Edit the Name of a Document Library in SharePoint Online

Do you end up struggling to handle your doc libraries successfully attributable to poorly named or outdated library names? Look no additional! Modifying doc library names is a vital facet of data administration, serving to you preserve group and improve consumer expertise. Whether or not you’ll want to right a typo, align with evolving enterprise wants, or just enhance readability, understanding how one can edit doc library names is crucial for any SharePoint administrator or consumer.

This text will information you thru the step-by-step technique of modifying doc library names, offering clear directions and useful ideas to make sure a seamless expertise. We’ll cowl every thing from figuring out the suitable permissions to understanding the potential impression of identify modifications on present hyperlinks and permissions. By the top of this text, you’ll possess the data and confidence to switch doc library names successfully, enabling you to boost the group and accessibility of your SharePoint atmosphere.

Moreover, we are going to delve into greatest practices for naming doc libraries, exploring methods for creating significant and constant names that align together with your group’s taxonomy and knowledge structure. By following these pointers, you’ll be able to set up a naming conference that facilitates straightforward navigation, reduces confusion, and ensures that your doc libraries stay organized and environment friendly over time.

Issues Earlier than Modifying

Earlier than embarking on the method of modifying a doc library identify, it’s important to think about the next essential elements.

1. Impression on Present Hyperlinks and References

Altering the identify of a doc library can have an effect on present hyperlinks and references to that library. These might embody hyperlinks, embedded content material, and some other references that explicitly level to the unique library identify. It’s essential to evaluate the potential impression on these references and replace them accordingly to keep away from breaking performance.

Mitigation Methods:

Use a hyperlink checker instrument to establish and replace all affected hyperlinks.
Notify customers and stakeholders of the library identify change to make sure they will alter their references.
Think about using a redirect service to robotically ahead customers to the brand new library location.

2. Impression on Permissions and Entry

Doc library names are utilized in permission settings to grant or deny entry to particular customers or teams. Modifying the library identify might have an effect on these permissions, doubtlessly denying entry to approved customers. It’s important to overview the permission settings and be certain that the meant entry rights are maintained after the identify change.

Mitigation Methods:

Test the permission settings of the library to establish any affected customers or teams.
Replace the permission settings to mirror the brand new library identify.
Notify affected customers and teams in regards to the modifications to make sure they will proceed accessing the library as meant.

3. Impression on Search and Metadata

Doc library names are used for indexing and search functions. Altering the identify might impression the visibility and retrievability of paperwork inside the library. Moreover, any metadata related to the library, akin to tags or content material sorts, might should be up to date to mirror the brand new identify.

Mitigation Methods:

Assess the impression on search outcomes and take steps to make sure that paperwork are nonetheless simply discoverable.
Replace any metadata related to the library, together with tags, content material sorts, and customized columns.
Notify customers and stakeholders of the potential impression on search and metadata.

Utilizing Significant and Concise Names

When modifying a doc library identify, selecting a significant and concise title is essential. An efficient identify ought to precisely mirror the library’s content material and its goal inside the group. This permits customers to simply establish and navigate the library, selling effectivity and lowering confusion.

Listed here are some ideas for creating significant and concise doc library names:

Use key phrases: Embrace related key phrases that describe the library’s material. This permits customers to shortly perceive the library’s goal and find the paperwork they want.
Be particular: Keep away from imprecise or generic names. As a substitute, present particular particulars in regards to the library’s content material, such because the mission or division it pertains to.
Hold it concise: Goal for a reputation that’s between 3-7 phrases in size. A concise identify improves readability and makes it simpler for customers to recollect.
Keep away from abbreviations or acronyms: Not all customers could also be accustomed to particular abbreviations or acronyms. Use full phrases to make sure clear understanding.
Think about the viewers: Take into consideration the customers who will primarily entry the library. Select a reputation that resonates with them and aligns with their wants.

Extra Issues

Along with the information above, think about the next greatest practices for modifying doc library names:

Use capitalization constantly: Both capitalize the primary letter of every phrase or solely the primary letter of the primary phrase. Keep consistency all through the identify.
Keep away from particular characters: Particular characters, akin to colons, hyphens, or underscores, can break doc hyperlinks or create compatibility points. Follow letters, numbers, and areas.
Use a naming conference: Set up a naming conference for all doc libraries inside the group. This ensures consistency and simplifies library administration.
Evaluation and replace commonly: Because the library’s content material and goal evolve, overview and replace its identify accordingly. This retains the library organized and related.

