How to Use a SharePoint Document Library Template in the Modern Experience
Question details
Users are unable to locate or apply classic document library templates when attempting to create a new library within the modern SharePoint interface.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating a new document library in the modern SharePoint UI using a previously saved classic template.
- Observed behavior
- Document library templates created in the classic experience are unavailable and do not appear in the library creation menu of the modern interface.
Verify that you have site owner or administrator permissions, as you will need the ability to manage site contents and switch between the classic and modern SharePoint experiences.
Switch to the Classic Experience to Apply the Template
Since the modern experience does not support classic templates natively, temporarily reverting to the classic experience allows you to provision the library using your saved template.
SharePoint currently restricts the use of classic document library templates (.stp files) directly within its modern UI. By accessing your site contents in the classic experience, you can bypass this limitation, create the library, and then return to the modern view.
Navigate to your SharePoint site and click on 'Site contents' from the left-hand navigation menu or via the Settings gear icon in the top right.
Scroll to the bottom left corner of the Site contents page and click the 'Return to classic SharePoint' link.
In the classic site contents view, click the 'add an app' icon to access the classic App catalog and your custom templates.
Search for the name of your saved document library template, click it, provide a name for your new library, and click 'Create'.
Manually Recreate Library Settings in the Modern Interface
If classic mode is disabled by your administrator, you can create a blank modern library and manually replicate your template's configuration.
Edit Your SharePoint Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office
While configuring SharePoint document libraries requires Microsoft's platform, you don't need expensive subscriptions to edit the documents stored inside them. WPS Office is a free, highly compatible, and powerful office suite that lets you manage your downloaded SharePoint files with ease.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your computer or mobile device.
- 2. Access SharePoint Files: Download the documents you need to work on directly from your SharePoint document library to your local machine.
- 3. Edit and Save: Open the downloaded files in WPS Office to edit them with full formatting retention, then upload the updated files back to SharePoint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Microsoft add support for classic library templates in the modern SharePoint experience?
Currently, Microsoft has not announced plans to natively support classic document library templates (.stp) in the modern experience. Users are encouraged to submit feedback via the Microsoft Feedback Portal or transition to using modern Site Scripts and Site Designs.
Can I save a newly created modern document library as a template?
Saving a document library as a template is a classic feature that is often disabled in modern SharePoint sites, especially those connected to Microsoft 365 Groups. Microsoft recommends using PowerShell, PnP provisioning, or Site Scripts to replicate modern library structures.
Why is the 'Return to classic SharePoint' option missing on my site?
If the 'Return to classic SharePoint' link is missing in your bottom-left navigation, your IT administrator has likely disabled the classic experience at the tenant or site collection level. You will need to contact your SharePoint administrator for assistance.
Do my classic document library templates still work if I migrate to SharePoint Online?
While your old .stp files might still exist in the List Template Gallery, they rely heavily on classic architecture. They can only be deployed via the classic experience workaround, and over time, it is highly recommended to recreate these templates using modern provisioning methods.
