Getting Started with
SharePoint Sites
Sites · Lists · Document Libraries · Power Platform Integration
What is a SharePoint Site?
A SharePoint site is like a workspace where you can store documents, manage data, share updates, and collaborate with your team. Think of it as a central hub that connects your files, your people, and your data — all in one place.
It is commonly used for document storage, team collaboration, data tracking using lists, Power Platform integrations, and internal communication.
Types of SharePoint Sites
When creating a new site, you'll choose between two main types. Each serves a different purpose, so picking the right one from the start saves you time later.
Team Site
Built for collaboration. Teams use it to share files, track tasks, and work together on projects day-to-day.
- Project documents
- Team data tracking
- CRM document integration
- Internal collaboration
Communication Site
Built for broadcasting. Use it to share information with a large group — announcements, news, or company updates.
- Company announcements
- Internal portals
- News updates
- Department information
SharePoint vs Other Databases
Not every database is the right tool for every job. Here's how SharePoint compares to the other common choices in the Microsoft ecosystem.
| Feature | SharePoint | Dataverse | SQL Database |
|---|---|---|---|
| Document Storage | Very Good | Limited | Not Recommended |
| Structured Data | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Power Platform Integration | Easy | Native | Needs Setup |
| Best Use | Documents & Simple Data | Business Applications | Complex Data Systems |
SharePoint Lists
A SharePoint List is like a table where you can store structured data. It works similarly to Excel but with more control, sharing options, and automation support. Lists are often used as a data source in Power Apps and Power Automate.
const columnTypes = [
'Single line text', 'Multiple line text',
'Number', 'Date & Time', 'Yes/No',
'Person or Group', 'Attachment',
'Choice (Dropdown)', 'Hyperlink'
];
↑ SharePoint List — structured data, similar to Excel but with automation support
Document Library
A Document Library is where files live in SharePoint. You can upload documents, organize them into folders, control who can access them, and track every version change automatically. It is the backbone of document management in the Microsoft ecosystem.
Common uses include document storage, version tracking, permission control, and Dynamics 365 document integration.
↑ Document Library — file storage with version history and permission controls
How to Create a SharePoint Site
Follow these five steps to get your first SharePoint site up and running.
Open SharePoint
Go to office.com, sign in with your Microsoft 365 account, and open SharePoint from the app launcher in the top-left corner.
↑ Open SharePoint from the app launcher at office.com
Click "Create Site"
From the SharePoint home page, click + Create site. You will be presented with two options — choose the one that fits your needs.
- Team Site — For collaboration and project work
- Communication Site — For announcements and company updates
↑ Choose between Team Site and Communication Site
Choose a Template
Select a modern template from Microsoft's template gallery, or go with the default Standard Team template. Templates give you a pre-built structure you can customize later.
↑ Pick a template or use the default Standard Team layout
Enter Site Details
Fill in the details for your new site. Every field here matters, so take a moment to get them right.
- Site Name — The display name of your SharePoint site
- Description — A short summary of the site's purpose (optional but helpful)
- Privacy — Private: Only selected members can access · Public: Anyone in your org can view
- Language — Choose carefully — this cannot be changed easily later
↑ Enter your site name, description, and privacy setting
↑ Set the preferred site language before proceeding
Add Members & Finish
Add owners and members who need access to the site. Click Finish — your SharePoint site is ready. You can now create lists, upload documents, customize pages, and connect to Power Platform or Dynamics 365.
↑ Add owners and members, then click Finish to create the site
