SharePoint

Learn how to configure a connection to SharePoint with Couchdrop

Overview

Couchdrop connects directly to SharePoint Online using the Microsoft Graph API, allowing you to access SharePoint files through Couchdrop without moving data or changing your existing SharePoint structure.

A SharePoint connection creates a virtual folder in Couchdrop that maps to an existing SharePoint location. Files remain stored and managed in SharePoint while Couchdrop provides access through its file transfer, automation, and sharing features.

You can connect SharePoint using either:

• Delegate Access The recommended option. Uses standard Microsoft OAuth authentication and connects using a licensed SharePoint user account.
• Application Access Uses a Microsoft Entra application registration for environments that require more restrictive permissions.

Most customers should use Delegate Access unless their Microsoft environment requires application-based authentication.

To configure Application Access, see Securely connecting SharePoint to Couchdrop using an application registered in Microsoft Entra.

How to connect to SharePoint Online

Before you start

To connect SharePoint Online to Couchdrop using Delegate Access, you will need:

• A Couchdrop account with permission to create storage connections
• A licensed SharePoint Online user account
• Access to the SharePoint sites you want to connect

Your Microsoft organization may require an administrator to approve Couchdrop during the OAuth authorization process. If Microsoft displays an admin approval or consent prompt, this is controlled by your Microsoft Entra configuration rather than Couchdrop.

1

Create a SharePoint connection

In Couchdrop, add a new storage connection and select SharePoint.

Enter a Name for this integration and choose the Couchdrop folder path where the SharePoint connection will appear as a virtual folder.

2

Authorize with Microsoft

Set the Endpoint Type to Default or GCC for SharePoint GCC environments.

Leave Use Delegated OAuth Access enabled unless you are using Application Access.

Select Authorize SharePoint to open the Microsoft login window and authorize the connection between SharePoint and Couchdrop. Make sure your browser allows pop-ups for Couchdrop.

3

Verify your connection

Select Save and Test to verify the SharePoint connection.

After the connection has been tested, you can optionally select a specific SharePoint folder to map into Couchdrop.

Leaving this blank allows Couchdrop to map the SharePoint connection without restricting it to a specific folder.

When a folder is selected, Couchdrop limits access to that location and its subfolders.

4

Save and use your SharePoint connection

Optionally, configure Transfer Shield to surface or block unexpected, non-compliant, or malicious files uploaded through this connection.

When the configuration is complete, select Add Integration.

Your SharePoint connection will now appear as a folder in Couchdrop and can be used by Couchdrop users, transfer protocols, and Automations according to the access you configure.

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Controlling access to SharePoint folders

SharePoint organizes files using sites, document libraries, and folders. Couchdrop presents the selected SharePoint location through a filesystem-style virtual folder.

For example, you might have separate SharePoint folders for two external partners:

SharePoint
└── Partner Files
    ├── Partner A
    └── Partner B

You can either create separate SharePoint storage connections mapped to these locations or use Couchdrop user home directories and filesystem permissions to control which locations individual users can access.

The important distinction is:

• The SharePoint connection path determines which part of SharePoint Couchdrop can expose through that connection.
• A user's Home Directory and filesystem permissions determine which part of the Couchdrop virtual filesystem that user can access.

This means you can use the same SharePoint-backed connection while isolating different SFTP or FTP users to different folders.

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Troubleshooting

Microsoft says administrator approval is required

The approval request is coming from Microsoft Entra.

Your Microsoft organization controls whether users can authorize applications. Ask your Microsoft 365 or Entra administrator to review and approve the request.

The connection is Online but uploads fail

An Online connection confirms that Couchdrop can authenticate to SharePoint, but an individual SharePoint operation can still fail.

Check:

• That the Microsoft account still has access to the target SharePoint location
• That the mapped site, document library, or folder still exists
• That the account is permitted to write to the target location
• Whether the failure affects all files or a specific file or path
• The Couchdrop audit logs and the error returned for the failed transfer

If you contact Couchdrop Support, include the approximate transfer time, filename, destination path, and the error shown in Couchdrop.

A SharePoint connection that previously worked has stopped working

Start by testing and, if necessary, reauthorizing the SharePoint connection. Also check whether Microsoft permissions, the target SharePoint location, or the account used for authorization have changed.

For security, Couchdrop terminates connections after 90 days without activity. A connection that has not been used for an extended period may therefore need to be authorized again.

How do I connect Couchdrop to a specific SharePoint folder?

After selecting Save and Test, choose the SharePoint location you want the connection to expose.

Mapping the connection to a specific location prevents access to folders above or alongside that location.

Can each SFTP or FTP user use a different SharePoint folder?

Yes.

SharePoint storage mapping and Couchdrop user permissions are separate controls. Connect the required SharePoint storage into Couchdrop, then configure each user's Home Directory and filesystem permissions so they can access only the appropriate location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Couchdrop support SharePoint Online?

Yes. Couchdrop connects to SharePoint Online using the Microsoft Graph API.

Does Couchdrop copy SharePoint files into Couchdrop storage?

No. SharePoint remains the storage location. Couchdrop exposes the connected location through its virtual filesystem.

Can I use SharePoint with Couchdrop Automations?

Yes. Once connected, SharePoint can be used as storage within supported Couchdrop file transfer and Automation workflows.

Should I use Delegated Access or Application Access?

Delegated OAuth Access is recommended for most environments. Use Application Access when your Microsoft environment requires an application registered in Microsoft Entra with more restrictive permissions.