SharePoint 2013: Create Custom Page Templates Easily

by Luna Greco 53 views

Hey guys! Ever found yourself stuck in the SharePoint world, wishing you could wave a magic wand and create a page that perfectly fits your needs? Well, you're in luck! Today, we're diving deep into the awesome world of creating customized page templates in SharePoint 2013. This guide is especially for those of you rocking an on-premises environment and dealing with Wiki sites. We'll tackle everything from understanding page layouts to using SharePoint Designer to crafting your dream pages. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

Understanding Page Layouts in SharePoint

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of creating custom page templates, let's get a grip on what page layouts are and why they're so darn important. Think of page layouts as the architectural blueprints for your SharePoint pages. They dictate the structure, the placement of web parts, and the overall look and feel. By default, when you create a new page in a Wiki site, SharePoint usually serves up a "Basic Page" layout. While it's functional, it might not always align with your specific needs. For instance, you mentioned creating a table on each new page – that's a clear sign you need a custom solution. Understanding the anatomy of a page layout will empower you to build templates that not only save time but also ensure consistency across your site.

Page layouts are essentially ASP.NET files (.aspx) that reside in the Master Page Gallery of your SharePoint site. They use a combination of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and SharePoint controls to define the page structure. The key elements within a page layout include:

  • Content Placeholders: These are like designated zones where you can add content, web parts, or other dynamic elements. They're the building blocks of your page.
  • Web Part Zones: These are specific content placeholders designed to host web parts, which are reusable components that provide various functionalities, such as displaying lists, calendars, or document libraries.
  • Controls: SharePoint controls are server-side components that render specific UI elements, such as navigation menus, search boxes, or user information.

When you create a custom page layout, you're essentially crafting a new .aspx file with your desired arrangement of content placeholders, web part zones, and controls. This allows you to predefine the structure and elements of your pages, ensuring a consistent and professional look across your site. For example, if you consistently need a table on every new page, you can embed the table structure directly into your custom layout, saving you the hassle of manually adding it each time. Furthermore, you can incorporate specific branding elements, such as your company logo or color scheme, directly into the layout, reinforcing your organization's identity.

Why Create Custom Page Templates?

So, why bother with custom page templates in the first place? Great question! The benefits are numerous, especially when you're aiming for efficiency and consistency. Imagine you're running a large Wiki site with multiple contributors. Without a template, each person might create pages in their own style, leading to a chaotic and inconsistent user experience.

Custom page templates solve this problem by providing a standardized structure and layout. They ensure that every page adheres to a predefined format, maintaining a cohesive look and feel across the entire site. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also improves usability, as users can easily navigate and find information regardless of who created the page. For example, if you have a consistent need to include specific web parts, such as a table of contents or a related links section, a custom template allows you to pre-configure these elements, ensuring they're present on every page. This saves your content creators valuable time and effort, as they don't have to manually add these components each time. Furthermore, custom templates can help enforce branding guidelines by incorporating your organization's logo, color scheme, and typography directly into the page layout. This ensures that your SharePoint site aligns with your corporate identity, reinforcing your brand image.

Another significant advantage of custom page templates is the ability to streamline content creation. By predefining the structure and layout, you can significantly reduce the time and effort required to create new pages. This is particularly beneficial in environments where content is frequently updated or where multiple users are contributing to the site. For instance, if you have a standard format for documenting project updates or meeting minutes, a custom template can provide a pre-formatted structure with designated sections for each type of information. This not only speeds up the content creation process but also reduces the risk of errors or omissions. Moreover, custom page templates can be tailored to specific content types, allowing you to create specialized layouts for different types of information. For example, you might have one template for articles, another for news items, and yet another for product descriptions. This level of customization ensures that your content is presented in the most effective and user-friendly manner. By leveraging custom templates, you can empower your content creators to focus on the quality of the information rather than the mechanics of page layout and formatting, ultimately leading to a more engaging and informative SharePoint experience.

