Convert from InfoPath to PDF using Nintex automation

Microsoft announced the retirement of InfoPath back in late 2016, leaving organizations scrambling to find alternatives for InfoPath forms. While many have been busy exploring replacements and transitioning to modern solutions, my focus has been different: finding an efficient way to archive InfoPath forms.

This post will explore how you can leverage Nintex Automation Cloud workflows to streamline your processes. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to set up and deploy workflows tailored to your needs.

Workflow overview

The workflow is set to start from a Nintex form. This form will trigger the workflow manually.

Query a list

Add the SharePoint Query a list action.

• Connection: Uses a preconfigured SharePoint Online account (e.g. xxxxx).

• Source list details:

  • SharePoint site URL: https://xxxxx.sharepoint.com

  • List name: Form Templates

  • Item limit: Retrieves up to 1,000 items (pagination may be required for larger lists).

Loop for each

Add the Loop for each action.

• Target collection: Processes the item collection output from the Query a list action.

• Maximum limit: Supports up to 1,000 items.

• Stop processing: No termination condition is set, so all items are processed.

Get a file

Add the SharePoint Get a file action.

• Connection: Interacts with SharePoint Online using the xxxxx connection.

• File details:

  • Specify source by Item ID: Dynamically references the current item ID.

  • Document library: Form Templates

  • Item ID: ID

• Output: Stores the retrieved file in the SPFile variable.

Get a file (XSN)

Add the SharePoint Get a file action. It will retrieve the InfoPath form template for processing.

• Connection: Uses the same SharePoint connection.

• File details:

  • Specify source by URL: Points to https://xxxxx.sharepoint.com/DemoInfoPath12/Forms/template.xsn.

• Output: Stores the retrieved file in the TemplateXSN variable.

Convert InfoPath document

Add the Nutrient Convert InfoPath document action to the designed canvas.

• Connection: Uses the NUTRIENT CONNECTION.

• Configuration:

  • Source file name: References the InfoPath file name.

  • Source file content: Uses SPFile as input.

  • Output format: PDF.

  • Template file content: Points to TemplateXSN.

  • Processed file content: Stores the converted file.

  • Base file name: Saves the base name of the PDF file.

• Optional outputs: Result code and details for additional processing information.

Store a file

• Connection: Saves the file using the xxxxx SharePoint connection.

• Destination details:

  • SharePoint site URL: https://xxxxx.sharepoint.com

  • Document library: Documents

  • Overwrite file: Enabled (overwrites files with the same name).

• Output: Stores the file details in the StoredFile variable.

Rename a file

• Connection: Shares the same configuration as previous actions.

• Setup details:

  • Specify source by Item ID: Identifies the file by its item ID.

  • New file name: Dynamically defined as Name.pdf (where the name is derived from a variable).

Final steps

1. Save and publish the Nintex workflow.

2. Execute the workflow manually.

3. Check the destination folder in SharePoint. After a few moments, a PDF file will appear, representing the archived InfoPath form.