Creating SharePoint Sites
This guide explains how to create different types of SharePoint Online sites, their purpose, and configuration steps.
Types of SharePoint Sites
SharePoint Online offers two primary site types:
1. Team Site
- Purpose: Collaboration within a Microsoft 365 Group (shared mailbox, calendar, planner, files).
- Recommended For:
- Project teams
- Department collaboration
- Connected to Teams: Yes, can be integrated with Microsoft Teams.
- URL Format:
/sites/YourSiteName - Default Permissions:
- Group members → edit
- Group owners → full control
2. Communication Site
- Purpose: Broadcasting information to a wide audience.
- Recommended For:
- Company-wide announcements
- HR or internal portals
- Connected to Microsoft 365 Group: No
- URL Format:
/sites/YourSiteName - Default Permissions:
- Site owner(s) → full control
- Visitors → read-only
How to Create a SharePoint Site
1. Go to the SharePoint Admin Center
URL: https://admin.microsoft.com > SharePoint > Active Sites
Or, from Microsoft 365 App Launcher: - Open SharePoint > click "Create site"
2. Choose Site Type
- Select either:
- Team Site — with Microsoft 365 Group
- Communication Site — standalone, no group
3. Configure Site Details
For Team Site:
- Site Name: Will also define group name.
- Group Email: Auto-generated.
- Privacy:
- Private (only members can access)
- Public (anyone in the org)
- Language
- Owners and Members
For Communication Site:
- Site Name
- Site Description
- Site Design: Topic / Showcase / Blank
- Language
- Admins
4. Site is Created
After a few seconds: - Site URL is ready - You are redirected to the homepage - You can now: - Add/edit pages - Upload documents - Assign permissions
Additional Notes
- Naming conflict: If the site name is already taken, SharePoint will append a number (e.g.
/sites/HR2). - Admin-created sites are private by default.
- You can add the site to Teams after creation from the top right corner.
- To change site type later, use PowerShell or admin portal (some limitations apply).