Multidimensional arrays

In Power Automate Desktop, a variable that can hold multiple values is called a “list”.

Tabular data retrieved from sources such as Excel is stored in a data table variable. On the other hand, if you want to build a multidimensional array (an array of arrays) from scratch with lists, you have to combine several actions.

This article explains how to create a multidimensional array (an array of arrays) by using list data.

Implement by copying and pasting

As a sample, here’s a scenario that creates a list containing other lists.

Copy the following code and paste it into the Power Automate Desktop flow designer to add the actions.

Variables.CreateNewList List=> List
Variables.AddItemToList Item: 1 List: List NewList=> List
Variables.AddItemToList Item: 2 List: List NewList=> List
Variables.AddItemToList Item: 3 List: List NewList=> List
Variables.CreateNewList List=> List2
Variables.AddItemToList Item: 4 List: List2 NewList=> List2
Variables.AddItemToList Item: 5 List: List2 NewList=> List2
Variables.AddItemToList Item: 6 List: List2 NewList=> List2
Variables.CreateNewList List=> MultiList
Variables.AddItemToList Item: List List: MultiList NewList=> MultiList
Variables.AddItemToList Item: List2 List: MultiList NewList=> MultiList

Implement in Power Automate Desktop

1. In “Search actions”, type “Create new list” and create a list for the multidimensional array. Create the lists that go inside it (List and List2 in the sample) the same way, and add items to them with “Add item to list”.

2. In “Search actions”, type “Add item to list” and set the following parameters.

   Parameter	Value
   Add item	A list you’ve already created
   Into list	The list you defined in step 1

   Add this action once for each list you want to add.

3. When you run the flow, the multidimensional array is stored in the variable you created.

Caution

Microsoft Learn’s reference for “Add item to list” says that passing a list of values to “Add item” appends multiple elements. Because of this, depending on your version of Power Automate Desktop, passing a list may add its elements directly instead of creating a nested list. Check the variable’s value after you run the flow.

Possible errors

The actions used here don’t throw any errors, so you don’t need to handle any.