Microsoft has unveiled a significant advancement for SharePoint users with the release of the Modern Page Templates feature. Announced by Giuliano De Luca [MVP] in his recent YouTube video, this update aims to simplify and accelerate content creation across organizations. The rollout is targeted for mid-June to late-June 2025, with general availability expected worldwide from early July to late July 2025. Notably, these templates will be enabled by default, requiring no admin intervention.
With more than 50 ready-to-use designs and a centralized Template Gallery, SharePoint users can now create professional pages for news, events, and updates in a fraction of the time it previously took. This innovation is set to transform how teams present information, ensuring both speed and consistency in delivering on-brand content.
A key highlight of this update is the introduction of the centralized Template Gallery. Users can access this gallery when creating new pages, where they can easily browse a wide variety of templates curated by Microsoft. The gallery features two main sections: “From Microsoft” for out-of-the-box templates and “Saved on this site” for custom organizational templates. This structure streamlines the process of finding, previewing, and applying templates, making it accessible even for those with limited design experience.
For example, an HR manager looking to share employee benefits can select a “Visual topic introduction” template. This template comes pre-designed with sections for descriptions, program overviews, links, and contact points. By simply updating the provided text and media, the user can quickly publish a polished, professional page without starting from scratch.
The move toward template-driven design in SharePoint brings several advantages. Time efficiency is perhaps the most noticeable benefit, as users no longer need to build pages from a blank slate. The curated templates are designed to be visually appealing and follow best practices, raising the professional quality of every page. In addition, organizations can maintain brand consistency by standardizing templates across departments, ensuring that messaging and visual identity remain uniform.
However, relying heavily on templates may introduce certain tradeoffs. While templates provide a solid foundation, there is the challenge of balancing customization with consistency. Too much customization could erode the advantages of standardization, while too little might stifle creativity or fail to meet unique departmental needs. Organizations must find the right balance to empower users without compromising on brand identity.
Modern SharePoint templates incorporate several enhanced features to improve both form and function. Flexible section layouts and new image-shaping tools allow users to adapt templates to their specific requirements. Integration with SharePoint’s publishing workflows means that updating and publishing pages remains smooth and intuitive, supporting both individual contributors and larger teams.
Furthermore, the ability to save and reuse custom templates on specific sites enables organizations to blend their branding with Microsoft’s best practices. This supports not only consistency but also adaptability, as teams can respond quickly to changing communication needs without rebuilding designs from the ground up.
This update marks the first time Microsoft has delivered such a comprehensive, centralized repository of out-of-the-box templates for SharePoint. With over 50 new designs, the range and depth of available templates are broader than ever before. The approach also leverages recent advances in AI and modern design principles, making it easier for users to create engaging, interactive pages.
Unlike previous ad hoc solutions, the new centralized gallery ensures that templates are easy to find, apply, and manage. This not only reduces the learning curve for new users but also supports ongoing innovation as Microsoft continues to enhance SharePoint’s capabilities.
In summary, the introduction of Modern SharePoint Templates and the centralized Template Gallery represents a major step forward in empowering organizations to produce high-quality, consistent content efficiently. While there are challenges in balancing standardization with flexibility, the benefits of faster page creation, improved design, and easier template management are clear.
As SharePoint continues to evolve with AI-driven enhancements and modern design features, these new templates will play a pivotal role in helping teams communicate more effectively and professionally across the organization.
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