Choose the right SharePoint Workflow Solution

Some versions of Microsoft SharePoint Server include just one workflow platform, while others have two different platforms. HarePoint offers Workflow Extensions for both Workflow Platforms: 2010 Workflows and 2013 Workflows. To choose the right product, please select the version of Microsoft SharePoint installed on your farm.

SharePoint Version

Available Workflow Platform

Available Workflow Designer

Compatible Products

SharePoint 2010

SharePoint Workflow
Foundation platform
(SharePoint 2010 Workflows)

Microsoft SharePoint Designer

HarePoint Workflow Extensions

SharePoint 2013,
2016, 2019, SE
On-premises

SharePoint Workflow
Foundation platform
(SharePoint 2010 Workflows)

Microsoft SharePoint Designer

HarePoint Workflow Extensions

 

SharePoint Workflow
Manager platform
(SharePoint 2013 Workflows)

Microsoft SharePoint Designer
HarePoint Workflow Designer

HarePoint Workflow
Manager Extensions

SharePoint Online
(O365)

SharePoint Workflow
Manager platform
(SharePoint 2013 Workflows)

Microsoft SharePoint Designer
HarePoint Workflow Designer

HarePoint Workflow Extensions
for SharePoint Online

In most cases, the "old" SharePoint Workflow Foundation Platform ("2010 Workflow Platform", supported by all on-premise versions of SharePoint) allows building necessary workflows with a help of custom actions, which are provided by the HarePoint Workflow Extensions product. This workflow platform is available in SharePoint right out of the box and doesn't require any additional configuration, whereas the "Workflow Manager Platform", introduced in SharePoint 2013 and available both in SharePoint On-premise (2013, 2016, 2019, SE) and SharePoint Online (O365), requires separate installation and configuration. Please consult with your SharePoint Farm Administrator whether the Workflow Manager platform is installed and configured in your system.

Workflows for both platforms are created with the help of SharePoint Designer 2013. The workflow platform can be chosen at the first step of creating a workflow:

To simplify creating workflows for the "Workflow Manager Platform" (2013 Workflows), we have developed a visual workflow editor - HarePoint Workflow Designer. It is a freeware product, which can be used in combination with the HarePoint Workflow Manager Extensions product, or on its own, as an alternative to SharePoint Designer.