Understanding the Core Functionalities of SharePoint Templates
Introduction
SharePoint is a powerful platform that allows organizations to create and manage their own websites, intranets, and collaboration spaces. One of the key features of SharePoint is the ability to use templates to quickly and easily create and customize sites. In this article, we will explore the core functionalities of SharePoint templates and how they can be used to enhance your SharePoint experience.
What are SharePoint Templates?
SharePoint templates are pre-designed site structures that can be used as a starting point for creating new sites. They provide a set of predefined features, layouts, and content types that can be customized to meet the specific needs of your organization. SharePoint templates are available for various purposes, such as team sites, document libraries, project management sites, and more.
Types of SharePoint Templates
There are two main types of SharePoint templates: on-premise templates and online templates. On-premise templates are designed to be used with SharePoint installed on your own servers, while online templates are specifically created for SharePoint Online, which is the cloud-based version of SharePoint.
On-Premise Templates
On-premise templates are typically used by organizations that have their own SharePoint servers and prefer to manage their SharePoint environment internally. These templates offer a wide range of features and customization options, allowing organizations to create highly tailored sites that meet their specific requirements.
Online Templates
Online templates, on the other hand, are designed for organizations that use SharePoint Online as their platform. These templates are hosted in the cloud and can be easily accessed and customized through the SharePoint Online interface. Online templates offer a simplified and streamlined experience, making it easier for organizations to create and manage their sites.
Benefits of Using SharePoint Templates
Using SharePoint templates offers several benefits for organizations:
Time and Cost Savings
SharePoint templates provide a ready-made structure and design for your sites, saving you time and effort in creating them from scratch. This can also result in cost savings, as you don’t need to hire a SharePoint development agency or invest in custom development.
Consistency and Branding
SharePoint templates allow you to maintain consistency across your sites by using the same layout, navigation, and branding elements. This helps to create a unified and professional look for your organization’s online presence.
Ease of Use
SharePoint templates are designed to be user-friendly, even for non-technical users. They provide a simple and intuitive interface for creating and managing sites, making it easy for anyone in your organization to contribute and collaborate.
Customizing SharePoint Templates
While SharePoint templates offer a great starting point, they can also be customized to meet your organization’s specific needs. Here are some ways you can customize SharePoint templates:
Adding and Modifying Content
You can easily add and modify content within SharePoint templates. This includes adding new pages, documents, lists, and libraries, as well as customizing existing content to fit your requirements.
Customizing Layout and Design
SharePoint templates allow you to customize the layout and design of your sites. You can choose from a variety of pre-designed themes and templates, or create your own custom design using SharePoint’s built-in design tools.
Adding Functionality
SharePoint templates can be enhanced with additional functionality through the use of web parts and apps. Web parts are pre-built components that can be added to your sites to provide specific functionality, such as document libraries, calendars, and news feeds. Apps, on the other hand, are third-party or custom-developed solutions that can be integrated into your SharePoint sites to extend their capabilities.
Conclusion
SharePoint templates are a valuable tool for organizations looking to create and manage their own websites, intranets, and collaboration spaces. They provide a quick and easy way to get started, while still allowing for customization to meet specific requirements. Whether you are using SharePoint on-premise or online, templates offer a range of benefits, including time and cost savings, consistency and branding, and ease of use. By leveraging the core functionalities of SharePoint templates, you can create a powerful and tailored SharePoint environment for your organization.