Introduction to SharePoint On-Prem
Architecture & Setup
Site Management
Lists & Libraries
Pages & Content
Permissions & Security
Search & Navigation
Automation & Workflows
Integration & Extensibility
Development & Customization
Administration & Governance
Migration
Compliance & Records Management
Navigation & Branding
A user-friendly SharePoint site needs clear navigation and consistent branding. These two elements help employees find the information they need and ensure the site looks professional and aligned with the company’s identity.
Navigation
Navigation is how users find their way around a SharePoint farm. It is a critical part of the user experience. There are two main types of navigation:
- Global Navigation: This is the top-level menu that appears across all sites within a Site Collection. It’s used for important links to major hubs and departments, helping users move between the main parts of the site.
- Local Navigation: This is the menu that is unique to a single site or subsite. It typically appears on the side or top and provides links to the pages, libraries, and content within that specific site.
A well-designed navigation system makes information easy to find and helps users get work done quickly.
Branding
Branding is about giving your SharePoint site a specific look and feel that matches your company. It goes beyond just changing colors. It includes:
- Logos and Colors: Using your company’s logo and official color scheme throughout the site.
- Custom Layouts: Applying different designs to pages to control how content is displayed.
- Fonts and Themes: Using specific fonts and visual themes to create a unified experience.
Consistent branding makes the intranet feel like an official and professional part of the company.
Modern vs. Classic
The way you manage navigation and branding depends on whether you use the classic or modern experience. In the classic experience, complex branding often required custom code. In the modern experience, it is much simpler to manage navigation and branding settings right from the browser, making it easier for business users to create professional-looking sites without needing a developer.
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