TL;DR: Build advanced Dataverse/Dynamics 365 queries with FetchXML: generate it in FetchXML Builder or Advanced Find, then use it in flows and plugins.
🧰 Free tool: Build FetchXML queries for Dataverse without writing XML by hand: FetchXML Builder.
💡 Challenge
Do you need to retrieve complex data from Dataverse or Dynamics 365, but find the standard query options too limited?
✅ Solution
FetchXML is a powerful XML-based query language that allows you to perform advanced data retrieval operations in Dataverse and Dynamics 365.
🔧 How It’s Done
Here’s how to use FetchXML:
- Open the Power Platform or Dynamics 365 environment.
- Use the FetchXML Builder (XrmToolBox) or the built-in Advanced Find to create your query.
- Copy the generated FetchXML code.
- Use it in your Power Automate flows, custom connectors, or plugins.
🎉 Result
With FetchXML, you can retrieve exactly the data you need, including complex joins, filters, and aggregations.
🌟 Key Advantages
🔸 Advanced querying capabilities.
🔸 Support for joins and aggregations.
🔸 Usable in Power Automate, plugins, and custom connectors.
🎥 Video Tutorial
🛠️ FAQ
1. Where can I learn FetchXML syntax?
Microsoft Learn and the FetchXML Builder tool provide great resources and examples.
2. Can I use FetchXML in Power Automate?
Yes, you can use FetchXML in Dataverse actions within Power Automate.
3. Are there limitations to FetchXML?
Some advanced SQL features are not supported, but most business scenarios are covered.
Marcel Lehmann
Microsoft MVP