Licensing guide · Microsoft licensing

Power Automate licensing explained: what's included in Microsoft 365 and when you need Premium

Standard vs premium connectors, per-user vs per-flow (Process) licences, AI Builder and how Adobe connectors fit in.

Included with Microsoft 365

Most Microsoft 365 business and enterprise plans include Power Automate for cloud flows that use standard connectors — SharePoint, Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, Excel Online, Forms, Approvals and many third-party connectors.

Premium

Premium connectors and capabilities need a premium licence: HTTP, Dataverse, SQL Server, custom connectors, on-premises data gateway, and certain actions such as Populate a Microsoft Word template. Options: Power Automate Premium (per user) or a Process licence (per flow, for unattended or shared flows).

Adobe connectors

Check each Adobe connector's tier (Standard or Premium) on its Microsoft Learn reference page — the tier determines whether Microsoft 365 rights are enough. Separately, the Adobe side is licensed by Acrobat Sign plan or Acrobat Services API transactions.

AI Builder

Invoice and document extraction use AI Builder credits, included in some premium licences and also sold as add-on capacity.

Practical tips

  • Run important flows under a service account with the right licence.
  • Use a Process licence for high-volume back-office flows used by many people.
  • Review licence needs per flow in your design document.

FAQ

Do people who just approve in Teams need a licence?

Approvers responding to an approval generally don't need a premium licence; licensing is driven by the flow owner and the connectors used. Confirm current rules in Microsoft's licensing guide.

Licensing terms change. This guide reflects our understanding at the time of writing and is not an official Adobe or Microsoft document — confirm current terms with your reseller.