Microsoft has introduced an exciting new feature for SharePoint Pages and News: The Flexible Section. This innovation is designed to provide authors with greater control and creativity over page layouts, breaking free from rigid column structures to create more dynamic and visually engaging content. The Flexible Section is now available in SharePoint and Viva Amplify as of Spring 2025.
What is the Flexible Section?
The Flexible Section is a new section type available in the toolbox pane when adding a section to a SharePoint page. Unlike traditional sections, which are confined to a fixed column layout, the Flexible Section enables users to position web parts anywhere within a two-dimensional grid. This allows for:
- Free movement and resizing of web parts
- Overlapping elements for a layered effect
- Grouping web parts for cohesive design elements
Key Features and Enhancements
Flexible Layouts
Users can freely position and resize web parts within a grid-based structure, moving beyond restrictive boxy designs.
New Section Templates
Found in the content pane toolbox, these templates combine both flexible and column-based sections with example content. Users can select or drag and drop a template, then adjust web parts and layout as needed.
Dynamic Web Part Resizing
- Card-based web parts (e.g., Quick Links, People, Hero) have four predefined width options: full width, 1/3, 1/2, and 2/3 of the canvas width.
- Non-card-based web parts (e.g., Text, Image, File & Media) can be resized to any width within the grid structure.
- Custom web parts are resizable with four default size options.
Enhanced Customization Controls
- Users can manually resize flexible sections.
- Overlapping web parts allow for creative layouts.
- Multi-select and grouping enable easier layout adjustments, and grouped web parts reflow together in mobile view.
Mobile Reflow and Preview
When viewed on mobile or in email, Flexible Sections convert into a one-column layout. Two reflow algorithms are available:
- Prioritizing web parts from left to right.
- Prioritizing web parts from top to bottom.
Users can switch between these algorithms in the section properties pane and preview the appearance across different devices and email clients.
Impact on Your Organization
With the rollout of Flexible Sections, users will see a new “Flexible” option when adding sections to SharePoint pages. This will significantly enhance page layout flexibility, making it easier to design visually engaging content without the constraints of fixed columns.
To ensure a smooth transition, organizations should:
- Communicate this update to SharePoint users.
- Update training materials and documentation.
- Provide support resources to help users adapt to the new design capabilities.
Best Practices for Using Flexible Sections
To maximize the potential of Flexible Sections, consider these best practices:
- Plan Your Layout: Sketch out your design before adding web parts for a cohesive appearance.
- Use Alignment Cues: Keep web parts organized using built-in alignment guides.
- Group Related Web Parts: Maintain a logical flow and improve user experience.
- Preview on Multiple Devices: Use the Preview button to check responsiveness across different screen sizes.
Conclusion