Examples of Efficient Doc Library Names

Good	Unhealthy
Venture Plan Paperwork	Docs
Advertising and marketing Collateral	Advertising and marketing Information
Buyer Service Data	Buyer Stuff

Avoiding Areas and Particular Characters

When modifying a doc library identify, it is essential to keep away from utilizing areas and particular characters. Areas may be interpreted as a separator, which may result in confusion when accessing the library. Particular characters, akin to commas, semicolons, and colons, may trigger issues, as they can be utilized for different functions inside SharePoint. As a substitute, use underscores or hyphens to separate phrases within the library identify.

Listed here are some particular examples of areas and particular characters to keep away from:

Areas: Do not use areas within the doc library identify. Use underscores or hyphens as a substitute.
Commas: Do not use commas within the doc library identify. Commas are used to separate checklist gadgets, and may trigger confusion in the event that they’re used within the library identify.
Semicolons: Do not use semicolons within the doc library identify. Semicolons are used to separate statements, and may trigger confusion in the event that they’re used within the library identify.
Colons: Do not use colons within the doc library identify. Colons are used to introduce a listing or definition, and may trigger confusion in the event that they’re used within the library identify.
Different particular characters: Keep away from utilizing different particular characters, akin to exclamation factors, query marks, and ampersands, within the doc library identify. These characters may cause issues when the library is accessed or used.

By following these pointers, you’ll be able to assist be certain that your doc library identify is evident, straightforward to grasp, and accessible to all customers.

Listed here are some extra ideas for selecting a doc library identify:

Use a reputation that’s descriptive of the library’s contents.
Hold the identify brief and to the purpose.
Keep away from utilizing complicated or ambiguous phrases.
Ensure that the identify is exclusive inside the web site.

By following the following tips, you’ll be able to select a doc library identify that’s each efficient and simple to make use of.

Desk of Characters to Keep away from

Character	Purpose
House	Could be interpreted as a separator
Comma	Used to separate checklist gadgets
Semicolon	Used to separate statements
Colon	Used to introduce a listing or definition
Exclamation level	Could be complicated when utilized in a library identify
Query mark	Could be complicated when utilized in a library identify
Ampersand	May cause issues when the library is accessed or used

Modifying the Doc Library Identify in SharePoint On-line

Step 11: Modifying the Doc Library Identify through PowerShell

PowerShell is a robust instrument that can be utilized to handle SharePoint websites and libraries. You need to use PowerShell to edit the identify of a doc library by following these steps:

Open the SharePoint On-line Administration Shell.
Connect with the SharePoint On-line web site that incorporates the doc library.
Run the next command to get the present identify of the doc library:

Get-PnPListItem -Checklist DocumentLibraryName

Run the next command to replace the identify of the doc library:

Set-PnPListItem -Checklist DocumentLibraryName -Identification DocumentLibraryID -Values @{"Title" = "NewDocumentLibraryName"}

Confirm that the identify of the doc library has been up to date.

Extra Data

Listed here are some extra issues to bear in mind when modifying the identify of a doc library:

The identify of a doc library have to be distinctive inside the web site.
The identify of a doc library may be as much as 255 characters lengthy.
The identify of a doc library can’t comprise any of the next characters: /, , *, ?, <, >, :, ;, “, |
Should you change the identify of a doc library, any hyperlinks to that library will should be up to date.

Instance

The next instance exhibits how one can use PowerShell to edit the identify of the doc library named “Paperwork” to “NewDocuments”:

Join-PnPOnline https://contoso.sharepoint.com
Get-PnPListItem -Checklist Paperwork
Set-PnPListItem -Checklist Paperwork -Identification 1 -Values @{"Title" = "NewDocuments"}

Troubleshooting

Should you encounter any issues when modifying the identify of a doc library, you’ll be able to strive the next:

Just be sure you have the mandatory permissions to edit the doc library.
Be sure that the identify of the doc library is exclusive inside the web site.
Be sure that the identify of the doc library doesn’t comprise any of the next characters: /, , *, ?, <, >, :, ;, “, |

Should you nonetheless have issues, you’ll be able to contact Microsoft assist for help.

