Flexible Sections are a new feature in SharePoint

Key insights

• Flexible Sections are a new feature in SharePoint that allows authors to create dynamic pages without the traditional strict column structure, enhancing creativity and customization.


• This feature provides Enhanced Design Freedom, enabling authors to position and resize web parts freely within a flexible grid, resulting in more creative and tailored page designs.


• Organizations can achieve Improved User Engagement by using visually appealing layouts, making information more accessible and engaging for users.


• The design is Responsive, adapting seamlessly across different devices such as desktops, tablets, and mobile devices, ensuring a consistent user experience.


• The introduction of flexible sections uses a 12-column grid system, allowing precise control over web part placement and sizing without needing custom code or external tools.


• This rollout began in mid-February 2025 for Targeted Release customers and will be available to all users by the end of April 2025. It is also included in Viva Amplify for broader use across Microsoft 365 applications.

Introduction to SharePoint's Latest Feature

Microsoft has recently introduced a groundbreaking enhancement to SharePoint, aiming to revolutionize how users design and interact with their pages. This new feature, known as flexible sections, empowers content creators to craft more dynamic and customized layouts, moving beyond the traditional rigid column structures that have long been a staple of SharePoint design. In this article, we will delve into the various aspects of this feature, exploring its advantages, implementation, and the challenges it addresses in the realm of content creation.

Understanding Flexible Sections

Flexible sections represent a significant shift in the way SharePoint pages can be structured. Unlike the previous rigid column layouts, these sections allow authors to build dynamic pages with a two-dimensional grid. This grid enables web parts to be moved anywhere, resized, overlapped, and grouped, providing a level of flexibility that was previously unattainable. By allowing such freedom in design, flexible sections enable the creation of more engaging and visually appealing content.

• Enhanced Design Freedom: Authors can now position and resize web parts freely within a flexible grid, allowing for more creative and tailored page designs.
• Improved User Engagement: By creating more visually appealing layouts, organizations can enhance user engagement and make information more accessible.
• Responsive Design: Flexible sections adapt seamlessly to different devices, ensuring a consistent user experience across desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.

Implementing Flexible Sections

For those eager to take advantage of this new feature, implementing flexible sections is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started:

• Navigate to the Desired Page: Go to the page where you want to add a flexible section.
• Enter Edit Mode: If you’re not in edit mode already, select “Edit” at the top right of your page.
• Add a New Section: On the section borders, you’ll see a line with a circled plus sign. Hover over it and select “+ Section.”
• Choose Flexible Section: In the section toolbox, select “Flexible.”
• Insert Web Parts: Use the content pane toolbox on the right side of the canvas to add web parts and media by clicking or dragging them into the section.
• Customize Layout: Move and resize web parts as desired within the two-dimensional grid. Web parts can be overlapped, grouped, and aligned using alignment cues that appear during editing.

The Innovation Behind Flexible Sections

The introduction of flexible sections marks a departure from the traditional fixed-column layouts in SharePoint. This approach utilizes a 12-column grid system, providing precise control over the placement and sizing of web parts. Authors can now create complex, overlapping, and grouped web part arrangements without the need for custom code or external design tools. This evolution reflects Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing user autonomy and design capabilities within SharePoint. Moreover, the rollout of flexible sections began in mid-February 2025 for Targeted Release customers and is expected to reach all users by the end of April 2025. This feature is also available in Viva Amplify, extending its benefits to a broader range of Microsoft 365 applications. Such widespread availability ensures that a diverse array of users can leverage these capabilities to enhance their SharePoint experiences.

Challenges and Considerations

While flexible sections offer numerous advantages, they also present certain challenges and considerations for users. One primary challenge is the learning curve associated with adopting a new design paradigm. Users accustomed to the traditional column-based layouts may need time to adjust to the newfound flexibility and possibilities offered by the grid system. Additionally, with increased design freedom comes the responsibility of maintaining consistency and coherence across pages. Authors must strike a balance between creativity and usability, ensuring that their designs not only look appealing but also serve their intended purpose effectively. This balance is crucial for maintaining a positive user experience and avoiding potential confusion. Furthermore, while flexible sections simplify many aspects of design, they may also require users to rethink their approach to content organization. As web parts can now be overlapped and grouped in novel ways, authors must carefully consider how to structure their content to maximize clarity and impact.

Conclusion: Embracing the Future of SharePoint Design

In conclusion, the introduction of flexible sections in SharePoint represents a significant advancement in content creation and design. By offering enhanced design freedom, improved user engagement, and responsive layouts, this feature empowers authors to craft more dynamic and customized pages than ever before. However, it also requires users to navigate new challenges and considerations, balancing creativity with usability. As Microsoft continues to roll out this feature to a broader audience, it is poised to transform the way organizations utilize SharePoint, fostering greater innovation and collaboration. For those interested in exploring the full potential of flexible sections, Steve Corey's YouTube video provides a visual demonstration and deeper understanding of this exciting development.

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