G Suite Update: Timelines and tools for transition from classic to new Google Sites

Timelines and tools for transition from classic to new Google Sites

Posted: 06 Aug 2020 04:46 AM PDT

What's changing

In 2017, we announced that we would replace classic Sites with new Sites, and in 2019 we announced that domains will have until the end of 2021 to complete the transition. Now, we're providing a more detailed timeline, as well as new tools to help you and your users manage the transition.

Timeline to fully transition to new Sites by end of 2021

Here's a detailed look at the expected timeline for the transition from classic Sites to new Sites:

Currently available - Classic Sites Manager, a tool which can help admins and users manage the transition to new Sites. See more details below.
Starting August 13, 2020 - New Sites will become the default option for website creation. See more details below.
Starting May 2021 - New website creation will no longer be available in classic Sites. This means that any new websites created in your organization will only be in new Sites.
Starting October 2021 - Editing of any remaining classic Sites will be disabled.
Starting December 2021 - When users try to visit a classic Site, they will no longer see the website content. Any remaining classic Sites will automatically be:

Downloaded as an archive.
Replaced with a draft in the new Sites experience for site owners to review and publish.

We'll announce more details on each of these stages on the G Suite Updates blog over the course of the transition. Use our Help Center to learn more about the transition from classic Sites to new Sites.

Enable new Sites for users today

If you haven't done so already, we recommend that you enable new Sites for all user groups that don't already have access within your domain, and disable creation of new classic Sites. This will help reduce the number of classic Sites which get created and then need to be migrated. Your users will still be able to view and edit existing classic Sites as needed. Use our Help Center to learn more about turning on new Sites for your users.

New Classic Sites Manager tool now available

A new tool, Classic Sites Manager, is now available. It provides a view of your classic Sites, the ability to export a summary to Google Sheets for project management, options to convert classic Sites, and take bulk actions to archive or delete sites. Currently, super admins will be able to see and manage all classic Sites in their domain, and users will be able to see and manage classic Sites they own. Use these guides to learn more about how to use the Classic Sites Manager tool: guidance for G Suite admins, guidance for end users.

New Sites the default option starting on August 13, 2020

Starting August 13, 2020, new Sites will become the default option for website creation. This means that if you have both classic Sites and new Sites enabled, when users go to sites.google.com, they'll be redirected to sites.google.com/new. From there, users can see and manage new Sites, as well as create sites with new Sites. Users will still be able to use classic Sites easily by clicking the "back to classic Sites" button on the new Sites homepage.

Who's impacted

Admins and end users

Why you'd use it

Since launching new Sites, we've listened to and incorporated your feedback, and top requests are now included in the new Sites experience. These include:

Admin permissions that allow you to control your users' ability to edit and create sites within your domain.
Section layouts and pre-built templates that let users create websites with fewer clicks and less site creation expertise.
Version history that allows users to see their edit history, revert and restore previous versions, and review the history of who made changes.
New tile types that let users be more expressive with website content, including a table of contents, image carousels, collapsible text, and more.
Custom URLs and publishing to an audience that let users share their website content.

As a result of these improvements, new Sites offers powerful features and a simple user experience so users can create websites without designer, programmer, or IT help. For example, you can learn about how customers are using Sites to support remote work and learning. Use our Help Center to learn more about how G Suite admins can use the new Google Sites.

Getting started

Admins:

New Sites default: This change will take place by default if you have both classic Sites and new Sites enabled. You can turn new Sites on or off for users at the OU or group level. Visit the Help Center to learn more about how to enable new Sites.
Classic Sites Manager console: Use our Help Center to learn more about the Classic Sites Manager and plan for your transition using this migration guide.

End users:

Users need to transition from classic to new Sites according to the timeline outlined above. Learn more about how to use the Classic Sites Manager tool, or visit our Help Center to learn how to convert a classic Site to a new Site.

Rollout pace

New Sites default:

Rapid and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on August 13, 2020.

Classic Sites Manager tool:

This feature is available now for all users.

Availability

Available to all G Suite customers and users with personal Google accounts.

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