Mastering Classic SharePoint: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating and Editing Pages

Table of Contents

Introduction to SharePoint Pages¶

In the realm of SharePoint, pages stand as a cornerstone for structuring and presenting information. They are the fundamental building blocks that allow users to display a wide array of content within a SharePoint site. Think of SharePoint pages as digital canvases where text, images, documents, and various web components come together to form a cohesive and informative user experience. A single SharePoint site can host numerous pages, each serving a unique purpose, from team collaboration spaces to project dashboards and informational hubs. Understanding how to effectively create and manage these pages is crucial for anyone aiming to leverage the full potential of classic SharePoint.

Creating Classic SharePoint Pages¶

Creating a classic SharePoint page is a straightforward process, empowering site users to contribute and share information effectively. The ability to build pages is essential for populating a SharePoint site with content and making it a valuable resource for teams and organizations. Before diving into the creation process, it’s important to understand the necessary permissions that govern access to site functionalities. Without the correct permissions, certain actions, including page creation, will be restricted.

Prerequisites: Permissions¶

To create, edit, or delete pages within a classic SharePoint environment, you must possess the appropriate level of permissions. These permissions are typically managed through SharePoint groups. For most page-related operations, membership in the Designers SharePoint group is generally required. This group provides users with the necessary rights to modify the structure and content of a site, including the creation and management of pages. If you find yourself unable to create or edit pages, it’s advisable to consult your SharePoint site administrator or site owner to request the necessary permissions and be added to the Designers group or a group with equivalent privileges. Proper permission management ensures site integrity and controlled content contribution.

Step-by-Step Guide to Create a Page¶

The process of creating a classic SharePoint page is designed to be user-friendly and efficient. By following these steps, you can quickly add new pages to your SharePoint site and start populating them with valuable content.

1. Navigate to ‘Site Contents’: Begin by accessing the ‘Site Contents’ section of your SharePoint site. This is your central hub for managing all site assets. You can typically find the ‘Site Contents’ option in the left-hand navigation menu of your site. Alternatively, you can access it through the ‘Settings’ menu, often represented by a gear icon, located in the top-right corner of the page. Clicking on ‘Settings’ will usually reveal a dropdown menu with a ‘Site Contents’ link.

2. Access ‘Site Pages’ Library: Within ‘Site Contents’, locate and navigate to the ‘Site Pages’ library. This library is specifically designed to store and manage all the pages within your SharePoint site. It’s usually represented by an icon and clearly labeled as ‘Site Pages’. Clicking on this library will take you to a view of all existing pages in your site.

3. Initiate Page Creation with ‘+New’: Once inside the ‘Site Pages’ library, look for the ‘+New’ button. This button is your gateway to creating a new page. It’s typically positioned prominently within the library interface, often near the top of the page. Clicking on ‘+New’ will initiate the page creation process.

4. Name Your Page: After clicking ‘+New’, you will be prompted to enter a ‘New page name’. This is the title that will identify your page within the SharePoint site and will also form part of the page’s URL. Choose a descriptive and relevant name that accurately reflects the content of the page. Type your desired page name into the provided field.

5. Finalize Creation with ‘Create’: With the page name entered, the final step is to click the ‘Create’ button. This action confirms your page creation request. Upon clicking ‘Create’, SharePoint will generate the new page and, in most cases, automatically open it in your browser, ready for you to begin adding and editing content.

Important Note: While these steps provide a general guideline, it’s crucial to remember that the exact steps for creating a page can sometimes vary. Factors such as the specific type of SharePoint site you are using (e.g., team site, communication site) and the permissions configured for your site can influence the creation process. Always pay attention to the on-screen prompts and interface elements within your specific SharePoint environment.

Editing Classic SharePoint Pages¶

The ability to edit SharePoint pages is just as important as creating them. Content on SharePoint sites often needs to be updated, revised, or expanded to remain relevant and accurate. Classic SharePoint provides a robust editing environment that allows users to modify page content and layout with ease. Whether it’s correcting typos, adding new information, or restructuring the entire page, the editing features are readily accessible.

Step-by-Step Guide to Edit a Page¶

Editing a classic SharePoint page is a streamlined process designed for efficiency and user convenience. Follow these steps to modify your pages and keep your content up-to-date.

1. Locate and Access the ‘Page’ Tab: When viewing the SharePoint page you wish to edit, look for the ‘Page’ tab in the ribbon interface. The ribbon is the toolbar located at the top of the SharePoint page, providing access to various commands and functionalities. The ‘Page’ tab is typically situated towards the left side of the ribbon and is visually distinct. Click on the ‘Page’ tab to activate the page-related commands.