Tools of the Trade: SharePoint Designer and More

Okay, so you're sold on the idea of custom page templates – awesome! Now, let's talk tools. The primary weapon in your arsenal will be SharePoint Designer. This free tool from Microsoft is a powerhouse for customizing SharePoint sites. It allows you to open your site, delve into the Master Page Gallery, and tweak page layouts to your heart's content. But, heads up, Microsoft has announced the end of mainstream support for SharePoint Designer. But don't fret! It's still a viable option for SharePoint 2013, and there are alternative approaches too.

  • SharePoint Designer: As mentioned, this is your go-to for modifying page layouts. You can open existing layouts, clone them, and then modify the HTML, CSS, and SharePoint controls to create your masterpiece. It provides a visual interface, making it easier to drag and drop web parts and adjust the layout structure. However, it's worth noting that while SharePoint Designer offers a lot of flexibility, it can also be a bit daunting for beginners. There's a learning curve involved in understanding the SharePoint object model and the various controls and components that can be used in a page layout. Moreover, making changes directly in SharePoint Designer can sometimes lead to unexpected issues if you're not careful, so it's always a good idea to back up your files before making any modifications. But fear not, with a little practice and guidance, you'll be crafting custom layouts like a pro in no time.

  • Visual Studio: For the more technically inclined, Visual Studio offers a more robust development environment. You can create and deploy page layouts as part of SharePoint solutions, which provides better version control and deployment capabilities. This approach is particularly beneficial for larger organizations that need to manage complex SharePoint environments. Visual Studio allows you to write code directly, giving you more control over the functionality and behavior of your page layouts. It also provides debugging tools and other features that can help you troubleshoot issues and ensure the quality of your code. However, using Visual Studio requires a deeper understanding of SharePoint development concepts and programming languages, such as C# or .NET. It's generally recommended for developers who are comfortable working with code and have experience building SharePoint solutions. But if you're willing to invest the time and effort, Visual Studio can unlock even greater possibilities for customizing your SharePoint pages and creating truly unique and powerful templates.

  • Alternative Approaches: While SharePoint Designer and Visual Studio are the primary tools for creating custom page layouts, there are other approaches you can consider. For example, you can use third-party tools or frameworks that simplify the process of creating and managing SharePoint templates. These tools often provide a more user-friendly interface and additional features that can help you streamline your workflow. Another option is to leverage SharePoint's built-in features, such as content types and list templates, to create reusable components that can be incorporated into your pages. These components can help you standardize the content structure and formatting across your site, without requiring you to create custom page layouts from scratch. Ultimately, the best approach for creating custom page templates will depend on your technical skills, your specific requirements, and the complexity of your SharePoint environment. It's always a good idea to explore different options and choose the one that best suits your needs.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Custom Page Layout

Alright, let's get our hands dirty and walk through the process of creating a custom page layout using SharePoint Designer. This is where the magic happens, so pay close attention!

  1. Open Your Site in SharePoint Designer: Fire up SharePoint Designer and open your SharePoint site. You'll need to have the necessary permissions to access and modify the site's design.
  2. Navigate to the Master Page Gallery: In the Navigation pane, you'll see a list of site elements. Click on "Master Pages" to access the Master Page Gallery. This is where all the page layouts and master pages reside.
  3. Copy an Existing Layout: It's best practice to start by copying an existing layout rather than creating one from scratch. Find the "Basic Page" layout (or another layout that closely resembles your desired structure) and copy it. Give your copy a descriptive name, like "Custom Wiki Page Layout."
  4. Edit Your Layout: Now, open your copied layout for editing. You'll see the HTML markup and SharePoint controls that define the page structure. This is where you'll make your customizations.
  5. Add Your Customizations: This is the fun part! You can add content placeholders, web part zones, tables, or any other elements you need. For example, if you want to add a table to every page, you can insert the HTML table code directly into the layout. You can also adjust the CSS styles to control the look and feel of your elements.
  6. Customize Content Placeholders: Content placeholders are key to allowing users to add their content to the page. Make sure you have placeholders in the appropriate areas for titles, body content, and any other dynamic elements. You can also set default content within the placeholders if you want to provide guidance or examples to users.
  7. Save and Check In: Once you're happy with your changes, save the layout. Then, check it in and publish it so it's available for use.
  8. Create a New Page Using Your Layout: Now, go to your Wiki site and create a new page. You should see your custom page layout in the list of available layouts. Select it, and voila! You have a new page based on your custom template.

