SharePoint offers a variety of customization options to help organizations tailor their sites according to business needs. Whether you want to change the layout, branding, navigation, or functionality, SharePoint provides both built-in and advanced customization features to enhance the user experience.
This guide covers:
✔ Types of SharePoint Sites and their customization scope
✔ Built-in customization options (themes, layouts, web parts)
✔ Advanced customization techniques (Power Automate, SPFx, scripting)
✔ Best practices for customizing SharePoint sites
1. Types of SharePoint Sites & Customization Scope
Before customizing a SharePoint site, it’s essential to understand the different site types and their customization capabilities.
| Site Type | Purpose | Customization Level |
|---|---|---|
| Team Site | Collaboration & document management | Moderate – Layouts, themes, web parts, permissions |
| Communication Site | Company-wide communication | High – Branding, web parts, page design |
| Hub Site | Centralized navigation for multiple sites | High – Branding, custom navigation, shared features |
| Modern vs. Classic Site | Modern = Flexible & responsive, Classic = More traditional | Classic allows deeper code-based customization |
Tip: Modern SharePoint sites support flexible, no-code customizations, while Classic sites allow deeper custom coding using JavaScript and CSS.
2. Built-in SharePoint Customization Options
SharePoint provides out-of-the-box customization features that allow users to modify their sites without coding.
2.1 Changing the Theme & Branding
- Go to your SharePoint site and click Settings (⚙) > Change the Look.
- Choose Theme to change the site’s color scheme.
- Select a Custom Theme (if your organization allows it).
- Click Apply to save changes.
Tip: You can upload a company-branded theme using PowerShell or the SharePoint Admin Center.
2.2 Modifying Site Layout & Structure
- Go to Edit Mode on any SharePoint page.
- Click + Add a Section to create a new layout (One Column, Two Columns, Grid, etc.).
- Drag and drop web parts (text, images, lists, calendars) into sections.
- Click Publish to save the customized layout.
Tip: Use the “Full-width” layout for Communication Sites to enhance visuals.
2.3 Customizing Navigation Menus
- Click Settings (⚙) > Change the Look > Navigation.
- Modify the top navigation bar (for hub sites) or the left-side menu (for team sites).
- Add new links to pages, lists, external URLs, or document libraries.
- Click Save to apply changes.
Tip: Enable Audience Targeting to show different navigation links to different user groups.
2.4 Adding & Configuring Web Parts
Web Parts are building blocks of SharePoint pages that allow you to display various types of content.
- Click Edit Page > + (Add Web Part).
- Choose from built-in web parts like:
- News Web Part (display latest updates)
- Document Library (show files & folders)
- Quick Links (add navigation shortcuts)
- Calendar (sync events)
- Click Publish to save the changes.
Tip: Use Power BI Web Part to embed interactive dashboards in SharePoint.
3. Advanced SharePoint Customization Techniques
For deeper customization, SharePoint allows custom scripts, APIs, and integrations using Microsoft 365 tools.
3.1 Customizing with JSON & Power Automate
- JSON Formatting: Customize the appearance of lists & libraries using JSON code.
- Power Automate Flows: Automate processes like document approvals, notifications, and integrations with Microsoft Teams.
Example: Use Power Automate to send alerts when a document is modified in a SharePoint library.
3.2 Customizing with SharePoint Framework (SPFx)
- SPFx (SharePoint Framework) allows developers to create custom web parts and extensions.
- Supports React, TypeScript, and APIs for dynamic site functionality.
- Example: Create a custom dashboard that pulls real-time data from external sources.
Tip: Use PnP PowerShell to deploy custom solutions without complex coding.
3.3 Using PowerApps to Customize Forms & Workflows
- Customize SharePoint list forms with PowerApps.
- Create interactive forms for data entry and approvals.
- Embed PowerApps in SharePoint pages for custom functionality.
Example: Build a custom leave request system inside SharePoint.
4. Best Practices for SharePoint Customization
✔ Use built-in options first – Avoid heavy custom coding when possible.
✔ Keep it simple – Over-customization may cause performance issues.
✔ Ensure mobile responsiveness – Test your site on different devices.
✔ Use branding guidelines – Maintain consistency with corporate themes.
✔ Monitor site performance – Large scripts and images can slow down pages.
✔ Backup before making major changes – Avoid data loss by creating site backups.