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How to Add Dual Navigation to a SharePoint Communication Site
Question details
The user needs to configure a two-level navigation layout or dual navigation bars on a SharePoint Communication site.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Customizing the site structure to include an additional top navigation bar for better link organization.
- Observed behavior
- A standard SharePoint Communication site provides only one level of top navigation by default.
You must have SharePoint Administrator or Global Administrator privileges to register and manage a SharePoint hub site.
Use a SharePoint Hub Site to Create an Additional Navigation Level
By registering a hub site and associating your communication site with it, you can utilize the hub site's navigation menu as a second, overarching navigation bar.
A communication site alone only supports a single top navigation bar. The Microsoft-supported method to achieve a dual navigation layout is to leverage the hub site architecture.
Log in to Microsoft 365 with your administrator credentials and open the SharePoint admin center.
Navigate to 'Active sites', select the site you want to serve as the hub, click on the 'Hub' dropdown in the command bar, and select 'Register as hub site'.
Go to the communication site where you want dual navigation. Click the Settings gear icon in the top right, select 'Site information', and choose your newly created hub site from the 'Hub site association' dropdown menu.
Return to the hub site, click 'Edit' on the new top navigation bar, and manually add the links you need. This inherited navigation bar will now appear above the local navigation bar on your associated communication site.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can any user create a SharePoint hub site?
No. You must be a SharePoint Administrator or Global Administrator in your Microsoft 365 tenant to create or register a hub site.
Will the communication site automatically inherit the hub site's links?
Yes, once a communication site is associated with a hub site, the hub's overarching navigation bar automatically appears at the top of the communication site. However, the links within that hub navigation must be set up manually.
Can I customize the look of the second navigation bar?
Yes, the hub site navigation bar can be customized with specific themes and a hub logo. These design elements will cascade down to all associated communication sites, providing a consistent layout.
