filter Query (if the List Files in Folder) action has that option (I work on a Mac so I can't use this action anyway).

It's inefficient to loop through every single file in your folder to check if the file name matches to an existing file (I'm assuming that's what you are doing). Instead, a Filter Query will run a check to see if an existing filename of a file in your folder matches with the attachment. 

Refer to the third section of this YT Tutorial: Are you using the Microsoft Power Automate Filter Array Action wrong?

In this video tutorial I’ll show you 3 practical ways to use the Filter Array action and how to use it properly.

1️⃣ Cross-Referencing Data

2️⃣ Filtering by Key

3️⃣ Substring Matching

Did you know that the Condition action has a limit of 10 conditions? Although it might look like the Filter Array action can only accept one condition—this is not true. By using the advanced mode you can enter multiple conditions into a Filter Array action with an expression.

IN THIS VIDEO:

✅ 3 Ways to Use the Filter Array Action

✅ How to use the Scope Action to Group Actions

✅ How to Check the Number of Items returned from a Filter Array Action

✅ How to Cross-Reference Data in Excel with a SharePoint List

✅ How the Filter Array Action Works

✅ How to Access the Dynamic Content from a Filter Array Action

✅ How to Filter Items by a Key

✅ How to Filter Items by Matching a Substring

✅ How to Use Multiple Conditions in a Filter Array Action

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!

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[trt024]

Thank you for your response, would the filter array be after the apply to each or before?

[creativeopinion]

@trt024 Can you confirm that the List files in folder action doesn't have any advanced options for you to use a Filter Query? If so, then your Filter Array action would be outside of the Apply to Each action—remember that you are using the Filter Array action to filter out the files FIRST before looping through them.

Take a look at the tutorial. I cover how to include a Compose action after a Filter Array action to display the number of items returned from the Filter Array action. You can use the output of the Compose action in a Condition to determine whether or not to continue running subsequent actions. If no items are returned—do nothing, if items are returned continue with the rest of your flow actions.

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!

👉 Level up your Power Automate skills by checking out my tutorials on YouTube
👉 Tips and Tricks on TikTok and Instagram