Pre-Configure Summary Links In SharePoint Designer

Hey guys! Ever wondered if you could set up a Summary Link Web Part with a bunch of links already in place, right in your custom page layout for SharePoint? Well, you're in the right place! This is totally doable, and it's a fantastic way to make your new pages look polished and professional right out of the gate. Let's dive into how you can make this happen using SharePoint Designer.

Understanding the Goal

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty, let's clarify what we're trying to achieve. Imagine you're building a new publishing site in SharePoint. You want the welcome page, or any new page created from your custom layout, to have a Summary Link Web Part already populated with essential links. This could include links to important documents, team sites, or external resources. The goal is to save time and ensure consistency across your site. It makes the user experience way smoother when key resources are immediately accessible, right? No more hunting around – everything's right there where it should be!

Why Pre-Configure a Summary Link Web Part?

There are several compelling reasons to pre-configure a Summary Link Web Part in your custom page layout. First off, consistency is key. When all pages based on a layout have the same set of initial links, users can quickly find what they need, regardless of which page they land on. This consistency creates a more professional and user-friendly environment.

Secondly, it significantly reduces manual effort. Instead of manually adding the same links to every new page, you do it once in the page layout, and boom, it’s done for all future pages! Think of the time you'll save – time that could be better spent on other important tasks. It's all about working smarter, not harder, right? Plus, it's a real win for productivity.

Finally, it improves user adoption. By providing a clear and intuitive starting point, you make it easier for users to navigate and engage with your site. When essential resources are readily available, users are more likely to use them. It's all about making things as easy and accessible as possible. Happy users, happy site!

Steps to Pre-Configure Summary Link Web Part

Okay, let's get into the practical steps. Here’s how you can pre-configure a Summary Link Web Part in your custom page layout using SharePoint Designer. Don't worry, it's not as scary as it sounds. We'll break it down into manageable chunks.

Step 1: Open Your Site in SharePoint Designer

First things first, you need to open your SharePoint site in SharePoint Designer. If you don't have it already, you can download it from Microsoft. Once you've got it installed, connect to your SharePoint site. It’s usually as simple as entering your site URL and logging in. Make sure you have the necessary permissions to edit page layouts – usually, you'll need to be a site owner or have design permissions. It’s like having the keys to the kingdom, but for your SharePoint site!

Step 2: Locate Your Page Layout

Next, you need to find your page layout. In the Navigation pane, click on "Page Layouts." This will show you a list of all the page layouts in your site. Find the one you want to modify – it might be a custom layout you've created or one of the default layouts. If you're starting from scratch, you can copy an existing layout and customize it. Think of it like choosing a template for a presentation – you're picking the foundation for your page.

Step 3: Edit the Page Layout

Now, it's time to edit the page layout. Right-click on the layout and select "Edit in Advanced Mode." This opens the layout's HTML code. Don't panic if you're not a coding whiz – we'll guide you through the important parts. You’ll see a bunch of HTML and SharePoint controls. The key is to find the right spot to insert your web part. This is where the magic happens!

Step 4: Insert the Summary Link Web Part

Find the <WebPartPages:WebPartZone> where you want to add the Summary Link Web Part. This is essentially a placeholder where you can drop web parts. Insert the following code snippet within the web part zone:

<WebPartPages:WebPartZone ID="SummaryLinkZone" runat="server" Title="Summary Links">
    <ZoneTemplate>
        <WebPartPages:ClientWebPart runat="server" ID="SummaryLinkWebPart" Name="Summary Links" Title="Quick Links" FrameType="TitleOnly" IsVisible="true" PartOrder="1" FrameState="Normal">
            <WebPart xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WebPart/v2">
                <Assembly>Microsoft.SharePoint, Version=16.0.0.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=71e9bce111e9429c</Assembly>
                <TypeName>Microsoft.SharePoint.WebPartPages.SummaryLinkWebPart</TypeName>
                <Properties>
                    <!-- Add your links here -->
                </Properties>
            </WebPart>
        </WebPartPages:ClientWebPart>
    </ZoneTemplate>
</WebPartPages:WebPartZone>

This code creates a web part zone and places a Summary Link Web Part inside it. The Assembly and TypeName attributes tell SharePoint which web part to use. Think of it as telling SharePoint, "Hey, put a Summary Link Web Part here!"

Step 5: Configure the Links

This is where you add your pre-configured links. Within the <Properties> section of the web part code, you'll add <Property> elements for each link. Here’s an example:

<Property Name="LinkUrl" Type="string">https://www.example.com</Property>
<Property Name="LinkText" Type="string">Example Website</Property>
<Property Name="LinkDescription" Type="string">Visit our example website</Property>
<Property Name="ImageUrl" Type="string">/_layouts/15/images/EXAMPLE.PNG</Property>

For each link, you’ll need to specify the LinkUrl (the URL of the link), the LinkText (the text that will be displayed), the LinkDescription (a short description), and optionally an ImageUrl (the URL of an icon). Repeat this for each link you want to add. It's like creating a mini-directory of essential resources, right there on the page.

Pro Tip: Make sure your image URLs are correct and the images are accessible. Broken images can make the page look unprofessional. Nobody wants broken links and images – it's like a digital pothole!

Step 6: Save and Publish the Page Layout

Once you've added all your links, save the page layout. SharePoint Designer will usually prompt you to check it in and publish it. Make sure you do this so that the changes are visible to everyone. Publishing is like sending your changes live – it's the final step in making your pre-configured web part a reality.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes things don't go exactly as planned. Here are a few common issues you might encounter and how to troubleshoot them.

Web Part Not Displaying

If the Summary Link Web Part isn't showing up on your page, double-check the code you added to the page layout. Make sure the Assembly and TypeName attributes are correct. Also, ensure that the web part zone is in a visible part of the layout. Sometimes a small typo can cause big problems. It's like a misplaced comma in a recipe – it can throw the whole thing off!

Links Not Working

If your links aren't working, the most likely culprit is an incorrect LinkUrl. Double-check the URLs to make sure they're correct. Also, verify that the sites you're linking to are accessible. There's nothing more frustrating than a broken link, so it's worth taking the time to get it right.

Images Not Displaying

If your images aren't displaying, make sure the ImageUrl is correct and the image is accessible. Check the path and ensure the image file exists in the specified location. Sometimes it's as simple as a missing forward slash or a typo in the file name. Think of it like a treasure hunt – the image is the treasure, and the URL is the map!

Best Practices for Summary Link Web Parts

To make the most of your Summary Link Web Part, here are a few best practices to keep in mind.

Keep It Concise

Don't overload the web part with too many links. A few essential links are better than a long list that overwhelms users. Think quality over quantity – focus on the links that are most important and frequently used.

Use Clear and Descriptive Text

Make sure your LinkText and LinkDescription are clear and descriptive. Users should be able to understand where the link will take them at a glance. It's all about making things as intuitive as possible.

Organize Your Links

If you have a lot of links, consider organizing them into categories. You can use multiple Summary Link Web Parts or use the web part’s built-in grouping features. A well-organized set of links is much easier to navigate than a jumbled mess.

Regularly Review and Update

Links can break or become outdated. Regularly review your Summary Link Web Part and update the links as needed. It's like giving your site a regular check-up to make sure everything is running smoothly. A little maintenance goes a long way!

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Pre-configuring a Summary Link Web Part in your custom page layout is totally achievable and a fantastic way to enhance your SharePoint site. It saves time, ensures consistency, and improves the user experience. By following these steps and best practices, you'll be well on your way to creating a polished and user-friendly site. Now go ahead and give it a try. You got this!