SharePoint Site Templates: A Tutorial on Creating and Managing Them

SharePoint is a powerful collaboration platform that allows organizations to create and manage their own intranet sites. With SharePoint, you can easily create custom site templates to streamline the process of creating new sites with predefined settings and content. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of creating and managing SharePoint site templates.

What are SharePoint site templates?

SharePoint site templates are pre-configured site structures that can be used as a starting point for creating new sites. These templates can include predefined lists, libraries, pages, and other components that are commonly used in specific scenarios or industries. By using site templates, you can save time and effort by not having to manually recreate the same settings and content every time you create a new site.

Creating a new site template

To create a new site template in SharePoint, follow these steps:

1. First, navigate to the site you want to use as a template.
2. Click on "Site Settings" in the top-right corner of the page.
3. Under the "Site Actions" section, click on "Save site as template".
4. Provide a name and optional description for the template.
5. Choose whether to include the content of the site in the template.
6. Click on "OK" to save the template.

Managing site templates

Once you have created a site template, you can manage it by following these steps:

1. Go to the "Site Settings" page of the site where you want to manage the templates.
2. Under the "Site Actions" section, click on "Manage site templates".
3. In the "Site Template Gallery" page, you can view, edit, and delete existing templates.
4. To edit a template, click on its name and make the necessary changes.
5. To delete a template, select it and click on the "Delete" button.

Using SharePoint site templates

Once you have created and managed your SharePoint site templates, you can easily use them to create new sites. To create a new site using a template, follow these steps:

1. Go to the site where you want to create a new site.
2. Click on "Site Contents" in the top-left corner of the page.
3. Click on "New" and then select "Subsite".
4. In the "Subsite" page, provide a title and URL for the new site.
5. Under the "Template Selection" section, choose "Use a site template".
6. Select the desired template from the dropdown menu.
7. Click on "Create" to create the new site using the selected template.

Benefits of using SharePoint site templates

Using SharePoint site templates offers several benefits:

• Time-saving: By using pre-configured templates, you can save time and effort by not having to manually set up the same components for every new site.
• Consistency: Site templates ensure consistency across sites by providing predefined settings and content.
• Efficiency: Templates allow you to standardize processes and workflows, making it easier for users to navigate and use the site.
• Customizability: SharePoint allows you to customize templates to meet specific business requirements, enabling you to create tailor-made solutions for your organization.

SharePoint site templates for different scenarios

SharePoint site templates can be used in various scenarios to meet different business needs. Here are some examples:

1. SharePoint for Project Management

SharePoint offers a variety of site templates specifically designed for project management. These templates include pre-configured lists, libraries, and workflows to help you manage projects more effectively. With SharePoint project site templates, you can easily track tasks, collaborate with team members, and monitor project progress.

2. SharePoint for Document Management

SharePoint is widely used for document management due to its robust features and capabilities. SharePoint site templates for document management provide a structured environment for organizing, storing, and sharing documents within your organization. These templates include document libraries, version control, metadata management, and search functionalities.

3. SharePoint for Collaboration

SharePoint site templates for collaboration enable teams to work together more efficiently. These templates include features such as discussion boards, calendars, document libraries, and task lists to facilitate communication and collaboration among team members. With SharePoint collaboration templates, you can create a centralized platform for sharing information, coordinating tasks, and managing projects.

4. SharePoint for Enterprise Content Management

SharePoint is a powerful platform for managing enterprise content. SharePoint site templates for enterprise content management provide a comprehensive solution for organizing, categorizing, and securing content across your organization. These templates include document management features, records management capabilities, retention policies, and compliance functionalities.

Conclusion

SharePoint site templates are a valuable tool for creating and managing sites in SharePoint. By using site templates, you can save time, ensure consistency, and streamline the process of creating new sites. Whether you need a project management site, a document management site, a collaboration site, or an enterprise content management solution, SharePoint offers a wide range of templates to meet your business needs.