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akelly's avatar
akelly
Copper Contributor
Feb 27, 2026

Managed MetaData and Document Libraris

Hello, we are currently going through the process of setting up managed metadata tags on our SharePoint Online systems. The requirement has been identified that any documents need to be tagged with some labels, and I would like to make it so that, when the user creates or uploads a document to the libraries in question, that there be a popup window or some other form of forced interaction for the user that will require them to set the tags that we are wanting to use. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated, cheers.

Document Library

1 Reply

  • lsittler's avatar
    lsittler
    Brass Contributor
    Mar 05, 2026

    Hi akelly,

    Great question — this is a very common requirement in SharePoint Online.

    In the modern experience, there’s currently no supported way to display a modal or popup when users drag & drop files into a document library in order to force metadata entry.

    That said, when required metadata columns are configured on a library, SharePoint does enforce completion in a different way:


    👉 If a document is uploaded without all required fields completed, it remains incomplete (and checked out if versioning/check‑out is enabled). In that state, the file is only visible to the author and site administrators until the metadata is filled in.

    👉 If your goal is to enforce metadata usage, here are a few approaches, ordered from the most out‑of‑the‑box to the most custom:

    • Default column values (per folder or library): helps prefill metadata; users can adjust values if needed.
    • Document Sets: useful when documents belong to a structured container with shared metadata.

    ➡️ The following options typically rely on an intake experience rather than allowing users to upload files directly into the library:

    • SharePoint Library Forms (internal users only, external accounts not supported yet): allows file upload through a form that can require metadata before submission.
    • Microsoft Forms + Power Automate: common pattern to collect files and metadata, then route them into SharePoint.
    • Power Apps custom forms: replaces the default file properties form and allows richer validation and UX.
    • Custom development solutions: for example SPFx, a dedicated upload portal, or third‑party solutions.

    Hopefully this gives you a clearer picture of what’s possible today and which option best fits your scenario.

    Best regards