Forum Discussion
Multi line text column with append changes managed property
I'm trying to get data from a multi line text field with append changes on it to appear on a custom search page built using the PnP Search web parts. I haven't had any luck mapping it successfully to a managed property after trying for about 2 weeks. I've tried using the RefinableString properties, and two text managed properties that have Searchable, Queryable, Retrievable and one with Allow multiple values enabled (Allow multiple values: Allow multiple values of the same type in this managed property. For example, if this is the "author" managed property, and a document has multiple authors, each author name will be stored as a separate value in this managed property.) All return null. There is content in the fields, the list has been reindexed a few times and it's been over 48 hours.
I'm beginning to think it isn't possible seeing as you have to jump through a few hoops to get the values with REST calls. Does anyone know if it is possible?
2 Replies
Please consider below steps:
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Ensure Correct Field Type: Make sure the multi-line text field is set to plain text rather than rich text. Rich text fields can sometimes cause issues with search indexing and retrieval.
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Use Crawled Properties: Verify that the multi-line text field is being crawled correctly. You can check this in the SharePoint Search Schema under Crawled Properties. Look for a property that corresponds to your multi-line text field.
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Map to Managed Properties: Once you have identified the correct crawled property, map it to a managed property. Use a RefinableString managed property if possible, as these are often more flexible.
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Reindex the List: After making changes to the search schema, reindex the list or library. This can be done from the list settings under “Advanced settings.”
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Check Search Schema Settings: Ensure that the managed property is set to be searchable, queryable, and retrievable. Sometimes, it helps to create a new managed property specifically for this field.
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Use REST API for Debugging: If the above steps don’t work, use the SharePoint REST API to query the list and check if the field values are being returned correctly. This can help identify if the issue is with the search indexing or the field configuration.
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PnP Search Web Parts Configuration: Make sure that the PnP Search web parts are configured to use the correct managed property. Sometimes, the issue might be with the web part configuration rather than the search schema.
Kidd_Ip Thanks for the reply - comments below
Ensure Correct Field Type: I need this to be rich text because we are using this field to store replies from emails that come to a list.
Use Crawled Properties: Verified the crawled property exists.
Map to Managed Properties: Mapped to three different managed properties, including refinablestring.
Reindex the List: Done multiple times as well as used a PowerShell script to edit the list items to ensure lots of data exists in the field.
Check Search Schema Settings: Done.
Use REST API for Debugging: Done, this is what is making me suspect I can't get the values in search because they are part of an item's versioning and it was difficult to retrieve with REST.
PnP Search Web Parts Configuration: Done, I've tested using independent tools like the SP Insider plug in for Chrome and all the managed properties for that specific field are null. Other MLOT fields in that list without Append Changes return data.
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