How to Add a Content Editor Web Part in a SharePoint Classic Library
Question details
The user needs to know how to add a Content Editor Web Part to a document library using the SharePoint classic experience.
- Product
- SharePoint Online
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Customizing a SharePoint classic document library page by embedding custom content or scripts via a web part.
- Observed behavior
- The Edit Page command does not appear on the standard library ribbon, making it difficult to access the web part configuration menu.
Ensure you have at least Design or Edit permissions for the SharePoint site, as standard visitor or read-only access will not allow you to modify library pages.
Add the Web Part via the Site Settings Menu
Use the SharePoint site settings gear to access the Edit Page command when it is missing from the library ribbon.
In many SharePoint Online classic library views, the standard ribbon customization options are hidden by default. By utilizing the global settings gear icon, you can force the page into edit mode and access the web part categories.
Navigate to your target document library in SharePoint Online and ensure you are viewing it in the classic experience.
Click the Settings gear icon located in the top-right corner of the SharePoint suite bar.
Select 'Edit Page' from the drop-down menu to switch the library view into configuration mode.
Click on 'Add a Web Part' in your desired page zone, open the 'Media and Content' category, select 'Content Editor', and click Add.
Add the Web Part via the Site Home Page
Use the site home page as an alternative entry point if the web part galleries are completely restricted directly from the library view.
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While SharePoint handles your team's online library configurations, preparing the actual documents doesn't have to be complicated. WPS Office is a highly compatible, free alternative to Microsoft Office that lets you natively edit your files before sharing them in SharePoint.
- 1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS website and download the free WPS Office installer.
- 2. Install the suite: Run the setup file and follow the quick installation prompts to set up the software on your computer.
- 3. Edit and upload: Open, edit, and save your documents seamlessly, then easily upload them to your SharePoint library.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Edit Page option missing from my SharePoint classic library ribbon?
In SharePoint Online's classic experience, the ribbon may be customized, or certain ribbon tabs are hidden by default to simplify the interface. Accessing the Edit Page function through the global Settings (gear) icon bypasses the library-specific ribbon restrictions.
Can I use the Content Editor Web Part in the SharePoint modern experience?
No, the Content Editor Web Part is exclusive to the classic SharePoint experience. If you are using modern SharePoint pages, you should use the native 'Text' web part for text and HTML, or the 'Embed' web part for scripts and iframes.
What permissions do I need to add web parts in SharePoint?
You generally need at least 'Edit' or 'Design' permission levels on the SharePoint site to put pages into edit mode, modify layouts, and add or configure web parts.