2. Select the ‘Edit’ Option: Once you have clicked the ‘Page’ tab, the ribbon will display a set of options related to page management. Among these options, locate and select the ‘Edit’ option. Clicking ‘Edit’ will switch the page from viewing mode to editing mode, making the content and layout elements editable.

   Note: In some scenarios, especially when you have just created a new page, the page may already be open in editing mode. In such cases, this step might be optional, as the ‘Edit’ functionality is already active.

3. Configure Page Layout with ‘Text Layout’: To customize the structure and arrangement of your page content, utilize the ‘Text Layout’ tab within the ribbon. This tab provides options to configure elements such as columns, sidebars, headers, and footers. Click on the ‘Text Layout’ tab to access these layout configuration settings. From there, you can select the desired layout options to structure your page in a way that best presents your content. Experiment with different layouts to find the most effective visual organization.

4. Add and Modify Content (Text): With the page in editing mode and the layout configured, you can now directly type and modify the text content of your page. Click within the content areas of the page to place your cursor and begin typing or editing existing text. Use the formatting tools available in the ribbon to style your text, such as applying headings, bullet points, bolding, italics, and more. Ensure your text is clear, concise, and effectively communicates your intended message.

5. Insert Objects with the ‘Insert’ Tab: To enrich your page with various elements beyond text, use the ‘Insert’ tab in the ribbon. Click on the ‘Insert’ tab to access options for adding objects like tables, media (images, videos, audio), hyperlinks, and Web Parts. Web Parts are reusable components that provide specific functionalities, such as displaying lists, calendars, or external content. Explore the commands within the ‘Insert’ tab to add relevant objects that enhance the information and interactivity of your page.

6. Save Your Changes: After you have completed editing your page, including adding content, configuring layout, and inserting objects, it’s crucial to save your work. To save, navigate back to the ‘Page’ tab in the ribbon. Within the ‘Page’ tab options, locate and click the ‘Save’ button. Clicking ‘Save’ will preserve all the changes you have made to the page. It’s good practice to save your work periodically during longer editing sessions to prevent data loss.

By following these steps, you can effectively edit classic SharePoint pages, ensuring that your site content remains accurate, engaging, and well-organized.

Deleting Classic SharePoint Pages¶

While creating and editing pages are essential, there are times when deleting a page becomes necessary. Perhaps a page is outdated, no longer relevant, or was created in error. Classic SharePoint provides a straightforward process for removing pages from your site. It’s important to exercise caution when deleting pages, as this action can impact site navigation and accessibility of information.

Step-by-Step Guide to Delete a Page¶

Deleting a classic SharePoint page is a simple process, but it should be done with careful consideration. Follow these steps to remove pages from your site when necessary.

1. Access the ‘Page’ Tab: Similar to editing a page, begin by accessing the ‘Page’ tab in the ribbon interface when viewing the SharePoint page you intend to delete. Click on the ‘Page’ tab to activate the page-related commands.

2. Select ‘Delete Page’ Option: Within the ‘Page’ tab options, locate and click the ‘Delete Page’ option. This action initiates the page deletion process. Be sure you are certain about deleting the page before proceeding, as this action will remove the page from its current location.

3. Confirm Deletion (Click ‘OK’): Upon clicking ‘Delete Page’, SharePoint will typically display a confirmation prompt. This prompt is a safety measure to prevent accidental deletions. The prompt will usually ask you to confirm whether you really want to delete the page. Carefully read the message and, if you are sure you want to delete the page, click the ‘OK’ button to confirm your action.

4. Page Moved to Recycle Bin and Restoration: Once you confirm the deletion, SharePoint does not permanently erase the page immediately. Instead, it moves the deleted page to the Recycle Bin. The Recycle Bin acts as a safety net, allowing you to recover deleted items if needed. If you realize you deleted a page by mistake, you can access the Recycle Bin, locate the deleted page, and restore it back to its original location. This restore functionality provides a valuable safeguard against accidental data loss.

By following these steps, you can effectively delete classic SharePoint pages when they are no longer needed. Remember to utilize the Recycle Bin if you ever need to recover a deleted page.

Conclusion¶

Mastering the creation, editing, and deletion of classic SharePoint pages is a fundamental skill for anyone working with SharePoint sites. Pages are the building blocks of site content, and understanding how to manage them effectively is crucial for site administration and content management. By following the step-by-step guides outlined in this article, you can confidently create new pages to share information, edit existing pages to keep content fresh and accurate, and delete pages when they are no longer required. Remember to always be mindful of permissions and the Recycle Bin to ensure efficient and safe page management within your SharePoint environment.

Do you have any experiences creating or editing SharePoint pages? Share your tips and questions in the comments below!