SharePoint Site Navigation: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

SharePoint is a powerful platform that allows businesses to manage and organize their content effectively. One of the key aspects of using SharePoint is understanding how to navigate through its various sites and pages. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of navigating SharePoint sites step-by-step.

Accessing SharePoint

Before we dive into the specifics of site navigation, let's first discuss how to access SharePoint. There are several ways to access SharePoint, depending on your organization's setup. The most common methods include:

• Using a web browser: Simply open your preferred web browser and enter the URL of your SharePoint site. You may need to sign in with your credentials.
• Using the SharePoint mobile app: If you prefer to access SharePoint on your mobile device, you can download the SharePoint mobile app from your device's app store. Sign in with your credentials to access your SharePoint sites.
• Using the SharePoint desktop app: If your organization has installed the SharePoint desktop app on your computer, you can access SharePoint directly from your desktop.

Navigating SharePoint Sites

Once you have successfully accessed SharePoint, you will be presented with the homepage of your SharePoint site. The layout and design of the homepage may vary depending on your organization's customization. However, the basic navigation elements remain the same.

Top Navigation Bar

The top navigation bar is located at the top of the SharePoint site, just below the site's banner or logo. It typically includes links to important pages and tools within the site. The top navigation bar can be customized by site administrators to suit the specific needs of the organization. Common items you may find in the top navigation bar include:

• Home: This link will take you back to the homepage of the SharePoint site.
• Documents: Clicking on this link will take you to the document library of the site, where you can view, upload, and manage documents.
• Lists: This link will direct you to any lists or custom data repositories created within the site.
• Tasks: If your site utilizes task management features, this link will take you to the task management page.
• Forms: If your site uses SharePoint forms, this link will direct you to the forms page.

Quick Launch

The Quick Launch is a navigation menu located on the left side of the SharePoint site. It provides quick access to important pages and tools within the site. The Quick Launch can also be customized by site administrators. Common items you may find in the Quick Launch include:

• Site Contents: Clicking on this link will take you to a page that displays all the content within the site, including lists, libraries, and subsites.
• Recent: This link will show you a list of recently accessed items within the site, making it easy to navigate back to frequently visited pages.
• Site Pages: If your site has multiple pages, this link will direct you to a page that lists all the available pages.
• Settings: This link will give you access to various settings and customization options for the site.

Breadcrumb Navigation

The breadcrumb navigation is a trail of links that appears at the top of each page within the SharePoint site. It shows the path you have taken to reach the current page and allows you to easily navigate back to previous pages. The breadcrumb navigation typically includes the following links:

• Site Name: This link will take you back to the homepage of the SharePoint site.
• Subsite Name (if applicable): If you are on a subsite within the SharePoint site, this link will take you back to the homepage of the subsite.
• Library or List Name (if applicable): If you are currently viewing a library or list within the site, this link will take you back to the library or list.
• Page Name: This link represents the current page you are viewing.

Site Hierarchy

SharePoint sites are organized into a hierarchical structure, with the homepage being the top-level site. Subsites can be created within a site to further organize content. The site hierarchy can be visualized as a tree, with the top-level site as the trunk and subsites as branches. Understanding the site hierarchy is crucial for effective navigation. To navigate to a subsite, simply click on its name in the Quick Launch or use the breadcrumb navigation.

Searching for Content

If you are having trouble finding specific content within a SharePoint site, you can use the search feature to locate it. The search bar is typically located at the top of the site, near the top navigation bar. To search for content, enter relevant keywords in the search bar and press Enter. SharePoint will then display a list of search results based on your query. You can further refine the search results using filters and sorting options.

Conclusion

Navigating SharePoint sites is essential for effectively managing and organizing content. By understanding the different navigation elements and features of SharePoint, you can easily find and access the information you need. Whether you are using SharePoint for project management, document management, or collaboration, mastering site navigation will greatly enhance your productivity. Take the time to explore and familiarize yourself with the navigation options available in SharePoint, and you will be on your way to becoming a SharePoint power user.