Whether you’re a SharePoint administrator, developer, or power user, understanding the differences between classic and modern web parts is essential for creating effective, scalable, and user-friendly sites. This listicle explores the key features, benefits, and considerations for choosing between these two experiences, helping you make informed decisions for your organization’s intranet, communication sites, or team portals.
1. Classic Web Parts: The Foundation of SharePoint
Classic web parts are the original components used in SharePoint pages prior to the introduction of the modern experience. They are highly customizable, allowing developers to embed custom scripts, third-party tools, and complex configurations. Despite their age, classic web parts remain vital for legacy systems and scenarios requiring extensive customization that isn’t yet supported in modern pages.
2. Modern Web Parts: The Future of SharePoint
Modern web parts are built with a responsive, mobile-first approach, offering a sleek, user-friendly interface. They are easier to configure without deep technical skills, with many available out-of-the-box in SharePoint Online. Modern web parts also support seamless integration with Microsoft 365 tools like Teams and Power Automate, making them ideal for collaborative environments.
3. Customizability and Extensibility
Classic web parts provide extensive customization options, including custom scripts, custom web parts developed with SharePoint Framework (SPFx), and third-party add-ons. Modern web parts, while less customizable in some aspects, support SPFx extensions, enabling developers to create tailored solutions that fit within the modern page framework. This shift encourages more standardized, maintainable customizations.
4. User Experience and Design
Modern web parts offer a cleaner, more intuitive UI that adapts to different devices effortlessly. They support features like drag-and-drop editing, inline editing, and real-time previews, significantly improving the user experience. Classic web parts, by contrast, often have a more cluttered interface, with less emphasis on responsiveness and ease of use.
5. Performance and Load Times
Modern web parts are optimized for faster load times and better performance, especially on mobile devices, thanks to lightweight design and better resource management. Classic web parts can sometimes be slower, especially when heavily customized with scripts or third-party integrations, which may impact page load speeds.
6. Security and Maintenance
Security considerations differ notably between the two experiences. Modern web parts follow the latest security standards, reducing risks associated with custom scripts and outdated code. Classic web parts, especially those with custom scripts, can introduce vulnerabilities if not properly maintained or if they rely on deprecated APIs.
7. Compatibility and Future-Proofing
Microsoft is investing heavily in modern web parts, with new features and integrations regularly released. While classic web parts are still supported, their relevance is diminishing, and Microsoft encourages migration to modern pages. Modern web parts are more likely to be compatible with future updates and new Microsoft 365 features.
8. Deployment and Management
Modern web parts can be added via the SharePoint web interface and managed through the SharePoint Online admin center, simplifying deployment. Classic web parts often require more manual configuration, including editing page layouts and scripts. For large-scale environments, modern web parts offer streamlined management and easier updates.
9. Licensing and Cost
Most modern web parts are included in SharePoint Online subscriptions at no extra cost, whereas some custom or third-party classic web parts may require additional licensing or development effort. Organizations looking to minimize costs should consider the built-in modern web parts and their capabilities.
10. Transitioning from Classic to Modern
Many organizations are in the process of migrating from classic to modern pages to leverage new features. Transition involves redesigning pages, replacing or updating web parts, and ensuring compatibility with existing workflows. Microsoft provides tools like the SharePoint Modernization Scanner to facilitate this process effectively.
How to Choose
Choosing between classic and modern web parts depends on your organization’s needs. Consider factors like user experience, customization requirements, performance, security, and future scalability. If your site demands complex customizations or legacy integrations, classic web parts may still be necessary. However, for most new projects, modern web parts offer a more streamlined, secure, and future-proof solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix classic and modern web parts on the same page?
Yes, SharePoint allows mixing both types on a single page, although Microsoft recommends transitioning to fully modern pages when possible for better performance and support.
Are modern web parts mobile responsive?
Absolutely. Modern web parts are designed to be fully responsive, providing an optimal experience across desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
Is it possible to convert classic pages to modern pages?
Microsoft provides tools like the SharePoint Modernization Scanner to assist in converting classic pages, but some manual adjustments may still be needed for complex layouts.
Do I need to know coding to use modern web parts?
Most modern web parts are user-friendly and don’t require coding. However, developers can create custom SPFx web parts to extend functionality when needed.
Are there any limitations with modern web parts?
While modern web parts are powerful, they may lack some advanced customization options available in classic web parts, especially for highly specialized or legacy integrations.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between classic and modern web parts hinges on your organization’s specific needs, future plans, and technical capabilities. Modern web parts are clearly the future, offering better performance, security, and user experience, but legacy systems may still require classic web parts for compatibility. Transitioning gradually and leveraging the strengths of both can help ensure a smooth upgrade path and a more effective SharePoint environment.
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