How to Add a Web Part Zone for SharePoint

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Problem

Every SharePoint site template (both MOSS 2007 and WSS3) has its own default layout of Web Part Zones. I would like to customize the layout of these zones for flexibility of design in a particular site.

Solution

To customize the Web Part Zone layout, you need SharePoint Designer. This is available free from Microsoft.

Let's create a new document library for some practice Web Part Pages. (See this tip if you need instructions.) Later, you can use the procedure in this article to edit your main site pages.

In your Web Part Page library, create a new Web Part Page. Choose the "Header, RIght Column, Body" to follow my design (or choose another if you like to be creative).

custom web part page

Once you get your page, there is no need to add web parts now. Just stop editing it and return to the library where it exits. I use the breadcrumbs pictured below.

custom web part page

Editing Web Part Pages with SharePoint Designer

Now open the web page by clicking on it.

new

Here's a view of the blank page.

my custom web part page

Assuming you have SharePoint Designer 2007 installed, go to the "File" menu of Internet Explorer and select "Edit with Microsoft Office SharePoint Designer".

microsoft sharepoint designer

You will now see your page, in edit mode, from inside the SharePoint Designer. Note that the Web Part Zones exist within a standard HTML table. (You may need to open the "Design" tab in SharePoint Designer.)

table

Select the lower row of the table.

place holder

Then, from the "Table" menu in SharePoint Designer, select "Insert" and then "Row Below".

row below

Click into the row you just created. For illustration purposes, I am going to add a table with 3 rows and 3 columns. From the "Table" menu, select "Insert Table". Use the parameters I have below (or anything you like).

insert table

In the top left cell of the table, I now add a Web Part Zone:

Insert --> SharePoint Controls --> Web Part Zone.

(The graphic below looks like I am in the HTML menu, I am really not.)

web part zone

Repeat the procedure for each cell in the table.

web part

View the Results

Save the page in SharePoint Designer and exit the application. Then open the page in your library, click "Site Actions" and then "Edit Page". 

edit page

Here you should see the new Web Part Zones added.

web part
Next Steps
  • Try this procedure in different layout designs.
  • Create a new (test) site and try editing the main page of the site.


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About the author
MSSQLTips author Rob Fisch Rob Fisch has worked with SQL Server since version 6.5 as a dba, developer, report writer and data warehouse designer.

This author pledges the content of this article is based on professional experience and not AI generated.

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