Modifying the Doc Library Identify in SharePoint On-Premises

16. Modifying the Doc Library Identify in SharePoint On-Premises Utilizing PowerShell

Step 1: Set up the SharePoint On-line Administration Shell

Obtain and set up the SharePoint On-line Administration Shell (SPOMgmt) from the Microsoft Obtain Middle: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35588.
Set up the SPOMgmt module utilizing the next command within the PowerShell console:

Set up-Module SharePointPnPPowerShellOnline

Step 2: Connect with the SharePoint Website

Join-PnPOnline -Url "https://<your-sharepoint-site-url>"

Step 3: Get the Doc Library Identify

$library = Get-PnPWeb -Identification "<web-url>"
$libraryName = $library.Title

Step 4: Replace the Doc Library Identify

$libraryName = "New Library Identify"
$library.Title = $libraryName
$library.Replace()

Step 5: Disconnect from the SharePoint Website

Disconnect-PnPOnline

Various PowerShell Technique:

Set-PnPList -Identification "<document-library-url>" -Title "New Library Identify"

Notice:

Exchange <your-sharepoint-site-url> and <document-library-url> with the precise SharePoint web site and doc library URLs respectively.
Guarantee that you’ve got the mandatory permissions to switch the doc library identify.

Library Identify Already Exists Errors

1. Error Dealing with

When creating or modifying a doc library, you could encounter an error if the library identify already exists. To deal with this, it is essential to grasp the error dealing with mechanisms in place.

2. Present Library with the Similar Identify

Should you try and create a library with a reputation that matches an present library, you’ll obtain an error message. This error prevents duplicate libraries with the identical identify, which might result in confusion and information administration points.

3. Library Identify Case Sensitivity

It is important to notice that SharePoint library names are case-sensitive. Which means a library named “Paperwork” is completely different from a library named “paperwork.” Making an attempt to create a brand new library with the identical identify however completely different casing will lead to an error.

4. Errors in Completely different Contexts

The error conduct might range relying on the context and motion you’re performing:

Making a New Library: When creating a brand new library, you’ll obtain an error if a library with the identical identify already exists.
Modifying an Present Library: Should you try and edit an present library’s identify to match an present identify, additionally, you will obtain an error.
Shifting or Copying a Library: When shifting or copying a library, the vacation spot web site should not have already got a library with the identical identify. In any other case, an error will happen.

5. Error Message Variation

The particular error message you obtain might range relying on the SharePoint model and settings. Frequent error messages embody:

“A library with this identify already exists.”
“The required library identify already exists.”
“The library identify is already in use.”

6. The way to Deal with Errors

To resolve library identify already exists errors, observe these steps:

Confirm the Library Identify: Make sure that the library identify you’re utilizing is completely different from any present library names on the location.
Test Case Sensitivity: Verify that the case of the library identify matches the prevailing library identify in case you are modifying it.
Select a New Identify: If essential, choose a special identify for the library that doesn’t battle with present library names on the location.

7. Finest Practices for Library Naming

To keep away from library identify conflicts and enhance information administration, think about the next greatest practices for naming SharePoint libraries:

Descriptive and Distinctive: Select names that precisely describe the aim of the library and are straightforward to establish.
Quick and Concise: Hold library names temporary and to the purpose to boost readability and navigation.
Keep away from Particular Characters: Use solely alphanumeric characters and areas to keep away from potential compatibility points with completely different browsers and methods.
Think about Synonymity: If doable, keep away from creating libraries with comparable names or synonymous phrases to reduce confusion.
Use a Naming Conference: Set up a constant naming conference throughout all of your SharePoint libraries to boost group and searchability.

8. Extra Issues

Along with the steps outlined above, preserve these concerns in thoughts:

Website Assortment Recycle Bin: Should you delete a library by mistake, you’ll be able to restore it from the location assortment recycle bin inside a selected timeframe.
SharePoint Administrator: In case you are unable to resolve the error by yourself, contact your SharePoint administrator for help.
Third-Social gathering Instruments: There are third-party instruments out there that may assist handle SharePoint libraries and resolve naming conflicts.

Customizing Doc Library Columns

Including a New Column

So as to add a brand new column to your doc library, navigate to the library in query and choose the “Settings” icon (gear-shaped) positioned within the top-right nook of the display. From the drop-down menu, select “Library settings.”

