Understanding how to convert SharePoint Modern Pages into News Posts or vice versa is essential for content managers, intranet administrators, and SharePoint users looking to optimize their content delivery. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions and practical insights to help you decide when and how to switch between these formats effectively, ensuring your SharePoint site remains dynamic and engaging.
Converting a Modern Page into a News Post
To turn an existing Modern Page into a News Post, you start by navigating to the page you want to convert. SharePoint Online does not offer a direct ‘Convert’ button; instead, you need to recreate the content as a News Post. The easiest method is to copy the page’s content blocks, then create a new News Post via the ‘Site Contents’ > ‘New’ > ‘News Post’ option. This approach allows you to leverage the modern news features such as featured images, headlines, and targeted audience options, making your content more visible on the intranet homepage. This method is worth it when you want your existing content to gain greater visibility as a news item or when you need to add news-specific features like audience targeting or highlighting on the SharePoint home page.
Create a Modern Page from a News Post
Transforming a News Post into a Modern Page involves creating a new page and copying or moving content from the news item. First, open the News Post, then select ‘Edit’ to access its content. You can then copy text, images, and web parts into a new Modern Page by selecting ‘New’ > ‘Site Page’ in the site contents. This process is particularly useful when you want to expand a news item into a full-fledged page with additional web parts, custom layouts, and navigation options. Using this method helps in scenarios where a news story evolves into a detailed resource or reference page for ongoing projects or departments.
How to Choose
Choosing between converting a Modern Page into a News Post or creating a page from a News Post hinges on your content goals and audience engagement strategy. If your primary aim is to broadcast timely updates or announcements to a broad audience, transforming a page into a News Post is ideal because it leverages SharePoint’s news features like highlighted content and targeted audiences. Conversely, if you have a news story that needs further elaboration, detailed resources, or additional web parts, creating a modern page from a News Post is the better choice. Consider factors such as content longevity, interactivity, and how prominently you want your content featured on the SharePoint homepage when making your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I directly convert a Modern Page into a News Post?
No, SharePoint Online does not currently support a one-click conversion. You need to manually recreate the content as a News Post or create a page from a News Post.
Is it possible to update a News Post after publishing?
Yes, News Posts are editable after publication. You can modify content, images, and layout by selecting ‘Edit’ from the news item.
How do I make a News Post more visible on my SharePoint site?
You can feature News Posts on the SharePoint home page or a news web part, set targeted audiences, or pin important news for prominence.
What are the advantages of creating a modern page from a News Post?
This approach allows for more detailed content, custom web parts, and better navigation options, turning a simple news item into a comprehensive resource.
Can I automate the process of converting pages into News Posts?
Currently, there is no native automation; however, Power Automate workflows can be designed to streamline content copying and publishing processes.
Final Thoughts
Deciding whether to change a SharePoint Modern Page into a News Post or create a page from a News Post depends on your content strategy and audience needs. News Posts excel at highlighting timely updates and engaging broad audiences with SharePoint’s built-in news features. On the other hand, turning a News Post into a modern page is ideal when you need to expand on a story, add interactive web parts, or provide comprehensive resources. Both methods require some manual effort but offer powerful ways to optimize your SharePoint site for communication and collaboration. Regularly reviewing your content workflows ensures you leverage these features effectively, keeping your intranet fresh, relevant, and user-friendly.
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