We came across quite a few design and implementation aspects within InfoPath forms for handing document attachments, in particular comparing InfoPath Attachments vs document library vs Folders.
In InfoPath forms when a user attaches document attachments to a form, the user experience is clean, however the downstream document management for the user and programmer is difficult due to the fact that documents are embedded in the form as base64 byte arrays.
Below are reference articles that explore the capabilities that exist to extract InfoPath attachments from a form to a SP Library and conversely using Libraries only.
Using InfoPath in WebParts, One-To Many Relationship
https://jennyssharepointtips.wordpress.com/2014/08/08/display-infopath-forms-or-list-forms-in-an-infopath-form-web-part/
MS Reference Article: InfoPathDecoder:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2517906
InfoPath Attachments What are they?
http://www.bizsupportonline.net/blog/2010/top-10-questions-infopath-file-attachments.htm
Summary of options:
1. Documents as InfoPath Attachments embedded
- a: Document attached to form, no versioning, no library, no folders
2. Documents as LookUp SiteColumn to Library via Workflow
- User Uploads to DropOff Library then selects via List Form, Workflow takes over, or similar.
3. Documents as InfoPath Attachments, stripped by Code saved to Library (Code)
- a: Form calls custom web service
- b: Form calls custom SP web service
- c: Form calls code behind form
Reference Articles
No Code:
Attach files via Drop Down:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ro36RDFde9c
Workflow Action:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_n7YOCb5YVc
Form Action Option:
http://m4sh3d.blogspot.com/2013/11/how-to-upload-infopath-2010-attachments.html
Code: (Not Available)
Web Service
http://www.bizsupportonline.net/infopath2007/use-workflow-extract-file-attachment-infopath-upload-sharepoint-document-library.htm
VSTA
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=38807
InfoPathDecoder:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2517906
Form Call a Web Service:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGYqQG8D4so
3rd Party Solutions:
1. Workflow Actions:
Copy List attachments to Document Library
https://www.virtosoftware.com/manual/workflow-activities-extensions-for-microsoft-sharepoint-designer/copy-list-attachments-to-document-library
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