Creating A Pretty Table From A SharePoint List
Introduction
Are you looking to display a SharePoint list on a public-facing page in a visually appealing way? Do you want to create a table that is easy to read and understand, without compromising on the functionality of your SharePoint list? If yes, then you're in the right place. In this article, we'll explore how to create a pretty table from a SharePoint list, making it perfect for public display.
Understanding the Requirements
Before we dive into the solution, let's understand the requirements. You have a small list with 7 items and 8 columns, and you want to display it on another public-facing page. The end result should look similar to a table, without any additional features or editability. Sounds simple, right?
Choosing the Right Approach
There are several ways to create a table from a SharePoint list, but we'll focus on the most efficient and effective approach. We'll use a combination of SharePoint features and web parts to create a custom table that meets your requirements.
Step 1: Prepare the SharePoint List
Before creating the table, make sure your SharePoint list is properly configured. Ensure that the list has the required columns and that the data is accurate and up-to-date. You can also add any necessary formatting or validation rules to the list to ensure data consistency.
Step 2: Create a New Page
Create a new page in SharePoint where you want to display the table. You can use a standard page or a modern page, depending on your SharePoint version and preferences.
Step 3: Add the SharePoint List Web Part
To display the SharePoint list on the page, you'll need to add the SharePoint List web part. You can do this by:
- Going to the page where you want to add the web part
- Clicking on the "Add a web part" button
- Searching for "SharePoint List" in the web part catalog
- Selecting the SharePoint List web part and clicking "Add"
Step 4: Configure the SharePoint List Web Part
Once you've added the SharePoint List web part, you'll need to configure it to display the required columns and data. You can do this by:
- Clicking on the web part to edit its settings
- Selecting the list you want to display
- Choosing the columns you want to display
- Configuring any additional settings, such as sorting or filtering
Step 5: Add a Table Web Part
To create a table from the SharePoint list, you'll need to add a table web part. You can do this by:
- Going to the page where you want to add the web part
- Clicking on the "Add a web part" button
- Searching for "Table" in the web part catalog
- Selecting the Table web part and clicking "Add"
Step 6: Configure the Table Web Part
Once you've added the table web part, you'll need to configure it to display the data from the SharePoint list. You can do this by:
- Clicking on the web part to edit its settings
- Selecting the data source (in this case, the SharePoint list)
- Configuring any additional settings, such as column widths or formatting
Step 7: Customize the Table
To make the table look similar to the one you provided, you'll need to customize it. You can do this by:
- Adding a border to the table
- Changing the font and color of the text
- Adding any additional formatting, such as shading or highlighting
Step 8: Publish the Page
Once you've completed the above steps, you can publish the page to make it available to the public.
Conclusion
Creating a pretty table from a SharePoint list is a straightforward process that requires some configuration and customization. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a table that is easy to read and understand, without compromising on the functionality of your SharePoint list. Remember to prepare the SharePoint list, create a new page, add the SharePoint List web part, configure the web part, add a table web part, configure the table web part, customize the table, and publish the page to make it available to the public.
Tips and Variations
Here are some additional tips and variations to consider:
- Use the SharePoint List web part to display a summary of the list, rather than the full list.
- Use the Table web part to display a subset of the data, rather than the full list.
- Add additional web parts, such as a filter or a search box, to enhance the user experience.
- Use CSS to customize the appearance of the table, rather than relying on the web part settings.
- Use a third-party solution, such as a SharePoint add-in or a custom solution, to create a more complex table or to integrate with other systems.
Common Issues and Solutions
Here are some common issues and solutions to consider:
- The table is not displaying the correct data: Check the web part settings and ensure that the correct list and columns are selected.
- The table is not displaying the correct formatting: Check the web part settings and ensure that the correct formatting options are selected.
- The table is not displaying the correct layout: Check the web part settings and ensure that the correct layout options are selected.
Best Practices
Here are some best practices to consider when creating a table from a SharePoint list:
- Use a consistent layout and formatting throughout the table.
- Use clear and concise column headers and labels.
- Use a clear and consistent font and color scheme.
- Use a border to separate the table from the surrounding content.
- Use a summary or a filter to enhance the user experience.
Introduction
In our previous article, we explored how to create a pretty table from a SharePoint list. We covered the steps to prepare the SharePoint list, create a new page, add the SharePoint List web part, configure the web part, add a table web part, configure the table web part, customize the table, and publish the page. In this article, we'll answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about creating a pretty table from a SharePoint list.
Q: What are the system requirements for creating a pretty table from a SharePoint list?
A: To create a pretty table from a SharePoint list, you'll need to have a SharePoint site with the required permissions. You'll also need to have the SharePoint List web part and the Table web part installed on your site.
Q: Can I use a third-party solution to create a pretty table from a SharePoint list?
A: Yes, you can use a third-party solution to create a pretty table from a SharePoint list. There are many SharePoint add-ins and custom solutions available that can help you create a table that meets your requirements.
Q: How do I customize the appearance of the table?
A: You can customize the appearance of the table by using the web part settings or by adding custom CSS code to your site. You can also use a third-party solution to create a custom table that meets your requirements.
Q: Can I add additional features to the table, such as filtering or sorting?
A: Yes, you can add additional features to the table, such as filtering or sorting. You can use the web part settings to enable these features or you can use a third-party solution to create a custom table with these features.
Q: How do I troubleshoot common issues with the table?
A: To troubleshoot common issues with the table, you can check the web part settings and ensure that the correct list and columns are selected. You can also check the CSS code and ensure that it is correct. If you're still experiencing issues, you can contact Microsoft support or a third-party solution provider for assistance.
Q: Can I use a SharePoint list with a large number of items to create a pretty table?
A: Yes, you can use a SharePoint list with a large number of items to create a pretty table. However, you may need to use a third-party solution to handle the large amount of data and to ensure that the table loads quickly.
Q: How do I ensure that the table is accessible to users with disabilities?
A: To ensure that the table is accessible to users with disabilities, you can use the web part settings to enable accessibility features, such as alt text for images and screen reader support. You can also use a third-party solution to create a custom table that meets accessibility standards.
Q: Can I use a SharePoint list with a complex data structure to create a pretty table?
A: Yes, you can use a SharePoint list with a complex data structure to create a pretty table. However, you may need to use a third-party solution to handle the complex data structure and to ensure that the table loads quickly.
Q: How do I ensure that the table is secure and meets data governance requirements?
A: To ensure that the table is secure and meets data governance requirements, you can use the web part settings to enable security features, such as authentication and authorization. You can also use a third-party solution to create a custom table that meets data governance requirements.
Conclusion
Creating a pretty table from a SharePoint list can be a complex task, but with the right tools and expertise, it's achievable. By following the steps outlined in our previous article and by answering the FAQs in this article, you can create a table that meets your requirements and provides a great user experience.
Additional Resources
Here are some additional resources that you can use to learn more about creating a pretty table from a SharePoint list:
- Microsoft SharePoint documentation: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint/
- SharePoint List web part documentation: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint/dev/sp-add-ins/sharepoint-list-web-part
- Table web part documentation: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint/dev/sp-add-ins/table-web-part
- SharePoint add-ins and custom solutions: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/search/sharepoint
By using these resources and by following the steps outlined in our previous article, you can create a pretty table from a SharePoint list that meets your requirements and provides a great user experience.