Comparing SharePoint Modern vs. Classic | What’s the verdict?
Read time: 4 minutes
Are you someone who uses SharePoint and wants to enhance your business’s efficiency? Curious about the distinctions and advantages of the modern and classic experiences?
In the pursuit of smoother and more error-free operations, organizations are increasingly turning to SharePoint for assistance. In our discussion today, we’ll explore the distinctions between SharePoint’s modern and classic experiences, aiming to guide you in choosing the most suitable option for your organization.
In recent years, there have been notable developments in SharePoint within Microsoft 365, particularly with the introduction of a “modern” user experience. Let’s explore the distinctions between SharePoint’s modern and classic interfaces.
SharePoint’s modern lists and libraries offer users a more intuitive and versatile experience. The layout is designed to accommodate all typical tasks, making it easy to copy and move files using the command bar. The interface also helps users to pin vital documents at the top to highlight them & add files as links with better SharePoint document management capabilities.
On the flip side, SharePoint classic lists and libraries offer greater flexibility in terms of customizations and support for various column types, a feature not found in modern SharePoint. Nevertheless, users working in the classic SharePoint environment must carry out manual tasks like sorting and grouping, in contrast to modern SharePoint, which streamlines these operations through its advanced automation capabilities.
To change the default experience for lists or libraries, switch between the classic or modern view documentation.
Modern SharePoint sites are distinct from their classic counterparts due to their integration with Microsoft 365 groups. This integration seamlessly generates an Office 365 group and establishes connections to various Microsoft collaboration tools like Outlook, OneNote, and more.
The homepage of traditional SharePoint 2013 team sites comes preloaded with web components, whereas in modern team sites, users will discover dedicated sections for Quick Links, News, Site Activity, and Documents. Branding is a common practice in SharePoint team sites, and in classic SharePoint, users have the ability to incorporate site themes, main pages, and alternate CSS. Conversely, modern SharePoint presents fresh and user-friendly choices for tailoring and branding websites.
In contrast to traditional components, contemporary SharePoint pages incorporate speedier, more user-friendly, and visually captivating web elements. One of the most significant distinctions lies in the fact that modern web elements do not permit the inclusion of code, such as JScript, in order to prioritize security—a feature not shared by their classic counterparts.
Traditional web parts are incompatible with modern pages, and the reverse is also true. While users have the option to select layouts featuring web part zones within classic SharePoint web parts, these layouts cannot be altered once they are established. In contrast, modern pages offer a flexible and easily customizable layout that can be adjusted at any time.
Contemporary search in SharePoint stands in stark contrast to its classic counterpart. In the realm of modern search, each user enjoys a tailored experience, and the search results they encounter diverge from those of others, even when searching for identical terms.
Search results are displayed in real-time as you type, even before completing your query. Modern search boxes are available on SharePoint start pages, communication sites, and modern team sites. However, it’s important to note that modern search may not include certain classic search features.
| Category | Modern | Classic |
| Lists & libraries | Optimized for simplicity & flexibility. Designed with pinning, sorting, filtering & other helpful features | Rich customization & classic features are available |
| Team sites | Easier customization options with faster site provisioning & editing | Require custom coding at times |
| Pages & web parts | Flexible layouts with fast, easy to use & secure modern web parts for SharePoint intranet | Rigid layouts with less secure web parts |
| Search functionality | Personalized results before typing, with dynamic updates as you type. Available primarily on modern sites | Includes powerful features with various customization options but limited personalization options |
Considering various viewpoints on SharePoint modern versus classic, it becomes evident that SharePoint’s modern interface represents the future direction. Featuring innovative functionalities and a more immersive user interface, it delivers an exceptional user experience. It enables your business to transition into a new era of enhanced collaboration, communication, efficient storage management, and heightened security. Now is the opportune moment to consider migrating from SharePoint classic to the modern version and explore its benefits firsthand.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to migrate all of your data from one platform to another with ease – Kernel Migrator for SharePoint is what you’re looking for. SharePoint migration tool offers complete control over different migration processes, so you don’t have to worry about them at all.
