Introduction
Modern SharePoint has transformed how organizations build intranet pages, team sites, and communication platforms. One standout feature that significantly boosts design flexibility and visual layout is Flexible Sections. Introduced as an enhancement to the modern page editing experience, flexible sections allow for more customized, responsive, and user-centric design.
What Are Flexible Sections in SharePoint?
Flexible sections are an improvement over traditional one, two, or three-column layouts. They enable page authors to:
- Mix different column widths
- Nest web parts within columns more creatively
- Use vertical section alignment
- Adapt content for multiple screen sizes more effectively
Example Layouts:
- 70/30 or 30/70 (instead of fixed 50/50)
- Left-heavy or right-heavy content
- One large section with two smaller columns beneath it
Key Features
1. Custom Column WidthsUnlike the standard section layouts that lock you into preset column sizes, flexible sections allow for more granular control. Want a 66/34 layout? - You can do that.
2. Improved ResponsivenessFlexible sections adapt more cleanly on mobile and tablet views, ensuring your content remains readable and well-structured across devices.
3. Better Design FlowYou can now match branding or content flow requirements more easily. Want to highlight a large image on the left and a text box with a button on the right? - Easy.
4. Integration with Existing Web PartsFlexible sections work seamlessly with modern SharePoint web parts—like Quick Links, Hero, Image, or News—offering more freedom in arranging them.
How to Add a Flexible Section
- Go to the SharePoint page you want to edit.
- Click Edit at the top right corner.
- Hover over the area where you want to add a section, then click the + icon.
- Choose Flexible from the section layout options.
- Add your desired web parts and resize them based on your layout needs (e.g., 2, 3, or 5 columns).
- Adjust the height of the flexible section manually by dragging the resize handle located at the bottom-right corner of the section. This helps you control the vertical spacing to better fit your content.
- Once done, click Save or Republish the page.
Tip: Combine flexible sections with full-width sections to create visually impactful pages that guide users' attention effectively.
When to Use Flexible Sections
- Landing Pages: Great for homepage layouts where you need hero banners, quick links, and announcements in various arrangements.
- Team Sites: Align team tools and updates in a clean, user-friendly way.
- Internal Communications: Combine visuals and text to improve engagement.
Limitations to Consider
While flexible sections offer powerful capabilities, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Not supported in classic pages – Only available in modern SharePoint pages.
- Too many custom sections can clutter – Use them purposefully; don’t overload the page with too many designs.
- Some third-party web parts might not fully support flexible layouts.
Final Thoughts
- Flexible sections in SharePoint are a game changer for organizations seeking more control over their page design without needing to code. By using them smartly, you can build beautiful, engaging, and functional pages that users will actually enjoy navigating.
- Start experimenting with flexible layouts today to see how they can elevate your SharePoint experience!