Forum Discussion
Why do modern pages leave so much white space?
When using modern pages, there is always about 25% of the screen width that is unused on the right side. Why won't any web parts extend further to the right and use that space?
23 Replies
Tom Castiglia You raised concerns about the excessive white space present on the sides of modern SharePoint pages, particularly in Team Sites. This issue has been a long-standing frustration for many users, as it can make pages appear unfinished or unprofessional, especially on larger screens or higher resolutions.
Despite its persistence, this behavior seems to be an intentional design choice by Microsoft, potentially aimed at improving readability or accommodating responsive design principles. However, I understand the limitations this design imposes, as it restricts the ability to fully utilize the available screen real estate, which could be beneficial for content that requires a wider layout.
While workarounds like adding vertical sections or using alternative layouts like Communication Sites have been suggested, these solutions may not be suitable for all use cases. To address this concern, I will initiate a comprehensive evaluation of our organization's specific requirements and usage scenarios for SharePoint. This evaluation will involve gathering feedback from stakeholders and end-users to understand the impact of the white space issue on their productivity and user experience.
Based on the findings, I will develop a plan of action that may include submitting a formal feature request to Microsoft, emphasizing the need for more flexible layout options or the ability to customize the content area width. Additionally, I will explore potential interim solutions, such as investigating third-party tools, custom CSS, or alternative platforms that offer greater control over content presentation. Throughout this process, I will maintain open communication with stakeholders and end-users, keeping them informed of the progress and any updates or recommendations from Microsoft.
If necessary, I will escalate the matter through appropriate channels to ensure our organization's needs are adequately addressed. Ultimately, my goal is to provide a SharePoint experience that maximizes productivity, visual appeal, and user satisfaction, while aligning with our organization's specific requirements and best practices. Rest assured, I am committed to finding a resolution that effectively addresses the white space issue and ensures our SharePoint environment meets the highest standards of usability and functionality.
BarryGoblon - I appreciate your thoughtful approach. Do you have anything to report back on this?
Thanks - Greg
- I find the vertical white space more bothersome. The large spaces above and below web parts is hard to watch. Perhaps MS could use a feature similar to the "Compact" view of a list.
- Same issues here its 2023 now and no fix in sight
- It amazes me that this issue still exists in SharePoint, it's probably one of the most hindering/ugly features stopping the platform from being considered for widespread intranet use. It's a shame really.
Did you ever figure anything out with this issue? I am similarly frustrated. It doesn't make any sense that the banners can span the entire width of the page but the webparts leave this giant white space. It looks really unprofessional and like a mistake.
1417785 you can't extend the columns or web parts into the white spave but you CAN add a vertical section which will take up the space and will allow you to add web parts all down the right hand side of the page.
Also, make sure you don't have Quick Launch navigation selected in the Site Settings as that uses up the left hand sapce.
Rob
Los Gallardos
Intranet, SharePoint and Power Platform Manager (and classic 1967 Morris Traveller driver)
I am having the very same issue and am frustratedTom Castiglia
It is not due to having an empty column. Why is the right side have all this wasted space?
Hi Tom!
It seems like the section contains three columns and the third one is empty. Have You tried to switch the layout option from "Three columns" to "Two Columns"?
- This is not the issue. I have the same problem where on all of my modern pages there is a huge white blank column on the right side no matter what I select in the sections.
- Yup - we get too when in full-screen. It must be by design as they disappear when the window is made smaller.
Full screen: https://i.imgur.com/IrKRQ6v.png
Windowed: https://i.imgur.com/14ZJSsr.png
That said, there is a school of thought that says that narrow columns are easier to read - your eye doesn't scan as much. So I'm okay with the white band. I think this is why newspapers have narrow columns
Hi Magnus - Not sure why I missed your reply until now. I agree it looks like I have 3rd column that is empty, but that was not the case. I believe that example was using a 2 column layout.
its really bizarre. I have the same issue as well for my sites as well. I created a publishing site, but I turned on Site Pages and changed the home page to a modern page - I have the same issue, with a bunch of white space to the right hand side.
I then created an O365 Group and I had a look at the Team site there (thinking my issue could have been because I started with a publishing site - nope. The issue is here on the team site as well.
I created a Communications site (Topic) and that one didnt have any extra white space on the right hand side. Which leads me to believe its something to do with the page layout.
