Upgrading your SharePoint site from classic to modern pages gives your team a cleaner, more responsive interface. If you are wondering how to transform classic pages to modern pages in sharepoint, you have come to the right place. This guide walks you through every step, from preparation to final migration, with practical tips and common pitfalls to avoid.
Modern pages in SharePoint Online offer better performance, mobile-friendly layouts, and easier content editing. They replace the old wiki pages and web part pages with a streamlined experience. Let us start with the basics and then move into the detailed process.
Understanding Classic Vs Modern Pages In Sharepoint
Classic pages were built on the older SharePoint framework. They rely on server-side controls and often feel clunky on mobile devices. Modern pages use a client-side model, which loads faster and adapts to any screen size.
Key differences include:
- Modern pages use a responsive design by default
- Classic pages require manual resizing for mobile
- Modern pages support drag-and-drop web parts
- Classic pages depend on the ribbon toolbar
- Modern pages integrate seamlessly with Microsoft 365 apps
Knowing these differences helps you decide which pages to transform first. Not every classic page needs to become modern, but most will benefit from the upgrade.
How To Transform Classic Pages To Modern Pages In Sharepoint
Now we get to the core of this guide. The process involves several steps, from assessing your current pages to final testing. Follow these steps carefully to avoid data loss or broken links.
Step 1: Assess Your Current Classic Pages
Start by auditing your SharePoint site. Identify all classic pages that exist. You can do this by checking the site contents or using PowerShell scripts to list page types.
Look for these classic page types:
- Wiki pages (.aspx files)
- Web part pages
- Publishing pages (if using classic publishing)
- Custom pages with inline code
Make a list of pages that contain critical content. Note any custom scripts or web parts that might not work in modern mode.
Step 2: Prepare Your Environment
Before you start transforming, ensure your SharePoint Online tenant supports modern pages. Most tenants do by default, but some settings might block them.
Check these settings:
- Site collection features: Ensure “SharePoint Server Publishing” is not required for modern pages
- Custom master pages: Modern pages ignore custom master pages, so remove them if possible
- Permissions: You need at least “Edit” rights on the site
Also, back up your classic pages. You can export them as templates or copy content to a safe location. This precaution saves you if something goes wrong.
Step 3: Create A New Modern Page
The simplest way to transform a classic page is to create a new modern page and copy the content over. This method gives you a clean start.
Follow these steps:
- Go to your SharePoint site and click “New” then “Page”
- Choose a blank layout or a template
- Name the page the same as the classic page (or a similar name)
- Save and publish the page
Now you have an empty modern page ready for content.
Step 4: Copy Content From Classic To Modern
Open your classic page in edit mode. Select all content and copy it. Then paste it into the new modern page. Be careful: some formatting may not transfer perfectly.
Common issues include:
- Tables lose their styling
- Images may not paste correctly
- Embedded videos need re-adding
- Custom web parts do not work in modern pages
For each piece of content, check if it looks right. Reformat tables using the modern text web part. Re-upload images using the image web part. Replace custom web parts with modern equivalents.
Step 5: Replace Classic Web Parts With Modern Ones
Classic web parts like the Content Editor Web Part or the Script Editor Web Part do not exist in modern pages. You must replace them with modern web parts.
Common replacements:
- Content Editor → Text web part or Embed web part
- Image Viewer → Image web part
- Document Library → Document Library web part
- List View → List web part
- Custom HTML → Embed web part (with caution)
If you have complex custom web parts, you may need to rebuild them using SharePoint Framework (SPFx). This requires developer skills.
Step 6: Adjust Navigation And Links
After creating modern pages, update your site navigation. Replace links to classic pages with links to the new modern pages.
Check these areas:
- Quick Launch menu
- Top navigation bar
- Hub site navigation
- Internal links within pages
- Links from external sources
Use the “Check Links” tool in SharePoint to find broken links. Fix them one by one.
