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Fix Edit in Grid View Missing After Searching a SharePoint Document Library
Question details
The user is unable to find the 'Edit in grid view' option in a SharePoint document library after performing a search or applying a filter for folders.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to edit document properties in bulk using the grid view after filtering or searching within a SharePoint document library.
- Observed behavior
- The 'Edit in grid view' option disappears from the top menu after searching, even though the library is fully editable and contains fewer than 5,000 items.
Ensure you have the necessary edit permissions for the SharePoint document library and verify that the library contains fewer than 5,000 items to prevent the List View Threshold from disabling the grid view altogether.
Clear Search Query to Restore the Standard Library View
Because SharePoint intentionally disables grid editing in search views, you must clear your search query to regain access to the 'Edit in grid view' button.
According to Microsoft design specifications, the 'Edit in grid view' feature is completely disabled when utilizing the global search function within a Document Library. To edit your files in a grid, you must return to the default library view.
Click the 'X' icon inside the SharePoint search bar located at the top of the page, or manually delete your search query.
If the view does not reset automatically to the standard layout, refresh your web browser to reload the library.
Once you are back in the standard document library view, click the 'Edit in grid view' button located in the command bar at the top of the file list.
Use Column Filtering Instead of Global Search
Instead of using the global search box, apply column filters to narrow down your files while keeping the grid view active for bulk editing.
Manage and Edit Your Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office
While SharePoint and Microsoft 365 impose certain view and editing limitations online, you can always rely on WPS Office for a lightweight, highly compatible desktop experience to edit your downloaded Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files without interruption.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free suite and install it on your Windows, Mac, or Linux device.
- 2. Open Your Synced Documents: Launch WPS Office and open the files you have synced from your SharePoint Document Library to your local drive.
- 3. Edit and Save Seamlessly: Use the familiar interface to edit your documents. Changes saved locally will automatically sync back to SharePoint if connected via OneDrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'Edit in grid view' disappear after I search in a SharePoint Document Library?
This is an expected behavior designed by Microsoft. In SharePoint Document Libraries, the search results view is not configured to support the grid editing feature. You must return to the standard library view to bulk edit items.
Can I edit items in a search view in a SharePoint List instead of a Document Library?
Yes, unlike Document Libraries, SharePoint Lists may retain the 'Edit in grid view' option after performing a search, depending on the list configuration and view settings.
How can I bulk edit document properties if I cannot use the global search?
You can activate the 'Edit in grid view' mode first, and then use the individual column header drop-downs to filter your documents. This native filtering method preserves the grid editing capability.
Will having over 5,000 items in my library disable the grid view completely?
Yes. If your SharePoint library exceeds the 5,000 item List View Threshold, the 'Edit in grid view' option may become unavailable entirely, regardless of whether you have searched or not. You will need to index columns and create filtered views to bypass this limit.
