Web parts are building blocks of SharePoint pages, allowing users to add dynamic content, interactive tools, and integrations within a site. Whether you’re using modern pages in SharePoint Online or classic pages, adding web parts can enhance the functionality and appearance of your SharePoint site.
This guide will walk you through:
✔ What web parts are
✔ How to add and customize web parts in modern SharePoint pages
✔ How to add web parts in classic SharePoint pages
✔ Best practices for using web parts
1. What Are Web Parts in SharePoint?
A web part is a modular component that displays content, data, or functionality within a SharePoint page. They allow users to:
✔ Display documents, lists, and libraries
✔ Embed videos, charts, and Power BI reports
✔ Integrate Microsoft 365 apps (e.g., Teams, Planner, Outlook)
✔ Create forms, workflows, and automation using Power Apps and Power Automate
Tip: Modern web parts are easier to use and mobile-friendly, while classic web parts offer more advanced customization using scripts.
2. How to Add Web Parts in Modern SharePoint Pages
Modern pages use an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, making it simple to add and configure web parts.
Steps to Add a Web Part in a Modern Page
- Go to the SharePoint page where you want to add a web part.
- Click Edit (top-right corner).
- Hover over the page and click the ➕ (Add a new web part) button.
- Browse or search for the web part you want to add.
- Click on the web part to insert it into the page.
- Click Publish to save your changes.
✅ Tip: You can move web parts by dragging them to a new location.
3. Commonly Used Modern Web Parts
Communication & Content Web Parts
✔ Text – Add formatted text with headings, bullet points, and links.
✔ Image – Insert images from your SharePoint library or upload new ones.
✔ Hero – Display large images with links for a visually engaging homepage.
✔ Quick Links – Add navigation shortcuts to important resources.
✔ News – Share announcements, updates, and articles.
Data & Reporting Web Parts
✔ List – Display SharePoint lists with filtering and sorting options.
✔ Document Library – Show and manage files stored in a SharePoint document library.
✔ Power BI – Embed interactive reports and dashboards.
✔ Chart – Visualize data using bar, line, and pie charts.
Collaboration & Microsoft 365 Web Parts
✔ Microsoft Forms – Embed a form to collect responses from users.
✔ Planner – Display tasks and assignments from Microsoft Planner.
✔ Outlook – Show upcoming events from a shared calendar.
✔ Yammer (Viva Engage) – Embed a Yammer feed for discussions.
Media & Web Embed Web Parts
✔ YouTube – Embed a YouTube video on your SharePoint page.
✔ Stream (on SharePoint) – Display Microsoft Stream videos.
✔ Twitter Feed – Show live tweets from a specific account or hashtag.
✔ Embed – Insert external content using iframe or HTML code.
Tip: Use section layouts to organize web parts in different columns for a professional look.
4. How to Customize a Web Part in Modern Pages
After adding a web part, you can modify its settings to suit your needs.
Steps to Edit a Web Part
- Click Edit Page (if not already in edit mode).
- Select the web part you want to customize.
- Click the Edit (⚙ settings panel) button on the left or right side of the web part.
- Adjust settings such as content, layout, filters, or display options.
- Click Apply to save changes.
- Click Publish when you’re done.
Tip: You can duplicate web parts to reuse them on other pages.
5. How to Add Web Parts in Classic SharePoint Pages
Classic SharePoint pages use Wiki pages, Web Part pages, and Publishing pages, where web parts are inserted differently than in modern pages.
Steps to Add a Web Part in a Classic Page
- Go to the classic page you want to edit.
- Click the Edit Page button.
- Select the Add a Web Part link in the desired section.
- A web part gallery will appear on the right.
- Choose a web part category (e.g., Content Rollup, Lists & Libraries, Media & Content).
- Click Add to insert the web part into the page.
- Click Save & Close to keep the changes.
Tip: Classic pages support Content Editor and Script Editor web parts for adding custom JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.
6. How to Remove a Web Part
If you no longer need a web part, you can easily remove it.
Steps to Delete a Web Part
- Click Edit Page.
- Select the web part you want to remove.
- Click the Delete (🗑 trash icon) or use the Remove option in the settings panel.
- Click Publish or Save & Close to apply changes.
Tip: Removing a web part does not delete the content—only its display on that page.
7. Best Practices for Using Web Parts
✔ Keep it simple – Avoid overcrowding pages with too many web parts.
✔ Use responsive layouts – Test your web parts on different devices.
✔ Optimize performance – Avoid embedding too many large files or videos.
✔ Enable permissions – Ensure users have the right access to view or edit web parts.
✔ Regular updates – Keep content fresh by updating web parts like News and Documents.
Tip: Use Sections and Columns to structure web parts neatly for better readability.