Learn the latest 5 New SharePoint Design Features in July 2024!

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1. Enhanced Content Alignment

One of the most anticipated updates is the enhanced content alignment feature, set to be available from mid to late May 2024. This feature addresses a common issue faced by page editors where content in columns appears misaligned. SharePoint pages consist of sections that span across the page, and these sections can be divided into columns. For example, a page might have three sections, each split into two columns. Until now, aligning content across these columns has been challenging, often resulting in a visually disjointed layout.

With the new content alignment feature, page editors will be able to align their content across 2 and 3-column sections with the section’s top, center, or bottom. This means you can ensure that all elements within a section are perfectly aligned, creating a more cohesive and professional appearance. To use this feature, look for the new Content Alignment section on the right side of your editing interface. This simple yet powerful tool will significantly improve the visual consistency of your SharePoint pages.

2. New Content Pane

In addition to the enhanced content alignment, SharePoint is introducing a brand-new content pane, set to roll out from late July to late August 2024. This feature serves as a hub for various panes that support content authors, providing a more streamlined and intuitive editing experience.

Toolbox View: The Toolbox view includes three content categories: web parts, media, and section templates. You can easily click and drag web parts and media onto the canvas, making it simpler to add and arrange content on your pages.

Properties View: To access the properties of a web part or a section, select the Properties icon on the right of the content pane or click the Edit Properties button in the web part or section toolbars. This view allows you to customize and configure the elements of your page with ease.

Design Ideas View: The Design Ideas view offers inspiration and suggestions to enhance the layout and appearance of your SharePoint pages. This feature is perfect for those looking to improve their page design and discover new ways to present their content.

3. Co-Authoring Feature

Collaboration is at the heart of SharePoint, and the new co-authoring feature takes this to the next level. Rolling out to all new and existing Pages and News posts simultaneously, this feature will be available to all users at the same time, making collaborative editing smoother and more efficient.

Once an author starts editing a page, they can see if other authors are also editing with the page presence indicator in the command bar. Multiple authors can simultaneously edit the same page and sections, though it’s important to note that co-authors cannot edit the same web part at the same time. Changes made by authors are saved automatically every few seconds, ensuring that everyone’s contributions are preserved in real-time.
4. Page Alignment Feature

Another exciting update is the new page alignment feature, which will soon be available to page editors. This feature is designed to further improve the visual appeal and consistency of your SharePoint pages. SharePoint pages are structured with sections that go across the page, and these sections can be divided into columns. The content placed within these columns can often appear misaligned, detracting from the overall look of the page.

With the new page alignment feature, page editors can now align content across 2 and 3-column sections with the section’s top, center, or bottom. This functionality ensures that all elements within a section are perfectly aligned, creating a polished and professional appearance. The new Content Alignment section on the right side of the editing interface makes it easy to apply these alignments, giving you greater control over the layout of your SharePoint pages.

5. Improved Version History and Undo Functionality

The final feature in our top 5 new SharePoint design features is the improved version history and undo functionality. This update enhances the existing tools available to authors, making it easier to manage and revert changes to SharePoint pages.

The version history feature allows authors to restore prior versions of a page from the Page details menu. This is particularly useful when multiple users are collaborating on a page, as it provides a way to track changes and revert to earlier versions if needed. The undo functionality has also been improved, allowing authors to reverse the most recent changes made in the current browser session. This feature is essential for maintaining control over the editing process and ensuring that all changes are intentional and accurate.

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