Getting Started with Office 365 SharePoint Designer 2010: A Comprehensive Guide to Using SharePoint Designer 2010

Getting started with Office 365 SharePoint Designer 2010 can initially feel a bit daunting, but with a step-by-step approach, you’ll find it an effective tool for building and customizing SharePoint sites. SharePoint Designer 2010 is a free tool from Microsoft that enables users to edit SharePoint sites, create custom workflows, and design advanced business solutions without the need for deep programming knowledge. This designer-centric platform focuses on usability and collaborative features, making it a strong option for organizations using Office 365 and SharePoint Online, especially those wanting to extend their environment beyond what’s available out-of-the-box.

To begin, you’ll first need to download and install SharePoint Designer 2010 from the official Microsoft website. After installation, connect it to your Office 365 SharePoint site by opening the program, then entering your site’s URL and your Office 365 credentials. Once connected, you can access site structures, lists, libraries, workflows, and site pages directly through the interface.

Common beginner tasks include customizing list forms, editing site pages using the WYSIWYG editor, and most importantly, creating custom workflows for process automation. For example, businesses often use workflows to automate document approval processes, update list items, or send automated emails—all without writing a line of code.

As a designer, I always emphasize planning the user experience and ensuring consistency in layouts and navigation. Integrating thoughtful design elements to your SharePoint sites, such as branding with logos and theme colors, can make your internal portals not only functional but also inviting for daily users. With SharePoint Designer, you gain the flexibility to redesign list views, and even modify master pages—just remember to back up your site before making extensive customizations.

If you’re looking to enhance collaboration spaces, consider how office layout planning within your SharePoint site can be visually represented or organized, especially as digital and physical workspaces increasingly intersect. Approaching site design with the same rigor applied to physical office design can streamline access to resources and boost productivity for your team.

Tips 1:

Before diving deep into customizations, familiarize yourself with SharePoint’s default features and templates. These can often meet your needs with minimal adjustment, and utilizing built-in styles ensures easier future maintenance.

FAQ

Q: Can I use SharePoint Designer 2010 with Office 365 SharePoint Online?

A: While SharePoint Designer 2010 is compatible with SharePoint Online, some features may be limited due to platform updates. It's advisable to use the latest supported version (2013) for full compatibility.

Q: Is coding required to customize pages in SharePoint Designer 2010?

A: No, most tasks—such as editing forms or creating workflows—can be accomplished without coding, though HTML/CSS knowledge can help with advanced customizations.

Q: How do I back up my changes when using SharePoint Designer 2010?

A: Always save site copies or use SharePoint’s site export features before making substantial changes, especially to master pages or workflows.

Q: What are the alternatives to SharePoint Designer for site customization?

A: Power Automate and Power Apps are now the preferred tools for workflow and form customization in modern SharePoint environments.

Q: How can I ensure my SharePoint designs remain accessible and user-friendly?

A: Stick to simple layouts, ensure adequate contrast and font size, and provide clear navigation paths. Conduct periodic reviews with actual users for feedback.