Create a copy of a List Item in the same List when a List Item is created

Question

In SP Designer 2013 I have created a List Workflow that runs when a new Item is created.

I am trying to make it generate a copy of the List item (into the same list)

However, it reports an error that it can't do this because copying the item would trigger the workflow again and create an infinite loop.

Can I make it so the workflow only triggers when a user creates a new list item? Or is there another way to get this to work?

Or, can I set something like a static variable so that it only triggers once?

Answer 1

It is a valid case Microsoft has considered.. SP Designer won't let you create item in same list from a workflow if it executes on item create event.Reason being it will go in infinite loop.

Follow this approach: 1) In Original list create a hidden column for you reference. Say Yes/No column

2) Create a temporary list say "Temp" Create 2 columns. OriginItemID : Type Number Copied : Yes/No default to No

3) Now in your original list workflow Copy current item ID and store in new Temp list say under 'OriginItemID' column.

4)Create a workflow on Temp list (To be run on item created only). Set Yes to Copied column

5)Create another workflow on this Temp list(to be run on item modified only) which will copy Item from Original list based on OriginItemID column of its item. And make a copy of it in original list..along with it provide No value to the Yes-No column. .Make sure this block gets executed when Copied column is Yes Once copy is created, make Copied column value to No.

6) In original workflow at the initial put condition if (hidden column is Yes) then only execute remaining code.

Answer 2

Create a hidden column who's value is set by the work flow. Then check if the value is null before creating a new one.

Otherwise impersonate and if the item is created by system stop the workflow