Within the “Library settings” web page, scroll all the way down to the “Columns” part and click on on the “Create column” button. Right here, you will have the choice to configure varied settings in your new column:

Identify: Present a descriptive identify in your column that precisely displays its goal.
Kind: Choose the info kind of your column, akin to textual content, quantity, date, alternative, and so on.
Description: Enter a quick description to assist customers perceive the aim and context of the column.
Required: Test this field in order for you the column to be necessary for every doc within the library.
Enable a number of values: Allow this feature to permit customers to enter a number of values in a single column for every doc.
Hidden: Test this field to cover the column from the default doc view. Hidden columns can nonetheless be included in views and type templates however usually are not seen in the usual library view.

As soon as you’ve got configured the column settings, click on on the “OK” button to create the brand new column.

Modifying a Column’s Properties

To edit the properties of an present column, navigate to the doc library containing the column and choose the “Settings” icon. From the drop-down menu, select “Library settings.”

Within the “Library settings” web page, scroll all the way down to the “Columns” part and hover over the column you want to edit. An arrow icon will seem to the appropriate of the column identify. Click on on the arrow icon and choose “Edit” from the drop-down menu.

It will open the “Edit column” dialogue field, the place you’ll be able to modify the next properties:

Identify: Change the identify of the column.
Kind: Change the info kind of the column.
Description: Edit the outline of the column.
Required: Allow or disable the necessary requirement for the column.
Enable a number of values: Allow or disable the choice to permit a number of values within the column.
Hidden: Allow or disable the hidden standing of the column.

After making your modifications, click on on the “OK” button to avoid wasting the modifications.

Deleting a Column

To delete a column from a doc library, navigate to the library containing the column and choose the “Settings” icon. From the drop-down menu, select “Library settings.”

Within the “Library settings” web page, scroll all the way down to the “Columns” part and hover over the column you want to delete. An arrow icon will seem to the appropriate of the column identify. Click on on the arrow icon and choose “Delete” from the drop-down menu.

It will immediate you with a affirmation dialogue field. Click on on the “OK” button to substantiate the deletion.

Column Varieties

SharePoint provides all kinds of column sorts to satisfy completely different wants. Listed here are a few of the generally used column sorts:

Column Kind	Description
Single line of textual content	Shops a single line of textual content, as much as 255 characters.
A number of strains of textual content	Shops a number of strains of textual content, as much as 63,999 characters.
Quantity	Shops numeric values.
Date and Time	Shops date and time values.
Alternative	Permits customers to pick a worth from a pre-defined checklist of choices.
Lookup	Hyperlinks to a column in one other checklist or library.
Particular person or Group	Shops the names of customers or teams.

How To Edit A Doc Library Identify

Libraries may be renamed to match your group’s requirements and to group associated libraries collectively. For instance, a corporation may rename Advertising and marketing Collateral Library to Collateral Library and transfer it beneath a brand new Paperwork library.

From the location actions menu , choose Website contents.
Choose Paperwork(or the identify of the library that incorporates the library that you just need to rename).
Hover over the identify of the library that you just need to rename and choose the ellipsis (…) on the appropriate.
Choose Edit.
Beneath Identify, edit the library identify.
Beneath Description (elective), edit the library description.
Choose Save.

Folks additionally ask about 115 How To Edit A Doc Library Identify

How can I rename a library in SharePoint?

To rename a library in SharePoint, observe these steps:

Go to the SharePoint web site that incorporates the library.

Click on on the "Settings" gear icon within the top-right nook.

Click on on "Website Contents" within the left-hand menu.

Discover the library that you just need to rename and click on on it.

Click on on the "Edit" button within the top-right nook.

Beneath the "Identify" area, enter the brand new identify for the library.

Click on on the "Save" button.

How can I alter the identify of a SharePoint doc library?

To alter the identify of a SharePoint doc library, observe these steps:

Open the SharePoint web site that incorporates the library.

Click on on the "Settings" gear icon within the top-right nook.

Click on on "Website Contents" within the left-hand menu.

Discover the library that you just need to rename and click on on it.

Click on on the "Edit" button within the top-right nook.

Beneath the "Identify" area, enter the brand new identify for the library.

Click on on the "Save" button.