Pro Tip: When customizing your layout, use SharePoint controls whenever possible. These controls are designed to work seamlessly with SharePoint and provide a consistent user experience. For example, instead of using standard HTML input fields, use SharePoint's input controls. This will ensure that your page integrates smoothly with the SharePoint environment and that your changes are compatible with future updates.

Advanced Customization Techniques

Ready to take your custom page templates to the next level? Let's explore some advanced techniques that can help you create truly dynamic and engaging pages.

  • Conditional Formatting: You can use JavaScript or server-side code to conditionally display or hide elements based on certain criteria. For example, you might want to show a specific web part only to users with certain permissions or display a different message based on the page's metadata.
  • Data Integration: You can integrate your page layouts with other data sources, such as lists, libraries, or external databases. This allows you to display dynamic data on your pages and create powerful dashboards and reports.
  • Web Part Connections: Web parts can be connected to each other, allowing them to exchange data and interact with each other. This enables you to create interactive experiences where users can filter data, navigate between pages, and perform other actions.
  • Custom Web Parts: For the ultimate in customization, you can create your own web parts. This allows you to build reusable components that provide specific functionalities tailored to your needs. Custom web parts can be deployed to your SharePoint environment and used in your page layouts, giving you complete control over the user experience.

By mastering these advanced techniques, you can create SharePoint pages that are not only visually appealing but also highly functional and interactive. The possibilities are endless, and with a little creativity and technical know-how, you can transform your SharePoint site into a powerful platform for collaboration and communication.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even the best of us run into snags sometimes. When working with custom page templates, you might encounter a few common issues. Here's a quick troubleshooting guide:

  • Layout Not Appearing: If your custom layout isn't showing up when you create a new page, make sure it's checked in and published in the Master Page Gallery. Also, double-check that the content type associated with your page allows the use of custom layouts.
  • Content Placeholders Not Working: If content isn't appearing in your placeholders, ensure they're correctly defined in your layout and that the content type is mapped to the placeholders.
  • Design Issues: If your page looks wonky, inspect your CSS and HTML. Use your browser's developer tools to identify any styling conflicts or layout issues.
  • SharePoint Designer Errors: If you're getting errors in SharePoint Designer, carefully review your changes. Sometimes a misplaced tag or incorrect syntax can cause problems.

Remember, Google is your friend! Search for specific error messages or issues you're encountering. The SharePoint community is vast and helpful, and you'll likely find solutions or workarounds online.

Best Practices for Page Template Management

To ensure a smooth and maintainable SharePoint environment, let's talk about best practices for managing custom page templates.

  • Naming Conventions: Use clear and consistent naming conventions for your layouts. This makes it easier to identify and manage them in the Master Page Gallery.
  • Version Control: If you're using Visual Studio, leverage version control systems like Git to track changes to your layouts. This allows you to revert to previous versions if needed and collaborate more effectively with other developers.
  • Documentation: Document your custom layouts, including their purpose, structure, and any specific customizations. This will help others understand and maintain them in the future.
  • Testing: Thoroughly test your layouts after making any changes. Check them in different browsers and devices to ensure they render correctly.

By following these best practices, you can create a robust and well-managed system for page templates, ensuring consistency and maintainability across your SharePoint site.

Wrapping Up

Creating custom page templates in SharePoint 2013 might seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and a bit of practice, you can master the art of page design. By understanding page layouts, leveraging SharePoint Designer, and following best practices, you can build a SharePoint site that's both visually appealing and highly functional. So go forth, create those templates, and make your SharePoint site shine! You got this!