How to Load jQuery UI in SharePoint 365
If you need to use jQuery UI in your SharePoint 365 environment, there are several methods you can adopt. The choice of method depends on your specific requirements and the type of page you are working with. This article will guide you through the process, detailing the best practices for integrating jQuery UI into your SharePoint 365 site.
Understanding the Two Main Approaches
The primary methods for loading jQuery UI in SharePoint include adding the script reference to the master page or using content editor web parts. Each approach has its own merits and is best suited to different scenarios:
Add jQuery UI to the Master Page
SharePoint:ScriptLink Languagejavascript Name~sitecollection/Style Library/jquery-ui.min.js LocalAssemblyTrue/
Alternatively, you can add the script reference directly to the master page using:
script src/site-collection-url/Style Library/jquery-ui.min.js typetext/javascript/script
Replace site-collection-url with the appropriate URL for your site collection.
Using Content Editor Web Parts
If you need a more flexible approach that does not require modifying the master page, you can use a Content Editor Web Part or a Script Editor Web Part. Here’s how you can set it up:
Create or edit a page in your SharePoint site. Add a Content Editor Web Part or Script Editor Web Part to the page. Open the web part and insert the following script reference to jQuery UI in the Content Editor Web Part:script src/site-collection-url/Style Library/jquery-ui.min.js typetext/javascript/script
Again, replace site-collection-url with the appropriate URL for your site collection.
Important Considerations
It is crucial to understand that these methods are most effective when you are using the Classic experience of SharePoint. If you are using the new Modern experience for list or document libraries, you will need to use a different approach, such as JSON formatting and custom pages. SharePoint does not allow for JavaScript injection in the Modern experience, which means that adding script references may not work as expected.
As a SharePoint administrator, you have the ability to enforce the experience you want for your SharePoint sites. If you find that your end users are frequently accessing incompatible pages, consider deploying your customizations through the classic experience to ensure compatibility.
Best Practices
To ensure that your jQuery UI implementation is robust and meets the needs of your users, consider the following best practices:
Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN) for jQuery UI to enhance performance and reduce load time. Ensure that your script references are loaded in the correct location within the master page to avoid conflicts with other scripts. Test your implementation across different browsers and devices to ensure compatibility and reliability. Document your customizations thoroughly to facilitate maintenance and future updates.Conclusion
Whether you choose to add jQuery UI to your master page or use content editor web parts, integrating jQuery UI into your SharePoint 365 site can significantly enhance the user experience. By following the best practices outlined in this guide, you can ensure a smooth and effective implementation.
Be mindful of the differences between the Classic and Modern experiences, and use the appropriate methods to achieve your goals. Should you encounter any issues or need further assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to your SharePoint team or community for support.