MASTERING THE FOOTER NAV

Making the Most of the Footer Navigation Menu in SharePoint Online Modern Sites

The footer navigation menu in SharePoint Online modern sites is a built-in feature available exclusively on Communication sites (not Team sites).

It appears at the bottom of modern pages, providing a persistent area for secondary navigation links, branding elements, and utility information.

Unlike the top or hub navigation, the footer is ideal for less prominent but important content that users might need while browsing.

Introduced as part of modern SharePoint enhancements, the footer helps create a professional, website-like experience. It supports branding consistency, quick access to policies or contacts, and improved user wayfinding without cluttering the main navigation.

Key Benefits:

  • Enhances site professionalism and branding.
  • Provides space for secondary or legal links.
  • Supports audience targeting for personalized experiences.
  • Appears consistently across modern pages (except lists, libraries, or classic pages).

Availability and Enabling the Footer

  • Site Type: Only available on modern Communication sites. Not supported on Team sites (custom SPFx solutions required for Team sites).
  • Default Status: Enabled by default on new Communication sites created after the feature rollout.
  • Visibility: Does not appear on mobile views, list/library pages, or classic experiences.

How to Enable or Configure the Footer

  1. Navigate to your Communication site.
  2. Click the gear icon (Settings) in the top-right corner.
  3. Select Change the look > Footer.
  4. Toggle Enable footer to On (if not already enabled).
  5. Customize options (detailed below).
  6. Click Save or Apply.

Recent updates include font customization for footer links and name, aligning better with site branding.

Configuring the Footer From Change the look > Footer:

  • Footer Layout:
    • Simple: Compact, single-row layout.
    • Extended: Multi-column layout for more content (recommended for richer navigation).
  • Logo: Upload an image (automatically resized) to display on the left.
  • Footer Name: Toggle on and enter text (e.g., "Company Intranet" or copyright notice).
  • Background and Theme: Inherits from site theme, but can be adjusted via overall site theme settings.
  • Navigation Links:
    • Click Edit in the footer preview or directly on the page footer.
    • Add up to 8 top-level links or labels.
    • Sub-links: Use "Make sub link" for grouping (displays as columns in Extended layout, no dropdowns).
    • Link types: Internal SharePoint pages/sites, external URLs.
    • Options: Reorder, remove, open in new tab.
    • Audience Targeting: Enable to show/hide links based on Microsoft 365 groups (great for personalization).

Links are edited similarly to top navigation:

  1. Reserve for Secondary Content:
    • Utility links: Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, Accessibility Statement, Disclaimer.
    • Contact/Support: IT Help Desk, Feedback Form, HR Portal.
    • Legal/Compliance: Copyright © [Year] Company Name, All Rights Reserved.
    • Social/Media: Links to company LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube (use icons via link text or custom images if needed).
  2. Organize Effectively:
    • Use labels as column headers (e.g., "Quick Links", "Resources", "Connect").
    • Group sub-links logically (Extended layout shines here).
    • Keep it concise: Aim for 4-6 columns to avoid overcrowding.
  3. Branding and Consistency:
    • Add company logo and name for a polished look.
    • Align with site theme colors and fonts.
    • In hub site setups: Configure footers per site (does not inherit from hub navigation).
  4. User Experience Tips:
    • Prioritize evergreen links that don't change often.
    • Use audience targeting for role-specific links (e.g., employee vs. external).
    • Test on desktop (mobile hides footer).
    • Combine with top navigation: Primary in header, secondary in footer.
  5. Common Use Cases:
    • Intranet portals: Policies, employee resources, feedback.
    • Public-facing sites: Contact, social links, legal notices.
    • Department sites: Quick access to tools or external systems.

Limitations

  • Maximum 8 top-level items.
  • No deep nesting (only one sub-level).
  • No automatic inheritance from hub sites (configure per site).
  • Not visible on mobile or non-modern pages.
  • Limited styling (no custom CSS out-of-the-box; inherits theme).
  • For advanced designs (e.g., icons, multi-row), consider third-party tools like ShortPoint or custom SPFx.

Conclusion

The footer navigation menu is an underutilized gem in SharePoint Communication sites, perfect for utility links and branding without overwhelming primary navigation. By enabling it, adding thoughtful links, and applying audience targeting, you can significantly improve site usability and professionalism.

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