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Shaishav Merchant's avatar
Shaishav Merchant
Copper Contributor
Jul 18, 2017

How to move document library from a team site to communication site?

Hi,

 

I used to migrate document libraries and lists using Content and Structure in SharePoint online. I am exploring Communication Site option for our intranet and wondering how can I copy / move document library and lists from existing Team site to Communication Site.

 

TIA!

SM

 

5 Replies

  • Seems the Copy to feature the most straightforward. Can copy files to different sites and subsites: https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Move-or-copy-items-from-a-SharePoint-document-library-00e2f483-4df3-46be-a861-1f5f0c1a87bc?ui=en-US&rs=en-US&ad=US
  • Well, the Content and Structure feature is a publishing feature and in I have not tried to enable publishing in a Communication Site, but enabling it could be one option taking into account it could introduce side effects in your Communications site
    • Pieter Veenstra's avatar
      Pieter Veenstra
      MVP

      I'm not sure if enabling features on modern sites is a good idea. If you look at the old style features that have been enabled on the modern team and communications sites then only a very few features are enabled.

       

      Team Sites

      - Site collection features: Three-state workflow

      - Site features: Access App, Following Content, Site Pages, Team Collaboration Lists, Workflows Task Content Type

       

      Communication Sites

      - Site collection features: None activiated

      - Site features: Access App, Following Content, Site Pages, Workflows Task Content Type

       

      With taking the modern approach into account of feature free development, I've got the feeling that the feature framework are very close to on their way out (at least for modern sites).

       

      Also, from the past when enabling publishing on a team site is something I've almost always regretted.

       

      Shaishav Merchant, Maybe you could use PnP PowerShell to copy the structure of the library and then use OneDrive for Business to Sync your library locally and then locally copy the content from one library to another.

       

      Also maybe the View in File Explorer may help:

       

       

    • Brian Kinsella's avatar
      Brian Kinsella
      Iron Contributor

      Yes, perhaps one option. I've used publishing features in the past to exercise more control over navigation for example. However, I suggest extreme caution before traveling down this road. Publishing features turn on many features and make (sometimes subtle changes) everywhere, including permissions. Almost impossible to revert. Turning on publishing is, in general, a roach motel.

    • Shaishav Merchant's avatar
      Shaishav Merchant
      Copper Contributor
      Thanks for your prompt reply!
      Will try enabling publishing feature and check. Will post my observations.

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