Overview
Navigate SharePoint sites, access documents, and download files. Includes Excel Online handling and direct download methods.
URLs
| Page | URL | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Site Home | https://{TENANT}.sharepoint.com/sites/{SITE_NAME} | Site home page |
| Documents | https://{TENANT}.sharepoint.com/sites/{SITE_NAME}/Shared Documents/ | Document library |
| Folder | https://{TENANT}.sharepoint.com/:f:/s/{SITE_NAME}/{FOLDER_ID} | Shared folder link |
Critical Constraints
- Authentication Required: Microsoft SSO/OAuth - may require manual login
- Office Files Open in Browser: Excel, Word, PowerPoint open in Office Online by default
- Cell Content Not Accessible: Excel Online cell values cannot be read via accessibility tree
- Direct Download Preferred: Use
?download=1parameter for reliable file downloads
URL Type Indicators
SharePoint URLs contain type hints:
| URL Contains | File Type |
|---|---|
/:x:/ | Excel |
/:p:/ | PowerPoint |
/:w:/ | Word |
/:b:/ | PDF/Other |
/:f:/ | Folder |
Workflow: Navigate to Site
1. Access Site URL
Navigate to https://{TENANT}.sharepoint.com/sites/{SITE_NAME}
2. Handle Authentication
If redirected to login:
- Complete Microsoft SSO/OAuth flow
- May require MFA verification
3. Verify Site Loaded
Check for:
- Site name in header
- Navigation menu visible
- Document libraries listed
Workflow: Download File (Direct URL)
The most reliable download method uses the ?download=1 parameter.
1. Get File URL
Obtain the SharePoint file URL (from sharing link or browser address bar).
2. Modify URL for Download
Add ?download=1 to the URL:
Original: https://{TENANT}.sharepoint.com/:x:/r/sites/.../file.xlsx?d=xxx&csf=1&web=1
Download: https://{TENANT}.sharepoint.com/:x:/r/sites/.../file.xlsx?download=1
3. Navigate to Download URL
Open the modified URL. The file downloads automatically.
Workflow: Download via UI
If direct URL download is not available:
1. Open File Menu
Click the three-dot menu next to the file, or open the file and access the File menu.
2. Select Download Option
Look for "Download" or "Download a Copy" option.
3. Confirm Download
Click to start the download.
Workflow: Open Excel File
1. Click File Name
Click the Excel file in the document library. It opens in Excel Online.
2. Handle New Tab
Excel Online may open in a new browser tab.
3. Navigate Sheets
Sheet tabs appear at the bottom of the Excel Online interface.
Excel Online Limitations
Cell Content Not Accessible
Excel Online renders cells as canvas/graphics. Individual cell values cannot be read programmatically via the accessibility tree.
Workarounds
- Search (Ctrl+F): Use Find dialog to search for specific values
- Download: Download the file for local processing
- Direct URL Download: Use
?download=1for automation
Search in Excel Online
- Press Ctrl+F to open Find dialog
- Enter search term
- Navigate through results
Page Structure Reference
Document Library Elements
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| File/folder rows | List items with name, modified date, author |
| Column headers | Sort by name, date, etc. |
| New button | Create new document or folder |
| Upload button | Upload files |
| Three-dot menu | File actions (download, share, delete) |
Excel Online Elements
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Ribbon | Toolbar with formatting options |
| Formula bar | Shows cell content/formula |
| Sheet tabs | Navigate between worksheets |
| Cell grid | Spreadsheet content (not accessible) |
| File menu | Save, download, share options |
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Redirected to login | Session expired | Complete Microsoft authentication |
| File opens in browser | Default Office Online behavior | Use ?download=1 URL or download menu |
| Cannot read cell values | Excel Online limitation | Download file or use Ctrl+F search |
| Download not starting | URL format issue | Verify ?download=1 is appended correctly |
| Access denied | Permission issue | Verify sharing permissions with site owner |
Notes
- Tenant name is typically your organization's domain prefix
- Site names are URL-encoded (spaces become %20 or hyphens)
- Shared links contain encoded folder/file IDs
- Large files may take time to download
- Excel Online supports basic editing but some features require desktop app