Site Columns

All SharePoint Lists and Libraries contain columns that hold metadata related to each item or document in the list or library (collectively referred to as lists). Custom Columns can also be added to lists. However these columns would only be available to that list.

SharePoint sites also provide the ability to create Site Columns, that can be reused in in any list or library on the current site. For example: If several lists need to have a “people or groups” column named “Assigned to” it would be more efficient to create the column as a reusable Site Column rather than creating a Custom Column in each list or library.

Site Columns are created from the Site Column Gallery link located in the Site Settings page. (This usually requires Site Owner or Site Designer level permissions on the site).

To add an existing Site Column to a list, go to the “List Settings” page and select “Add site column” under the the “Columns” section of the settings page. (This action usually requires only “Editor” level permissions in the list or library.

Additionally Site Columns can also be created at the SharePoint Admin Center. Columns created at this level are available to all SharePoint Sites throughout the organization. For more information see Site Column Gallery. (Performing actions at this level requires the tenant level SharePoint Administrator Role.