Summary
- SharePoint Online is improving Flexible Sections in SharePoint Pages to make page authoring more predictable and easier to use.
- Authors will get new layout guidance, persistent grid guides, and a way to convert existing standard sections into Flexible Sections while preserving current content placement.
- The change primarily affects SharePoint page authors who use Flexible Sections; general end users are not the main audience.
- No admin configuration or mandatory action is required, but IT should notify authors and update internal training/helpdesk guidance.
SharePoint Pages will enhance Flexible Sections with visual and persistent layout guides, easier resizing, and the ability to convert standard sections without losing content. These improvements, rolling out worldwide in August 2026, aim to simplify page authoring and ensure consistent layouts across devices. No admin action is needed.
We are making Flexible Sections in SharePoint Pages easier to use, more predictable, and faster to author. Flexible Sections allow authors to build pages without a strict column structure by resizing and moving web parts within a section. This update provides additional guidance and controls to help authors create flexible layouts while maintaining consistent page design.
New authoring improvements include visual column layout guides, persistent grid layout guides, and the ability to convert existing standard sections into Flexible Sections while preserving existing content layouts.
Microsoft 365 Message Center ID: MC1446804
Primary Service: SharePoint
Admin Impact: Low
User Impact: Medium
Release Start: 15 Aug 2026
Release End: 31 Aug 2026
Category: Stay informed
Tags: New feature, Feature update, User impact
Status: Launched
Products & Platforms: SharePoint Online
History
8/3/2026 Item Added to Message Center
Rollout Schedule
General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout will begin in mid-August 2026 and is expected to complete by late August 2026.
Impact on Your Organization
Who is affected
SharePoint page authors using Flexible Sections.
Platforms and Services
SharePoint Online
What will happen
- Authors will see new layout guides in Flexible Sections that mirror the column structure of standard sections.
- Layout guides will help authors create more predictable page layouts while continuing to resize, move, and overlap content.
- Web parts added to a Flexible Section will align to the layout guide width by default, while still allowing authors to adjust size and placement.
- The improved guidance helps Flexible Sections adapt more consistently across email, mobile, and browser viewing experiences, as well as when canvas sizes change.
- A new grid layout guides toggle will be available in the page command bar.
- Authors can enable a page-level setting to keep gridlines and layout guides visible while editing, making it easier to align content without initiating a drag or resize action.
- Authors can convert an existing standard section to a Flexible Section directly from the section property pane.
- When converting a section, the existing column structure and web part placement will be preserved, reducing the need to rebuild page content.
Action Required / Recommendations
No admin action is required.
We recommend that you:
- Notify SharePoint page authors about the upcoming Flexible Section authoring improvements.
- Review and update any internal training or guidance related to SharePoint page creation.
- Prepare help desk and support teams for questions regarding the updated authoring experience.
- Review any authoring guidance that references standard section layouts and update it as needed.
Compliance Considerations
No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.