Automatically Creating beautifully formatted documents from a Sharepoint list

I had given up searching for a method to generate formatted Word Documents based on a new item in a Sharepoint list (or PowerApp or Microsoft Form).

I have to recommend this blog entry by Laura Rogers, Microsoft MVP. One of the best I have found. Simple.

I moved from a GSuite environment in 2017 where Google forms easily populated a Google Doc through use of a few Plugins (they also emailed the documents, ran up to 10 complex conditional approvals, created calendar events or sent formatted email notifications based on conditional logic). My new School is an O365/ Sharepoint Shop. I haven't touched Sharepoint for 6 years and have been immersing myself in their new complimentary tools (FLOW to replace workflows and POWERAPPS to replace InfoPath).

Given that many schools with Microsoft licensing have this for free, it would be a shame not to make use of it.

For ages I couldn't replicate the creation of documents populated with form responses (e.g. a Leave form going through an approval process; if approved, populating a Word template and emailing the document). Aregbesola's blog solved that using SHarepoint Document Libraries, a Sharepoint list and a 4-step Sharepoint flow.

It is complex and incredibly detailed. In all my learning this past month, it was the first that worked successfully the first time. I had to share it given how hard it was to find a solution.