The Hero Web Part in SharePoint Online is a powerful tool that helps organizations create visually engaging pages by showcasing important news, announcements, or links. It allows users to display images, text, and links in a modern and dynamic layout, making it an essential element for intranet homepages and communication sites.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔ What the Hero Web Part is
✔ Steps to add and configure it
✔ Best practices for designing an engaging Hero section
1. What is the Hero Web Part in SharePoint?
The Hero Web Part is a visual component that displays up to five tiles or layers with images and links. It is commonly used on Communication Sites but can also be added to Team Sites.
Key Features of the Hero Web Part:
✔ Multiple Layouts – Choose between Tiles or Layers to display content.
✔ Customizable Images & Links – Add background images, text, and call-to-action buttons.
✔ Responsive Design – Automatically adjusts for mobile and desktop views.
✔ Dynamic Content – Easily update tiles with the latest news or announcements.
Example Use Case: A company intranet homepage can use the Hero Web Part to highlight important updates, HR policies, and upcoming events.
2. How to Add the Hero Web Part to a SharePoint Page
Step 1: Edit the SharePoint Page
- Navigate to the SharePoint site where you want to add the Hero Web Part.
- Click the gear icon (⚙) > Edit Page.
Step 2: Add the Hero Web Part
- Click the “+” (Add a Web Part) button where you want to insert the Hero Web Part.
- Search for “Hero” in the web part selection panel.
- Click Hero to add it to the page.
Step 3: Choose a Layout
After adding the Hero Web Part, you can choose between:
✔ Tiles Layout (default) – Displays content in a grid format with up to 5 tiles.
✔ Layers Layout – Stacks content vertically, allowing more text and larger images.
To change the layout:
- Click the Edit Web Part (✏) button on the Hero Web Part.
- Select Tiles or Layers under the Layout Options.
3. Configuring the Hero Web Part
Adding & Customizing Tiles
Each tile in the Hero Web Part can display a background image, text, and a link to an important resource.
Steps to Add Content to a Tile:
- Click on a tile to open the settings panel.
- Click “Change” under the Background Image section.
- Upload an image or select one from Stock Images, Web Search, or Site Assets.
- Add a Title and Call-to-Action Text (optional).
- Enter the link URL to direct users to a specific page.
- Click Apply to save changes.
Tip: Use high-quality images (16:9 ratio) for a professional look.
4. Best Practices for Designing an Engaging Hero Section
✔ Use High-Quality Images – Ensure images are clear, relevant, and not pixelated.
✔ Keep Titles Concise – Avoid long text; short, compelling headlines work best.
✔ Prioritize Important Links – Place essential announcements and resources in the first tile.
✔ Maintain Branding Consistency – Use colors and fonts that align with your organization’s branding.
✔ Test Mobile Responsiveness – Ensure content displays correctly on all devices.
Example Layout for a Corporate Homepage:
✔ Tile 1: “Company News” → Links to the latest updates.
✔ Tile 2: “Upcoming Events” → Calendar or event page.
✔ Tile 3: “HR Policies” → Direct link to HR documents.
✔ Tile 4: “IT Support” → Quick access to IT helpdesk.
✔ Tile 5: “Employee Recognition” → Highlights achievements.
5. Common Questions About the Hero Web Part
Q1: Can I Use More Than 5 Tiles in the Hero Web Part?
No, the Hero Web Part supports up to 5 tiles. If you need more, consider using multiple sections or Quick Links Web Part.
Q2: Can I Change the Order of Tiles?
Yes! Simply drag and drop the tiles to rearrange their order.
Q3: Is the Hero Web Part Available in Team Sites?
Yes, but it is optimized for Communication Sites. It can still be added manually to Team Sites.
Conclusion
The Hero Web Part in SharePoint Online is a versatile tool that helps create engaging, visually appealing landing pages. By following best practices and properly configuring the tiles, you can enhance user experience and improve content accessibility on your SharePoint site.
Next Steps:
✔ Add the Hero Web Part to your SharePoint site.
✔ Customize images, titles, and links for an engaging layout.
✔ Test responsiveness to ensure the design looks great on all devices.
By implementing these steps, your SharePoint site will look more professional, attractive, and user-friendly.