How to Use SharePoint Client Browser SharePoint Client Browser (SPCB) is a powerful open-source desktop application developed by Bram de Jager. It allows developers and administrators to browse, inspect, and interact with SharePoint site collections using the Client-Side Object Model (CSOM). Whether you are working with SharePoint Online or on-premises environments, this tool provides deep visibility into your site hierarchy, hidden lists, property bags, and metadata without writing code. Getting Started with SharePoint Client Browser
Before exploring your SharePoint environments, you need to install the application and establish a secure connection. Installation Steps
Navigate to the official GitHub repository for SharePoint Client Browser. Download the latest release zip file. Extract the contents to a local folder on your computer. Launch the application by double-clicking SPCB.exe. Connecting to a SharePoint Site Click on File in the top menu and select Connect.
In the connection dialog, enter your Site URL (e.g., https://sharepoint.com).
Select the appropriate SharePoint Version (e.g., SharePoint Online, SharePoint 2019, SharePoint 2016).
Choose your Authentication Method. For SharePoint Online, multi-factor authentication (MFA) is typically supported via the Modern Authentication (OAuth) option. Click Connect and enter your credentials when prompted. Navigating the Interface
Once connected, the SharePoint Client Browser displays a structured interface designed for deep object exploration.
The Left Pane (Object Tree): This panel displays the hierarchical structure of your SharePoint site. You can expand nodes to view Webs, Lists, Fields, Content Types, Folders, and Files.
The Right Pane (Properties Grid): Clicking on any object in the left tree populates this panel with all associated properties, internal names, types, and values.
The Bottom Pane (Output/Log): Displays real-time details about CSOM requests, execution times, and errors. Core Use Cases and Features
SharePoint Client Browser goes beyond read-only inspection. It serves as a diagnostic and management utility for advanced SharePoint configuration. 1. Inspecting Hidden Lists and Fields
Many system lists, libraries, and fields are hidden from the standard SharePoint browser interface. SPCB bypasses these UI restrictions. By expanding the Lists node, you can view hidden infrastructure lists (like the Taxonomy Hidden List) and inspect hidden field internal names, which is critical for writing accurate CAML queries or Power Automate expressions. 2. Managing Property Bags
Property bags allow you to store custom metadata at the Site, Web, List, or Folder level. Select a Web or List node.
Locate the AllProperties or Properties field in the right pane.
View, add, edit, or delete key-value pairs directly through the interface to manage configurations for custom scripts and provisioning templates. 3. Reviewing Content Types and Schemas
Understanding how content types inherit fields can be complex. SPCB allows you to drill down into the ContentTypes collection of a site or list. You can view the raw XML schema of fields and content types, helping you troubleshoot provisioning failures or deployment mismatches. 4. Exploring User and Group Permissions
By navigating to the SiteUsers, Groups, or RoleAssignments nodes, you can audit permissions. SPCB displays explicit security settings, principal IDs, and permission masks, making it easier to diagnose why a specific user has or lacks access to an item. Best Practices and Safety
Because SharePoint Client Browser executes direct CSOM calls, updates made within the tool take effect immediately.
Use Read-Only Inspection First: Avoid modifying property bags or deleting objects in production environments without testing in a sandbox first.
Understand Internal Names: Always rely on the InternalName property rather than the Title when building external integrations or search queries.
Keep the Tool Updated: SharePoint Online frequently updates its underlying CSOM architecture. Ensure you use the latest release of SPCB to maintain compatibility with your tenant.
If you want to dive deeper into configuring your site, let me know:
Which SharePoint version you are using (Online or On-Premises)
The specific task you want to accomplish (e.g., editing property bags, troubleshooting CAML queries) Any connection errors you might be facing
I can provide specific, step-by-step troubleshooting guides tailored to your exact scenario.
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