SharePoint sites hold pages, pages hold web parts and every layer has its own job. Modern site pages live in the Site Pages library and use sections with modern parts, while classic web part pages use fixed zones. Microsoft says wiki pages have no modern equivalent and no classic page becomes modern without a code solution with many steps. Six steps below show you how to build a modern page and add web parts without guessing.
Three words in SharePoint sound alike, and they mean three different things.
I explain sites, pages and web parts to new site owners almost every week. Every limit below comes from Microsoft's own pages, so you can check it yourself.
What is a SharePoint Site?
A site is the container. Microsoft's page on the SharePoint team site says a team site connects a team to shared files, lists and pages, and that a team can write content together there.
When your admin has turned on Microsoft 365 Groups, a new team site also creates a group and the membership syncs. Microsoft recommends a communication site when you want to broadcast information to a wider audience.
How does a SharePoint Page Work?
A page shows content inside a site. Microsoft's guide to creating and using modern pages says you need edit permission on the site, and you start from + New then Page.
Modern pages live in the Site Pages library only, and you cannot change a page URL after you create it. A page title is required and can hold up to 255 characters.
What is a Web Part?
Web parts are the building blocks of a page. Microsoft's page on using web parts on SharePoint pages says you add them to show text, images, files, video and dynamic content.
The list includes Text, Image, File and Media, Document library, List, Hero, News, Quick links, Events, Embed, Divider and Spacer. A site holds the page and the page holds these blocks, so you build from the inside out.
Which Page Types does SharePoint Still have?
Three names come up in every conversation, and Microsoft treats them differently. Modern site pages are the current experience, while wiki pages and web part pages are classic.
Microsoft's page on classic and modern experiences says there is no modern equivalent of a wiki page. It also says a classic layout cannot change after you choose it.
| Page type | Experience | Layout | Web parts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Site page | Modern | Sections and columns | Modern web parts |
| Web part page | Classic | Zones, fixed once chosen | Classic web parts |
| Wiki page | Classic | Classic layout, no modern equivalent | Classic web parts |
Old Microsoft help for SharePoint 2007 defines a Web Part Page as a special type of page that holds web parts, and a zone as a container that groups them. That page is dated, so I use it only for the zone idea.
Can You Mix Classic and Modern Parts?
No. Microsoft says classic web parts fail on modern pages, and modern web parts fail on classic pages, unless a developer builds a custom web part for the classic page.
No one to one map exists between the two sets either. For security, modern web parts also block code like JScript.
Can You Convert a Classic Page to a Modern Page?
Microsoft says no classic page becomes modern without a code solution with many steps. You have two lighter routes for the site itself.
Connect a classic team site to a Microsoft 365 group to get a modern home page, or create a modern page and set it as the classic site's home page. For a page that already lives in a modern site, read how to copy a SharePoint page to another site.
How do You Build a Modern Page With Web Parts?
I follow six steps on every new page.
- Start a page. Open the site, select + New then Page, or use Create then Page from the SharePoint app bar.
- Choose a template. Select a template from the gallery and select Create page. Use Create as a private draft if only you and the people you share it with should see it.
- Add a title. Type it where the page reads Add a title. SharePoint needs a title before you can save.
- Add web parts. Select Toolbox on the right and then See all web parts, or hover above or below a block until the circled + appears.
- Arrange the page. Select a block and use Move web part to drag it or Delete web part to remove it.
- Save and publish. Select Save as draft while you work and Publish when readers should see the page. After later edits, select Republish.
If you rename the site before you build pages, read how to change a SharePoint site name first. For a site that sits behind a team, read where Teams files live in SharePoint.
What are the Best Practices for SharePoint Pages?
- Plan the site first. A clear site gives every page a home.
- Use modern pages for new content. Microsoft treats them as the current experience.
- Copy a page for repeat layouts. The Copy of this page option reuses blocks and content.
- Name pages before you publish. Microsoft says the URL cannot change later.
- Test as a reader. Editors see tools that readers do not.
Which Mistakes Confuse Sites and Pages?
Site owners repeat four errors. They expect a classic web part to work on a modern page, and they look for a modern wiki page that does not exist. They also try to change a page URL after creation, and they forget to republish after an edit.
My Verdict on SharePoint Structure
A site holds pages and a page holds web parts. Keep that order in your head and most questions answer themselves.
Build new content on modern pages and treat classic wiki and web part pages as old work you maintain. Then you avoid the mixing limits Microsoft documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Difference Between a SharePoint Site and a Page?
A site is the container that holds files, lists and pages. A page shows content inside that site and can hold web parts.
What is a Web Part in SharePoint?
Web parts are the building blocks of a page. Microsoft says you use them to show text, images, files, video and live content.
Can I Mix Classic and Modern Parts?
No. Microsoft says the two sets works only on its own page type, unless a developer builds a custom classic web part.
Does SharePoint Still have Wiki Pages?
Wiki pages are a classic page type. Microsoft says there is no modern equivalent of a wiki page.
Can I Change a Classic Page to a Modern One?
Not directly. Microsoft says no way exists to change a classic page into a modern page without a code solution with many steps.
Where do Modern Pages Live in SharePoint?
Modern pages live in the Site Pages library only. Microsoft says you cannot change a page URL after you create the page.
How do I Add a Web Part to a Modern Page?
Open the page, select Edit and then select Toolbox on the right. You can also hover above or below a block and select the circled plus sign.
Jamie blends strategic marketing insight with technical writing, turning migration and recovery topics into guidance that works for technical and general readers alike.
Published 27 October 2026. Page creation steps and limits come from Microsoft's guide to creating and using modern pages. Web part steps come from the page on using web parts on SharePoint pages and the classic and modern limits come from SharePoint classic and modern experiences. The zone definition comes from Microsoft's old help for SharePoint 2007, which is dated, so check current behavior on your own site before you rely on it. Microsoft can change these limits, so check them before you plan.