Fix JSON Column Formatting in SharePoint Classic Task Lists
Question details
A user wants to apply custom colors to the Status column in a SharePoint classic Task List using JSON, but the formatting is not taking effect.
- Product
- SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Trying to apply JSON column formatting to a classic SharePoint Task List to visually distinguish task statuses.
- Observed behavior
- The JSON column formatting works perfectly in the modern SharePoint view but fails to apply or display in the classic experience.
Verify whether your SharePoint site permissions allow you to change list experience settings, as administrative rights are often required to switch a list from classic to modern view.
Switch to the Modern SharePoint Experience
JSON column formatting is a feature exclusive to the modern SharePoint architecture. Upgrading your classic Task List to the modern experience is the easiest and fully supported way to enable your custom formatting.
The modern SharePoint experience natively processes JSON code to format columns and rows. By switching your classic Task List to the modern view, your existing JSON code will immediately begin rendering the correct status colors.
Navigate to your classic Task List, click on the 'List' tab located in the top ribbon, and then select 'List Settings'.
In the List Settings page, find the General Settings column and click on 'Advanced settings'.
Scroll to the very bottom to find the 'List experience' section. Select the 'New experience' option.
Click the 'OK' button to apply the changes. Return to your list to verify that the modern view is active and your JSON column formatting is correctly displayed.
Use JSLink for Classic Task Lists
If your organization's policies require you to remain in the classic SharePoint experience, you must use Client-Side Rendering (CSR) via JSLink instead of JSON for column formatting.
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- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button to get the installation file.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't JSON formatting work in SharePoint classic view?
The classic SharePoint experience relies on older web technologies and Client-Side Rendering (JSLink). It does not have the built-in capability to parse and process the JSON formatting schemas that were specifically introduced for the modern SharePoint architecture.
Can I format entire rows based on a column value in modern SharePoint?
Yes. In the modern SharePoint experience, you can use JSON to apply 'view formatting' rather than just 'column formatting'. This allows you to style entire rows based on specific data criteria, such as the value in the Status column.
Will switching to the modern experience break my existing classic customizations?
It might. Modern lists do not support all classic web parts and custom JSLink scripts. If your classic Task List heavily relies on older script editor web parts or JSLink customizations, you should test the modern experience in a separate staging environment before applying it to your live list.
