Latest Updates on SharePoint Online: Table Toolbar, API Access Changes, and eSignature Enhancements

SharePoint Online continues to evolve, bringing new features and enhancements to improve user experience and streamline administrative tasks. In this blog, we'll cover three major updates: the introduction of the Table Toolbar, changes to the API Access page in the SharePoint Admin Center, and improvements to the SharePoint eSignature service.

1. Table Toolbar: Enhanced Table Management

The new Table Toolbar in SharePoint Online is designed to offer users an intuitive and efficient table management experience. Previously, table styling options were available within the text web part, but now, with the dedicated Table Toolbar, users gain access to a comprehensive set of table-related functionalities.

Key Features of the Table Toolbar:

• Expanded Table Styles: Enjoy all the familiar Table Styles along with additional formatting options.
• Merge and Split Cells: Seamlessly merge or split table cells for customized layouts.
• Add Space Before and After: Improve table readability by adding space before and after your tables.
• Always Accessible Menu: The toolbar remains in focus while working on a table, eliminating the need for constant context switching.
• Responsive Design: The toolbar adapts to your section layout. When using narrower layouts, table options conveniently move into the overflow (...) menu.

This streamlined approach ensures that content creators have quick access to table management tools, enhancing productivity and content presentation.

2. API Access Page Updates in the SharePoint Admin Center

Microsoft is introducing changes to the API Access page within the SharePoint Admin Center. These adjustments aim to ensure that SharePoint Online remains secure and functional.

What’s Changing?

• Pre-Authorized Permissions: A set of additional permissions will be automatically pre-authorized by Microsoft.
• Seamless Functionality: These permissions are essential for the core functionality of SharePoint Online.
• Improved Visibility: Admins will have better insights into the permissions required for SharePoint Online to operate effectively.

Rollout Timeline:

• Targeted Release: Starting mid-March 2025, completing by mid-March 2025.
• General Availability: Rolling out worldwide by late March 2025.

Read more: How to grant API permissions in SharePoint admin?

3. SharePoint eSignature: Improved Performance for PDF Signature Requests

SharePoint eSignature, Microsoft's native electronic signature service, has received a significant performance update. This update simplifies the process of requesting eSignatures on PDF documents within SharePoint Online.

Key Enhancements:

• Efficient Request Management: Users no longer need to wait for a request to finish processing before creating a new one.
• Real-Time Notifications: Toast notifications will keep users informed about the processing state of their requests.
• Seamless Document Access: Users can easily access in-progress PDFs through the notification for further actions.

Rollout Timeline:

General Availability: Rolling out from mid-April 2025, expected completion by late May 2025.

Impact on Your Organization:

• Users will benefit from faster request management and real-time notifications.
• Signed documents will continue to be securely saved to SharePoint.
• This update will be enabled by default.

Conclusion

These updates exemplify Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing user experience and administrative efficiency in SharePoint Online. The Table Toolbar simplifies content management, the API Access changes ensure a secure and seamless platform operation, and the eSignature enhancements improve workflow efficiency.

Stay tuned for more updates and explore these features as they become available in your SharePoint online environment!