SharePoint: Game-Changing Flexible Layout: Transfor

Key insights

• SharePoint's New Flexible Layout: Microsoft introduces a "Flexible Layout" feature in SharePoint, allowing authors to design pages without a strict column structure, enhancing page customization.


• Dynamic Web Part Management: Authors can drag and drop web parts on a 12-column grid. Web parts snap to the nearest grid line for precise placement.


• Resizable Web Parts: Card-based web parts like Quick Links, People, or Hero offer four width options: full width, 1/3 canvas width, 1/2 canvas width, and 2/3 canvas width. Non-card-based web parts can be resized freely within the grid.


• Enhanced Design Flexibility: The flexible sections provide endless design possibilities for a tailored and engaging user experience.


• Implementation Timeline: Rollout begins in late January 2025 for Targeted Release users. General availability is expected between mid-March and late April 2025.


• This update aims to give SharePoint users more creative control for visually appealing and functional pages that meet diverse organizational needs.

Introduction to SharePoint's New Flexible Layout Feature

Microsoft has unveiled a new feature in SharePoint known as the **Flexible Layout**. This innovative feature is set to revolutionize page design by allowing authors to create pages without adhering to a rigid column structure. Instead, it offers the flexibility to dynamically resize and move web parts within flexible sections, enabling a fully customized layout. This development promises to enhance user experience and provide greater creative control for SharePoint users.

Key Features of the Flexible Layout

The **Flexible Layout** introduces several key features that aim to improve the design and functionality of SharePoint pages.

• Dynamic Web Part Management: Authors now have the ability to drag and drop web parts anywhere on a 12-column grid within flexible sections. The web parts will automatically snap to the nearest grid line when moved, ensuring precise placement and alignment.
• Resizable Web Parts: The feature allows web parts to be resized to fit the desired layout. Card-based web parts such as Quick Links, People, or Hero offer four width options: full width, 1/3 canvas width, 1/2 canvas width, and 2/3 canvas width. Non-card-based web parts, like Text, Image, and File & Media, can be resized to any width, snapping to the nearest grid line during adjustment.
• Enhanced Design Flexibility: Flexible sections unlock an endless number of design possibilities, allowing for a more tailored and engaging user experience. This flexibility empowers authors to create visually appealing and functional pages that meet diverse organizational needs.

Implementation Timeline

The rollout of the **Flexible Layout** feature is scheduled to begin in late January 2025 for Targeted Release users. General availability is expected between mid-March and late April 2025. This timeline allows organizations to prepare for the transition and explore the new capabilities offered by this update.

Balancing Design Flexibility and Usability

While the **Flexible Layout** feature offers significant advantages in terms of design flexibility, it also presents certain challenges. One of the main tradeoffs involves balancing design freedom with usability. Authors need to ensure that the pages remain user-friendly and accessible, even with the increased design options. Additionally, there is a need to maintain consistency across different pages to ensure a cohesive user experience. Moreover, while the ability to resize and move web parts freely is beneficial, it requires authors to have a good understanding of design principles to avoid cluttered or confusing layouts. Therefore, training and guidelines may be necessary to help users make the most of the new feature.

Challenges and Opportunities

The introduction of the **Flexible Layout** in SharePoint presents both challenges and opportunities for users and organizations.

• Challenges: One of the primary challenges is ensuring that users are adequately trained to use the new feature effectively. Without proper guidance, there is a risk of creating inconsistent or poorly designed pages. Additionally, organizations may need to update their design standards and guidelines to accommodate the new capabilities.
• Opportunities: On the other hand, the **Flexible Layout** offers significant opportunities for organizations to enhance their SharePoint sites. By leveraging the new design capabilities, organizations can create more engaging and visually appealing pages that better meet the needs of their users. This can lead to improved user satisfaction and increased engagement with SharePoint content.

Conclusion

The **Flexible Layout** feature in SharePoint represents a significant advancement in page design capabilities. By allowing authors to build pages without a strict column structure and offering dynamic resizing and movement of web parts, it provides greater creative control and design flexibility. However, it also requires careful consideration of usability and consistency to ensure a positive user experience. As organizations prepare for the rollout of this feature, they should focus on training and updating design guidelines to maximize the benefits of the **Flexible Layout**.

Keywords

SharePoint, Flexible Layout, New Features, SharePoint Design, Modern Pages, Web Parts, Microsoft 365, Collaboration Tools