Google Workspace Changes

Review changes to a Google Site in a side-by-side view before publishing.

Google Sites now allows users to compare the currently published site with the soon-to-be-published draft site using an annotated, side-by-side view. This feature helps collaborators track changes, including who modified pages, added or deleted content, and site-wide updates to themes or navigation, ensuring more confident publishing.

Google Sites is introducing version history for newly created and existing sites.

Google is adding version history to new Google Sites, allowing site editors to revert to previous versions, restore deleted content, and view the history of changes. The feature is rolling out for newly created sites starting December 4, 2019, and is expected to be available for most existing sites by the end of 2020.

New customization options for image carousels, table of contents, and buttons in Google Sites.

Google Sites is introducing several highly requested customization options. Users can now add captions and set transition speeds for image carousels, hide specific headings from the table of contents, and choose between three different styling options (filled, outlined, and text) for buttons.

Allow site viewers to provide feedback on Google Sites

Site viewers of G Suite domain-owned Google Sites can now provide feedback or ask questions directly from the published site. Feedback is sent to the site owner via email, allowing the owner to reply and start a conversation. This feature is enabled by default for newly created sites and disabled by default for existing sites.

Right-to-left language support added for new Google Sites.

Google Sites now supports right-to-left (RTL) languages, specifically Arabic, Farsi, Hebrew, and Urdu. When a site editor or viewer has their language set to one of these, the editing interface (sidebars and menus) and the published site's navigation elements will be reversed to align with the RTL language flow.

Insert collapsible text boxes into new Google Sites

Site editors can now insert collapsible text boxes into a new Google Site, which site viewers can click to expand. Collapsible text boxes can help condense large blocks of text, like content on FAQ or Help Center pages, allowing site viewers to quickly navigate to the most relevant information.

Search and export new Sites with Vault beta

You can use Vault to search and export content in new Google Sites with a new beta program.

Ability to copy and duplicate sites in the new Google Sites.

Google has introduced a feature allowing users to copy sites created in the new Google Sites. This functionality enables users to save time by creating backups of their work, establishing base templates for new sites, or iterating on previous versions without having to start from scratch. The feature is accessed via the More menu > Duplicate site.

Upgrading HTML boxes on classic Google Sites for improved performance and security.

Google is upgrading the functionality of HTML boxes in classic Google Sites to improve security and performance. This update may result in visual changes to embedded elements, such as different display sizes or styling. The rollout happens in two stages: starting May 25, boxes are upgraded when an editor opens them, and on June 30, all remaining legacy HTML boxes will be automatically upgraded.

Introduction of an automatic conversion tool to migrate classic Google Sites to the new Google Sites interface.

Google is introducing a tool that allows site owners to automatically create a draft of their classic Google Sites in the new Google Sites interface. This tool helps users migrate content and layout more efficiently without affecting the original site until the new version is published. The tool is available in admin preview starting May 22, 2018, and will roll out to end users on Rapid Release starting June 19, 2018.

G Suite admins can now see site owners and request edit access in the new Google Sites.

G Suite admins with appropriate permissions will now see a 'Site details' button in the footer of new Google Sites. Clicking this button allows them to view the site owner's email address, the date the site was last published, and provides an option to request edit access to the site.

Add custom links to the navigation bar in the new Google Sites

Google Sites now allows editors to add custom links to the navigation bar, enabling links to external URLs such as company social media profiles, HCM tools, other Google Sites, project trackers, or Drive folders, in addition to internal site content.

Add a custom favicon in the new Google Sites

The new Google Sites now allows users to customize their favicon—the icon that appears in a browser tab or bookmark list—to help their site stand out and reinforce their branding.

Publish Google Sites to a specific audience.

Google Sites now allows users to specify exactly who can view their content when published. By selecting the 'Share with others' icon and changing the Published settings to 'Specific people can view when published,' editors can invite specific individuals to view the published site.

Embed HTML and JavaScript code directly in the new Google Sites.

Google Sites users can now further customize their sites by embedding HTML and JavaScript code directly. This functionality is available via the Insert menu by selecting 'Embed' and then choosing 'Embed Code'.