Step 7: Test The Modern Pages
Before deleting classic pages, test the modern versions thoroughly. Check them on different devices: desktop, tablet, and phone.
Test these aspects:
- All content displays correctly
- Images load fast
- Links work
- Web parts function
- Page loads quickly
- Mobile layout is readable
Ask a colleague to review the pages too. Fresh eyes catch mistakes you might miss.
Step 8: Redirect Or Delete Classic Pages
Once modern pages are ready, you have two options for the classic pages:
- Delete them entirely (if no one needs them)
- Redirect them to the modern version
Redirecting is safer because it preserves bookmarks and search rankings. You can use SharePoint’s built-in redirect feature or set up a simple redirect page.
To delete a classic page, go to Site Contents, find the page, and delete it. Be sure to confirm the deletion.
Common Challenges When Transforming Pages
Even with careful planning, you might face issues. Here are common problems and how to solve them.
Broken Formatting
Classic pages often use inline styles that do not carry over. Fix this by using the modern text web part’s formatting options. Reapply headings, bullet lists, and colors manually.
Missing Web Parts
If a classic web part has no modern equivalent, consider using an Embed web part with HTML code. However, this is not recommended for complex interactions. Instead, look for a third-party web part or build a custom SPFx solution.
Permission Issues
Some users might not see modern pages if their permissions are restricted. Check that the modern page inherits permissions from the site. If not, grant access manually.
Performance Problems
Modern pages are generally faster, but too many web parts can slow them down. Keep each page focused. Use only essential web parts.
Tools To Help With Transformation
Several tools can automate parts of the process. Here are the most useful ones.
SharePoint Modernization Scanner
This free tool from Microsoft scans your site and identifies classic pages. It also checks for customizations that might break. Download it from the Microsoft Download Center.
PnP PowerShell
PowerShell scripts can bulk-create modern pages and copy content. Use the PnP PowerShell module for SharePoint Online. Example commands include Add-PnPPage and Set-PnPPageWebPart.
SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT)
If you are moving from on-premises to SharePoint Online, SPMT can help. It migrates content and can convert classic pages to modern ones during the process.
Manual Copy With Browser Extensions
For small sites, manual copy is fine. Use browser extensions like “Copy as Markdown” to grab content without formatting issues.
Best Practices For Modern Pages
Once you transform your pages, follow these best practices to keep them effective.
- Use sections and columns for layout
- Keep text short and scannable
- Add images and videos to break up text
- Use the Hero web part for visual impact
- Include a table of contents for long pages
- Update pages regularly to keep content fresh
- Monitor page analytics to see what works
Modern pages are designed for collaboration. Encourage your team to edit and improve them over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Transform All Classic Pages At Once?
No, you must transform each page individually or use automation tools like PowerShell. There is no one-click bulk transformation for all pages.
Will My Classic Page URLs Change?
Yes, modern pages have different URLs. You need to set up redirects from old URLs to new ones to avoid broken links.
What Happens To Custom Master Pages?
Modern pages ignore custom master pages. You can remove them after transformation. The modern UI uses its own styling.
Do I Need Coding Skills To Transform Pages?
Not necessarily. Basic copy-paste works for simple pages. For complex web parts, you may need developer help.
How Long Does The Transformation Take?
It depends on the number of pages and their complexity. A single page can take 10-30 minutes. A large site may take days or weeks.
Final Thoughts On The Transformation Process
Transforming classic pages to modern pages in SharePoint is a worthwhile investment. Your team gets a faster, more intuitive interface. The steps in this guide give you a clear path forward.
Start with a small pilot site. Test the process, learn from mistakes, and then scale up. Over time, you can move your entire SharePoint environment to modern pages.
Remember to communicate with your users. Let them know about the changes and provide training if needed. A smooth transition keeps everyone productive.
Now you have the knowledge to begin. Go ahead and transform your first classic page today. The modern experience awaits.