SharePoint build

What are the different ways to create a SharePoint team site?

Ever wondered about all the ways SharePoint team sites can be created? Here they are summarised, from using Teams to using a provisioning tool.
James Done
Updated
November 29, 2023
3 min to read

SharePoint is a great tool for creating and managing websites, and there are several ways to build a SharePoint site. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, it's important to understand the different options available to you. In this article, we'll explore the various ways to create a SharePoint site and help you choose the best approach for your needs.

From the SharePoint home page

Creating a SharePoint team site from the home page is a quick and easy way to get started with your site build. To create a SharePoint team site from the home page, simply click on the Create site button and select Team site from the available options. From there, you can choose a name and description for your site, as well as customize the site's layout and theme. You can also add pages, lists, and libraries to organize your content and make it easy for your team to find what they need.

By creating a team in Teams

One way to create a SharePoint team site is by creating a team in Microsoft Teams. When you create a team, a corresponding SharePoint site is automatically created. This site includes a document library that contains a folder titled General, to contain files uploaded in the General channel. To create a team site in this way, navigate to the Teams app and click on Create a team. From there, you can choose the type of team you want to create and customize the settings as needed.

Creating a SharePoint site from a Microsoft Teams team is a straightforward process that can save you time and effort. Once you've opened the team site in SharePoint by clicking on the ellipsis in the top right of the page and selecting Open in SharePoint, you can customize the site to fit your specific needs. You can also use Microsoft Power Automate to create custom workflows that automate tasks and streamline your processes.

By creating a private channel in a team in Teams

When you create a private channel in a team in Microsoft Teams, a corresponding separate SharePoint site is automatically created specifically for the channel. This site is only accessible to members of the private channel and includes a document library and a folder. To create a private channel and corresponding SharePoint site, simply navigate to the Teams app, select the team you want to create the private channel in, and click on Add channel. From there, you can choose to make the channel private and customize the settings as needed.

By using PowerShell

Using PowerShell to create a SharePoint team site is typically a method employed by SharePoint administrators or advanced users who want more control over the site creation process. PowerShell allows for more customization options and can be used to automate the site creation process. However, it requires some technical knowledge and experience with PowerShell scripting. For more information on how to create a site using PowerShell, take a look here.

By creating an M365 group

Another way to create a SharePoint team site is by creating a Microsoft 365 (M365) group. When you create an M365 group, a SharePoint team site is also automatically created. This site will have the same name as the group and will be accessible to all group members.

To create an M365 group and a SharePoint team site, navigate to the Microsoft 365 admin centre, open Teams & groups and select Active teams & groups from the left-hand menu. From there, click Add a group and follow the prompts to set up your group. Once the group is created, the SharePoint team site will be automatically generated and can be accessed by all members of the group.

By creating a Planner plan

When you create a new plan in Microsoft Planner you have two options, you can opt to associate the plan with an existing group or you can go ahead and just create the plan. If you elect to create a plan without adding it to an existing group, a new Microsoft 365 group and corresponding SharePoint site will be automatically created for you. This site includes a document library and other features that are useful for collaboration within the plan. To create a Planner plan and corresponding SharePoint site, simply navigate to the Planner app and click on  + New plan. From there, you can customize the plan and its settings as needed.

Once you have created your Planner plan, you can navigate to the SharePoint site by clicking on the ellipsis at the top of the page and then selecting Sites from the drop-down menu. There you can add additional lists, libraries, and pages to the site, and even create custom workflows to automate tasks and processes.

By creating a Shared library in OneDrive

When you create a new shared library in OneDrive, a SharePoint site is automatically created. This site will include the shared library and other features that are useful for collaboration. To create a shared library and SharePoint site, simply navigate to OneDrive, and select Create shared library in the left-hand navigation. From there, you can follow the prompts to create your shared library and its corresponding SharePoint site.

Navigate to the SharePoint site by clicking on Go to site to customize the site and its settings as needed.

By using a provisioning tool

Another way to create a SharePoint team site is by using a provisioning tool such as SProbot. With provisioning tools, you can create site templates that include all the necessary site structures for your team, and then use those templates to create multiple new sites as needed instead of manually configuring each site. This can save time, ensure consistency across your SharePoint environment, and enable non-technical users to build multiple sites quickly and easily, without relying on IT support.

In addition to this, and possibly most importantly, you can set up rules and guidelines for site creation, ensuring that all sites are created in accordance with your organization’s policies and procedures.

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