MC1062451 – Microsoft SharePoint: Customize your sites with multi-color themes (archived)

Product:

Microsoft 365 admin center, SharePoint

Platform:

Online, US Instances, Web, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

New feature, User impact, Admin impact

Links:

490062
489833

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft SharePoint will soon allow site owners to apply multi-color themes using the Site branding feature or an organization's brand center. This feature, rolling out in May and June 2025, includes eight new out-of-the-box themes and will be available by default. No admin action is required.

Details:
Coming soon for Microsoft SharePoint: Site owners can apply a multi-color theme to the site. We will offer these multi-color themes out of the box. Site owners will create the themes using the Site branding feature, or the brand manager will use branding from your organization if you have set up a brand center in the Microsoft 365 admin center.
NOTE: The brand center app requires the use of a public content delivery network (CDN) available in the Worldwide environment. CDN is not available in the GCC, GCC High, or DoD environments.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 489833 and Roadmap ID 490062.
[When this will happen:]
These releases will roll out to Worldwide (with brand center capability) and to GCC, GCC High and DoD (without brand center capability):
Targeted Release: We will begin rolling out early May 2025 and expect to complete by mid-May 2025.
General Availability: We will begin rolling out early June 2025 and expect to complete by mid-June 2025.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability, Targeted Release

Created:
2025-04-26

updated:
2025-04-26

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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MS Preperations

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MS Urgency

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MS workload name

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linked item details

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Pictures

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Interface Disruption
The introduction of multi-color themes may lead to confusion among users if they are not informed about the changes, potentially resulting in a disjointed user experience as users adapt to new visual elements.
   - roles: Site Owners, End Users
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/sharepoint/site-theme, https://support.microsoft.com/office/site-branding-43312345-aa4b-495c-95ea-101d7fd5dc1f

Branding Inconsistency
Without proper preparation and communication, the new themes may clash with existing branding guidelines, leading to inconsistency in the organization's visual identity across SharePoint sites.
   - roles: Brand Managers, Site Owners
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/sharepoint/brand-center-overview, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?searchterms=490062

Configutation Options**

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explanation for non-techies**

Microsoft SharePoint is introducing a new feature that allows site owners to customize their sites with multi-color themes. Imagine decorating a room in your house. Previously, you might have had a limited selection of paint colors to choose from, but now, SharePoint is like a new paint store that offers a wider palette of colors to personalize your space.

With this update, site owners can select from eight new pre-designed themes or create their own using the Site branding feature. If your organization has a brand center set up in the Microsoft 365 admin center, the brand manager can also create themes that align with your company’s branding. This is similar to having an interior designer who can help ensure all rooms in your house reflect a cohesive style.

The themes will automatically be available, so there's no need for IT administrators to take any action. It's like receiving a free upgrade to your home’s decor without having to call in a contractor. The new themes will appear in various parts of the site, such as the header, footer, and section backgrounds, allowing for a consistent look and feel across the site.

For those working in specialized environments like GCC, GCC High, or DoD, the feature will still be available, but without the brand center capability. This is akin to having access to the paint store but without the custom design services.

As these changes roll out in May and June 2025, it might be helpful to inform your team and update any relevant documentation to ensure everyone is aware of the new customization options. This is similar to letting your family know about the new paint colors available for your home, so everyone can participate in choosing the best look for each room.