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How to Save a SharePoint Online Site or List as a Template
Question details
The user needs to reuse an existing home page, site, or list in SharePoint Online by saving it as a reusable template without manually exporting and importing CSV files.
- Product
- SharePoint Online
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Trying to duplicate or reuse a site structure or list in Modern SharePoint environments.
- Observed behavior
- The standard 'Save Site as Template' option is missing from the interface in modern SharePoint sites.
Ensure you have SharePoint administrator permissions before starting, as creating and applying site templates requires elevated privileges and the ability to run custom scripts.
Save Communication and Classic Sites as Templates via URL
A quick workaround for classic and communication sites by directly accessing the hidden save template page.
This method applies primarily to classic SharePoint sites and modern communication sites. It requires custom scripts to be enabled at the tenant or site level.
Ensure a SharePoint administrator has enabled custom scripts for the site. This can be done via the SharePoint Admin Center or by using PowerShell.
Go to your SharePoint site and append /_layouts/15/savetmpl.aspx to the end of your site's URL in the browser address bar (e.g., https://yourdomain.sharepoint.com/sites/yoursite/_layouts/15/savetmpl.aspx).
Fill out the file name, template name, and description on the page. Check the 'Include Content' box if you want to retain files and pages, then click OK.
Use SharePoint Online Management Shell for Modern Sites
For modern group-connected team sites, site templates must be created using site scripts and site designs via PowerShell.
Save a SharePoint List as a Template
Save individual lists as templates directly from the classic list settings menu after enabling custom scripts.
Discover a Lightweight Office Suite with WPS Office
While SharePoint and complex PowerShell scripts are required for web-based intranet templates, you can easily handle all your document, spreadsheet, and presentation templates locally with WPS Office. It provides an intuitive, lightweight experience completely compatible with Microsoft Office.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Download and install the free WPS Office suite from the official website.
- 2. Access Templates: Open WPS Office and click on 'Templates' in the main dashboard to explore thousands of pre-made templates.
- 3. Create Custom Templates: Easily save any custom document as a reusable template by selecting 'Save As' and choosing the WPS Template format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 'Save site as template' option missing in modern SharePoint?
Modern SharePoint team sites and communication sites hide this option by default because they rely on modern Site Designs and Site Scripts instead of classic templates. Additionally, custom scripts must be explicitly enabled by a tenant administrator to reveal any classic template options.
How do I enable custom scripts in SharePoint Online?
Administrators can enable custom scripts via the SharePoint Admin Center under Settings > Classic settings, or by using the SharePoint Online Management Shell command: Set-SPOSite -Identity <SiteURL> -DenyAddAndCustomizePages 0.
Can I save a modern group-connected team site as a template from the UI?
No, group-connected team sites do not support the classic savetmpl.aspx URL method. You must use PowerShell commands (Site Scripts and Site Designs) or PnP provisioning to duplicate modern group-connected sites.
Where do saved SharePoint list templates go?
Once you save a list as a template, it is stored in the List Template Gallery at the top-level site of your site collection. You can access it by going to Site Settings > Web Designer Galleries > List templates.
