Overview
When building flows in Power Automate, you often use Dynamic Content and Static Content to input data into actions. Understanding the difference between them helps create flexible, automated workflows.
1️⃣ What is Dynamic Content?
Dynamic Content refers to values that change based on inputs, API responses, or trigger data.
It is automatically generated from previous actions in a flow.
It allows for personalized, automated workflows by using real-time data.
Example:
- Using
User Emailfrom a triggered form submission - Extracting
File Namefrom a OneDrive file upload - Getting
Response Bodyfrom an API call
Where It Comes From?
- Trigger Data (e.g., Power Apps, Forms, Email)
- Previous Action Outputs (e.g., SharePoint, API calls, Dataverse)
- Expressions & Variables (e.g.,
concat(),formatDateTime())
2️⃣ What is Static Content?
Static Content refers to fixed values that do not change during the flow’s execution.
It is manually entered and remains the same for every flow run.
Example:
- Email Subject:
"Weekly Report"(fixed, always the same) - Message Body:
"Your task is due on Monday" - File Name:
"Report.pdf"(same file name every time)
Where It Comes From?
- Manually entered text or numbers
- Fixed email addresses or file names
- Predefined options in a choice field
3️⃣ Key Differences Between Dynamic & Static Content
| Feature | Dynamic Content | Static Content |
|---|---|---|
| Value Type | Changes per execution | Always the same |
| Source | Comes from triggers, actions, or APIs | Manually entered |
| Examples | Email sender, form responses, file names | Predefined email subject, fixed file paths |
| Flexibility | Adapts to different inputs | Does not change |
| Use Case | Personalized messages, dynamic reports | Standardized messages, fixed templates |
4️⃣ Example Use Cases
Example 1: Sending an Email (Dynamic vs. Static Content)
Scenario: Send an email when a new SharePoint item is added.
Static Content Example
- To:
manager@company.com(always the same) - Subject:
"New Item Created" - Body:
"A new item was added to SharePoint."
Dynamic Content Example
- To:
{Created By Email}(email of the user who added the item) - Subject:
"New Item: {Item Title}"(title of the item dynamically inserted) - Body:
"Hello {Created By Name}, your item {Item Title} has been added."
Benefit of Dynamic Content: The email adapts to the specific user and item.
Example 2: Naming Files in OneDrive (Dynamic vs. Static Content)
Scenario: Save an uploaded file with a proper naming convention.
Static Content Example
- File Name:
"Report.pdf"(same file name every time)
Dynamic Content Example
- File Name:
"{Upload Date} - {User Name} - Report.pdf"
Benefit of Dynamic Content: Every file has a unique and descriptive name.
5️⃣ When to Use Dynamic vs. Static Content?
| Use Case | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Sending emails to different users | Dynamic Content |
| Setting a fixed email subject | Static Content |
| Saving unique files with timestamps | Dynamic Content |
| Using a standard file name | Static Content |
| Storing user-specific responses | Dynamic Content |
| Sending the same message every time | Static Content |
6️⃣ Best Practices for Using Dynamic Content
Use Dynamic Content in Personalized Messages – Example: "Hello {User Name}, your request has been approved!"
Combine Dynamic & Static Content – Example: "{User Name} - Monthly Report.pdf"
Handle Missing Dynamic Content – Use Conditions or Default Values to avoid errors.
Use Expressions for Formatting – Example: formatDateTime(utcNow(), 'yyyy-MM-dd') for a dynamic date.