SharePoints Game-Changer: Design Pages Freely with Flexible Sections!
SharePoint Online
Feb 2, 2025 8:17 AM

SharePoints Game-Changer: Design Pages Freely with Flexible Sections!

by HubSite 365 about Daniel Anderson [MVP]

A Microsoft MVP 𝗁𝖾𝗅𝗉𝗂𝗇𝗀 develop careers, scale and 𝗀𝗋𝗈𝗐 businesses 𝖻𝗒 𝖾𝗆𝗉𝗈𝗐𝖾𝗋𝗂𝗇𝗀 everyone 𝗍𝗈 𝖺𝖼𝗁𝗂𝖾𝗏𝖾 𝗆𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝖬𝗂𝖼𝗋𝗈𝗌𝗈𝖿𝗍 𝟥𝟨𝟧

Pro UserSharePoint OnlineLearning Selection

SharePoint Online Flexible Sections enable custom layouts, content alignment, and responsiveness using web parts creatively.

Key insights

  • Flexible Sections in SharePoint Online allow creating modern pages without predefined column structures, enhancing content organization and user experience.

  • Use Flexible Sections for custom layouts, ideal for unique landing pages or visually appealing content.

  • Combine Flexible and standard sections to ensure consistency. Use standard two-column layouts for structured text and Flexible Sections for dynamic content.

  • Utilize the "Align Content" feature to adjust alignment within Flexible Sections, optimizing readability for announcements or media embeds.

  • Ensure responsiveness by testing layouts on different devices. Verify that web parts stack properly on smaller screens.

  • Create engaging pages with Image, Quick Links, Call to Action, and Hero Web Parts. Consider vertical sections for side navigation or updates.

  • Keep accessibility in mind by aligning text and images properly, using alt text for images, and testing keyboard navigation.

Exploring SharePoint Flexible Sections: Enhancing Page Design and User Experience

In recent years, SharePoint Online has evolved significantly, offering users more flexibility in designing and organizing content. A notable feature that has gained attention is the use of Flexible Sections. In a recent YouTube video by Daniel Anderson, a Microsoft MVP, the advantages and applications of Flexible Sections in SharePoint were discussed. This article delves into the insights shared in the video, exploring how these sections can transform page layouts and improve user experience.

Understanding the Basics of Flexible Sections

Flexible Sections in SharePoint Online provide users with the ability to create modern pages without adhering to strict column structures. Unlike standard sections that come with fixed column layouts, Flexible Sections allow for the free positioning of web parts. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for creating unique landing pages, dashboards, or visually appealing content pages.

  • Freedom to position web parts as desired.
  • Ideal for dynamic and interactive content.
  • Enhances creativity in page design.

However, while Flexible Sections offer creative freedom, it is important to balance this with a structured approach to ensure consistency across pages.

Combining Flexible and Standard Sections for Consistency

One of the key insights from the video is the recommendation to combine Flexible Sections with standard sections to maintain a coherent structure. While Flexible Sections provide the liberty to design, using a mix of both ensures that the page remains organized and user-friendly.

  • Standard sections are useful for structured text and consistent layouts.
  • Flexible Sections can be used for interactive elements.
  • Example: Use a two-column standard section for text and Flexible Sections for media.

This approach allows for a balance between creativity and functionality, ensuring that the page is both engaging and easy to navigate.

Optimizing Content Alignment and Responsiveness

Another important aspect discussed in the video is the use of the "Align Content" feature within Flexible Sections. Adjusting content alignment can significantly enhance readability and highlight important information effectively.

  • Align content left, center, or right as needed.
  • Useful for announcements, media embedding, or quick links.
  • Improves overall page aesthetics and user engagement.

Moreover, ensuring that your layout is responsive across different devices is crucial. Flexible Sections adapt well to various screen sizes, but it is essential to test layouts on desktops, tablets, and mobile devices to verify that web parts stack properly on smaller screens.

Creative Use of Web Parts

Flexible Sections open up numerous possibilities for using web parts creatively. The video highlights the importance of leveraging different web parts to create engaging and informative pages.

  • Use Image, Quick Links, Call to Action, and Hero Web Parts.
  • Consider vertical sections for side navigation or updates.
  • Enhance user interaction and content delivery.

By thoughtfully incorporating various web parts, users can craft pages that not only convey information effectively but also captivate the audience's attention.

Ensuring Accessibility and Usability

Accessibility is a critical consideration in web design, and the video emphasizes the importance of keeping accessibility in mind when utilizing Flexible Sections. Ensuring that text and images are properly aligned and readable is vital for enhancing usability.

  • Use alt text for images to aid visually impaired users.
  • Test keyboard navigation for ease of use.
  • Ensure all users can access and interact with content.

By prioritizing accessibility, SharePoint users can create inclusive pages that cater to a diverse audience, thereby improving the overall user experience.

Conclusion: Balancing Creativity and Functionality

In conclusion, the use of Flexible Sections in SharePoint Online offers a powerful tool for enhancing page design and user experience. As highlighted in Daniel Anderson's video, the key lies in balancing creativity with functionality. By combining Flexible Sections with standard sections, optimizing content alignment, leveraging web parts creatively, and ensuring accessibility, users can create pages that are both visually appealing and highly functional.

As SharePoint continues to evolve, staying informed about such features and their applications can help users maximize the platform's potential, ultimately leading to more effective and engaging content delivery.

SharePoint Online - SharePoints Game-Changer: Design Pages Freely with Flexible Sections!

Keywords

SharePoint, Flexible Sections, Page Building, Column Structure, SharePoint Design, Web Layouts, Content Management, Microsoft 365