Live Codeing - Building a List Formatting samples Web Part

Key insights

• SPFx Web Part: The solution is built using the SharePoint Framework (SPFx), allowing users to apply SharePoint column formatting samples directly from a web part without writing or pasting JSON code.


• Interactive UI: Users can select a SharePoint site, pick a list and column, browse through a gallery of formatting samples, preview them in real time, and apply the chosen style with one click.


• Column Formatting: The web part uses pre-built JSON formatting samples that define how columns display content. This makes it easy to customize list appearance without technical skills.


• React Components & Hooks: Modular design with React components like SiteSelector, ListSelector, and SampleGallery. Custom hooks such as useFetchSites and useFetchLists manage data efficiently for better maintainability.


• User Experience Improvements: Real-time previews and immediate application reduce manual steps, making the process faster and more user-friendly. Built-in feedback forms let users suggest improvements or report issues easily.


• No Manual Coding Required: The main benefit is that anyone can visually enhance their SharePoint lists by applying curated formatting samples without needing to understand or edit JSON code manually.

Introduction to the List Formatting Samples Web Part

The recent Microsoft YouTube video showcases a new SPFx web part designed to simplify SharePoint list formatting. Developed and demonstrated by Luise Freese during a Viva Connections and SharePoint Framework community call, this tool enables users to apply SharePoint column formatting samples from GitHub with just a single click. Traditionally, users have had to copy and paste JSON code to format columns, which can be both tedious and error-prone. However, with this web part, users can select a site, choose a list and column, browse sample formats, preview results, and apply changes instantly—no manual coding required.

This advancement represents a significant improvement in user experience and efficiency, especially for those who want to enhance the appearance and functionality of their SharePoint lists without deep technical expertise. The web part’s clean, intuitive interface supports a seamless workflow, making SharePoint customization more accessible to a broader range of users.

Key Features and Workflow

The List Formatting Samples Web Part streamlines the entire process of list formatting in SharePoint. By integrating directly into the SharePoint environment, it removes the need for external tools or repetitive copy-pasting. Users start by selecting their target SharePoint site and the specific list they wish to modify. Next, they pick a particular column for formatting.

Once the column is chosen, users can browse a curated gallery of formatting samples tailored for the column type. Each sample includes a real-time preview, helping users visualize the outcome before making any changes. Applying a desired format is as straightforward as clicking a button, and there is also an option to provide feedback on the formatting samples, supporting ongoing improvement and community engagement.

Technological Foundations and Architecture

This web part is built using the SharePoint Framework (SPFx) with React, leveraging modular components for each key function. For example, the SiteSelector and ListSelector components help users navigate their SharePoint environment, while the SampleGallery and SampleModal components present formatting options and previews. The ApplyButton streamlines the application of formatting, and the FeedbackForm encourages user input.

Under the hood, the solution utilizes custom React hooks for fetching sites, lists, columns, and sample data. This approach not only boosts code reusability but also makes it easier to maintain and extend the web part in the future. The actual formatting relies on JSON definitions, which dictate how SharePoint renders each column. By handling these technical details behind the scenes, the web part allows users to focus on design rather than code.

New Approaches and User Benefits

One of the most notable innovations is the integration of a comprehensive sample gallery directly within SharePoint. Previously, users would have to search the web or documentation for JSON formatting samples, test them externally, and then manually apply them to their lists. Now, all these steps are centralized, saving time and reducing errors.

Moreover, the visual nature of the gallery and previews helps users make informed decisions, minimizing the risk of unintended changes. The modular React-based design ensures that the tool remains flexible and easy to update as new formatting samples or SharePoint features become available. This approach also encourages more people to experiment with list formatting, as the barrier to entry is much lower.

Tradeoffs and Challenges

While the new web part offers substantial advantages, there are tradeoffs to consider. By abstracting away the underlying JSON, some users may lose the opportunity to learn the details of SharePoint’s formatting schema. Additionally, the reliance on pre-built samples means that highly customized formatting might still require manual intervention for advanced scenarios.

From a development perspective, maintaining a curated gallery of formatting samples and ensuring compatibility with evolving SharePoint features poses ongoing challenges. Balancing ease of use with flexibility is an ongoing concern, as the team must address user feedback while keeping the interface simple and intuitive. Nevertheless, the benefits for most users—especially those seeking quick, reliable formatting—clearly outweigh these challenges.

Conclusion

In summary, the List Formatting Samples Web Part featured in the recent Microsoft YouTube video marks a significant step forward for SharePoint customization. By making powerful formatting tools accessible without coding, it empowers a wider audience to enhance their SharePoint lists efficiently and confidently. As more users adopt this approach and contribute feedback, the tool is likely to evolve further, continuing to bridge the gap between advanced functionality and everyday usability.

Keywords

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