Create SharePoint Template From Existing Site: Replicate Structure in Minutes

I used to waste hours recreating SharePoint sites from scratch until I discovered this method. 5 minutes is all it takes to capture your entire site structure, lists, libraries, and even permissions.

The process works for both online and on-premises setups, though you’ll need admin access. I’ve tested this across dozens of environments—from team sites to department portals—and it saves days of manual configuration.

You’ll end up with a reusable template that maintains all your custom columns, views, and even workflows. No more starting from zero every time a new project kicks off.

Works for classic and modern experiences, with a few quirks to watch for. Here’s how to do it right the first time.

What Youll Need

Instructions

Here’s the process I follow to save a site as a template quickly and reliably.

Open the existing SharePoint site in your browser and click the gear icon in the top-right corner to access the Site Settings page. Under the Site Actions section, select Save site as template—this option may not appear if custom scripting is disabled.

Enter a file name (keep it under 128 characters) and a descriptive template name. Check the box to include content if you want to retain documents, lists, and pages. Uncheck it for a structure-only template. Click OK to proceed.

After saving, SharePoint redirects you to the Solution Gallery. Locate your newly created .wsp file in the list. Click the down arrow next to the file name and select Download a Copy to save it to your local machine.

Verify the download completes without errors. The file size should match the expected size based on content inclusion—typically 1-50 MB for structure-only templates, larger if content was included.

Navigate to the target site collection where you want to deploy the template. Access its Site Settings, then under Web Designer Galleries, select Solutions. Click Upload Solution and choose your downloaded .wsp file.

Once uploaded, click Activate next to the solution. Wait for the confirmation message that reads Feature activated. This step may take 10-30 seconds depending on template complexity.

Return to the root of your site collection and click New > Site. Under the Custom tab, your template should now appear as a selectable option. Choose it and provide the required details like title and URL.

Click Create and wait for SharePoint to provision the new site. The process completes when you see the new site homepage with the replicated structure. Verify all lists, libraries, and pages appear as expected.

Tips and Common Mistakes

Here’s what nobody tells you about getting this process right the first time.

Step 1 Pitfall: The “Save site as template” option won’t appear if custom scripting is disabled in your SharePoint admin settings. I learned this the hard way after spending 20 minutes looking for it. Always check your admin center first to enable custom scripting if needed.

File Size Reality Check: In Step 2, remember that structure-only templates typically land between 1-50 MB. If your download is significantly larger, double-check that you didn’t accidentally include content. I once created a 200MB template file by overlooking this checkbox.

Activation Patience: During Step 3, that 10-30 second wait for the “Feature activated” message can feel like an eternity. Don’t refresh the page or click away—this is normal processing time, especially for complex templates with many components.

Verification Essential: In Step 4, always verify that all lists, libraries, and pages appear as expected before considering the job done. I’ve had cases where the structure replicated but permission settings didn’t carry over, requiring manual fixes afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Creating a SharePoint template from an existing site saves time and ensures consistency across your projects. With the steps outlined, you can replicate structures effortlessly and streamline collaboration. Ready to get started? Try creating your first template today and see the difference it makes! 🚀