How to Showcase Different Types of Files Using SharePoint Web Parts

SharePoint is one of the best content management systems out there. It allows you to store different types of files including documents (PDF, DOCX, PPT, etc.), images, and videos for your organization.

This article will demonstrate how to showcase these files on your SharePoint page using SharePoint web parts.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Documents
  • Using the Document Library Web Part
    • Step 1: Add the Document Library Web Part
    • Step 2: Choose the Document Library to display
    • Step 3: (Optional) Customize the Layout of the Document Library
    • Step 4: Publish / Republish
  • Using the File and Media Web Part
    • Step 1: Add the File and Media Web Part
    • Go to the SharePoint site you want to use and click Edit.
    • Step 2: Add the file to display
    • Step 3: (Optional) Customize the file
    • Step 4: Publish / Republish
  • Using the Highlighted Content Web Part
    • Step 1: Add the Highlighted Content Web Part
    • Step 2: Customize the Web Part
    • Step 3: Publish / Republish
  • Looking for more ways to display documents?
• Images
• Videos

Documents

Documents such as PDFs, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and others are commonly stored in a Document Library. Start the interactive tutorial or follow the detailed guide below to learn the three ways you can showcase this type of content on your page.

DESIGN TIP: Looking for more ways to display your documents? ShortPoint is the perfect solution for you! Check out ShortPoint: Adding Documents to learn more.

Using the Document Library Web Part

The Document Library is the best option to use when you want to display multiple files on your page. 

Step 1: Add the Document Library Web Part

• Go to the SharePoint site you want to use and click Edit.

• Click the gray plus icon.
• Use the search bar to look for Document Library and click it.

Step 2: Choose the Document Library to display

• Look for the name of the Document Library you want to display from the list and click it.

Step 3: (Optional) Customize the Layout of the Document Library

• Click the All Documents drop-down and select the layout you prefer.

Step 4: Publish / Republish

• Once satisfied with all your edits, click Publish / Republish.

Using the File and Media Web Part

The File and Media Web Part is the best option to use when you want to display one file on your page. 

Step 1: Add the File and Media Web Part

• Go to the SharePoint site you want to use and click Edit.

• Click the gray plus icon.
• Use the search bar to look for File and Media and click it.

Step 2: Add the file to display

• Select the file you want to display or upload it.

Step 3: (Optional) Customize the file

• Click the pencil icon.
• Select the page number you want to display first.
• Click Apply.
• Then, click the cross icon to exit.

Step 4: Publish / Republish

• Once satisfied with all your edits, click Publish / Republish.

Using the Highlighted Content Web Part

The Highlighted Content Web Part is best when you want to filter the content displayed on your page. 

Step 1: Add the Highlighted Content Web Part

• Go to the SharePoint site you want to use and click Edit.

• Click the gray plus icon.
• Use the search bar to look for Highlighted Content and click it.

Step 2: Customize the Web Part

• Click the pencil icon.
• Customize the web part according to your preference. Below are the options you can modify:

CONTENT

	Source	allows you to select the source of documents you want to display.
	Type	allows you to select the type of document you want to showcase (Documents, pages, images, etc.).
	Document type	allows you to select the file extension of the documents you want to display (word, excel, pdf, etc.).

FILTER AND SORT

	Filter	allows you to choose the type of filter you want to apply.
	Sort by	allows you to choose the order where the documents/files are shown.

LAYOUT

	Show Title and commands	when disabled, this will remove the web part’s title.
	Layout styles	allows you to choose the style of the web part. You can choose from Grid, List, Carousel, Compact, or Filmstrip.
	Show up to this many items at a time	allows you to modify the maximum number of documents to display.
	Hide this web part if there’s nothing to display	when enabled, this allows you to hide the web part when there are no documents to showcase.

• Once done, click the cross icon to exit the web part settings.

Step 3: Publish / Republish

• Once satisfied with all your edits, click Publish / Republish.

Looking for more ways to display documents?

If you need more ways to display documents, ShortPoint is your go-to solution! ShortPoint is a SharePoint add-on that allows you to quickly build stunning pages. It even empowers users with over 60 Design Elements that they can use to display different types of files, including documents. 

It has the File List Design Element which allows users to create a powerful knowledge center with all the resources and documents that they need to be productive and efficient. To top it off, it comes with tons of stylistic options to match the branding of your page.

ShortPoint also has the Connect feature which allows you to display dynamic document content on your page. Check out the interactive tutorial to see how it works:

Images

Like Documents, Images in SharePoint are usually stored in Document Libraries. There are three SharePoint Web Parts you can use to display images on your SharePoint page. Find out what these three web parts are in How to Display Images on your SharePoint Page using SharePoint Web Parts.

Videos

You can showcase videos on your SharePoint pages from internal and external sources. There are two ways to add videos using SharePoint’s built-in web parts. Check out How to Add Videos to Your Page Using SharePoint Web Parts to find out which web parts to use.

Related articles:

• How to Add Videos to Your Page Using SharePoint Web Parts
• How to Display Images on your SharePoint Page using SharePoint Web Parts
• How to Restore Previous Versions of Your SharePoint Page