We’re back with a Public Preview refresh for the Data Mapper in Azure Logic Apps (Standard) — bringing forward some long-standing capabilities that are now fully supported in the new UX.
In our initial announcement, we introduced a redesigned experience focused on usability, error handling, and improved mapping for complex schemas. As we continue evolving the tool, we’re working to bring feature parity with the classic experience, while layering in modern enhancements along the way.
With this update, several existing capabilities from the legacy Data Mapper are now available in the new preview version — so you can bring your advanced scenarios forward with confidence.
🛠️ Run XSLT Inside Your Data Map
The ability to apply XSLT has long been a powerful feature in Logic Apps, and we’re excited to bring Run XSLT support into the new UX. You can now invoke reusable transformation logic from your map, including:
- Enterprise-grade XSLT
- Predefined templates or logic from your BizTalk workflows
How to try it out:
- Create a new data map. Right-click on the MapDefintions or Maps folder and click Create new data map
- Store the XSLT file under Artifacts -> DataMapper/Extension -> InlineXslt.
- Open the data map and search for Run XSLT in the functions panel. Select the function and simply select the function you want to run from the dropdown
- Connect to desired destination node. In my case, the function simply adds a "Placeholder" value for the Name node at destination, alongside an "EmployeeType" node. Note that you do not need to connect any source node to the XSLT function given this is custom XSLT logic that will be applied directly at destination node.
- Upon testing the map, right value is generated in the destination schema
🔍 Execute XPath to Extract Targeted Values
Execute XPath is now supported in the new experience, giving you control to extract specific values from nested XML structures. This function is particularly useful for:
- Accessing attributes and nested elements
- Applying logic based on the structure or content of incoming data
How to try it out:
- Search for Execute XPath in the functions panel. Select the function and add the expression you want to extract
- Map it to destination node. Here is what the map will look like:
- The test payload correctly creates multiple Address nodes at destination based on the Address node at source.
🧩 Use Custom XML Functions
Custom XML functions allow you to define and reuse logic across your map. This helps reduce duplication and supports schema-specific transformations. Now that support is available in the new UX, you can:
- Wrap complex logic into manageable components
- Handle schema-specific edge cases with ease
How to try it out:
- Add the .xml function file under Artifacts -> DataMapper/Extension -> Functions
- Open the data map and under Utility category of functions, select the new function. In our case, the xml function is called Age
- Connect function input to Date_of_Birth node at source and output to Age node at destination. The map will look something like this
- Test the map and notice that the age is calculated correctly at the destination node
🌒 Dark Mode Support in VS Code
The new UX now respects Dark Mode in VS Code, giving you a visually cohesive and low-contrast authoring experience — perfect for long mapping sessions.
No extra steps needed — Dark Mode works automatically based on your VS Code theme settings.
⚙️ How to Enable the New Experience
If you haven’t yet tried the new UX:
- Open your Logic Apps (Standard) project in VS Code
- Go to Logic Apps (Standard) extension → Settings → Data Mapper
- Select Version ~2
You’ll find detailed walkthroughs in the initial preview announcement blog.
💬 We’d Love Your Feedback
We’re continuously evolving the Data Mapper, and your feedback is key to getting it right — especially as we bring more advanced transformation scenarios into the new experience.
👉 Submit your feedback here
🐛 Found an issue or have a specific feature request? Let us know on GitHub Issues
Thanks again for being part of the journey — more updates coming soon! 🚀
Microsoft