How to Create a Wiki Using Google Sites - 56juqingba: How-to instructions you can trust

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When you need to create a wiki for your team or company, there are plenty of options. If you have a Google account and want a free place to build a site that has an intuitive interface and useful features, check out Google Sites.

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Get Started on Google Sites

Visit Google Sites and sign in with your Google account. You’ll notice that the main page is similar to Google’s other applications, like Docs and Sheets.

At the top, you’ll see a “Blank” option along with a few templates. If you’d like to see additional templates, select “Template Gallery.”

You can browse through the categories for a template style you like. Because you’ll add your own text, images, and options, you can pick any template that suits your taste, regardless of its category. These just give you a jump start on design and colors.

If you prefer to start with a clean slate, choose the “Blank” option at the top of the main page.

Name Your Wiki and Adjust the Settings

Whether you choose a blank site or one of the templates, when the page opens, name the file, site, and customize the basic settings.

The filename does not appear in the URL or on the site itself. It’s merely for you to identify it on the main Google Sites page. On the top left, select “Untitled site” and enter your own.

Select the “Enter site name” field and enter the name you want displayed on your site.

You can set up the basics for the wiki, including navigation, logo, and an announcement banner. Select the gear icon on the top right.

Choose an option on the left to customize it on the right. For instance, you can select “Navigation” to pick the side or top for its location or “Brand images” to upload your logo and favicon.

When finished, select the “X” on the top right of the pop-up window to close the settings and start building your wiki.

Add Pages to the Wiki

While many websites include more than just the main page, with a wiki, you’ll likely have different pages for the various areas your visitors can view.

Go to the “Pages” tab in the sidebar on the right.

To add a new page, click the plus sign at the bottom of the sidebar, then give the page a name.

You can create up to 10,000 pages and manage them from the “Pages” tab in the sidebar. To reorder the pages, drag and drop them in the order you’d like. For additional actions, select the three dots to the right of the page name.

Choose a Theme for the Appearance

Whether you started with a template or a blank site, you can change its appearance using a theme that includes colors and font styles.

Go to the “Themes” tab in the sidebar on the right to see your options.

When you choose a theme, you’ll see your site on the left update immediately. If you like the theme, you can also make slight adjustments. Choose a color in the palette below the theme name, then use the “Font style” drop-down arrow to choose a different style.

Add Content to Your Wiki on Google Sites

You can take advantage of several helpful features for your site, depending on your needs. From adding text to inserting images to including a YouTube video, there are plenty of tools.

Let’s take a look at some common examples of how you could build a wiki on Google Sites.

Head to the “Insert” tab to get started.

Use a Content Block

If you want to include text with images, use one of the Content Blocks.

Drag the block you want from the sidebar onto the page on the left or simply click to insert it.

Click the text area to type your text and the plus sign to add your image.

Add a Text Box

If you want to insert a block of text, insert a text box.

Select “Text box” at the top of the sidebar.

When the box appears on the page, add your text, then use the toolbar above it to format your text.

Insert an Image

You may want to place an image on your page, whether for something useful like a screenshot or simply a decorative picture.

Select “Images” at the top of the sidebar and choose either “Upload” or “Select.” Again, you can upload an image from your computer or choose one from Google Drive, Images, Photos, or a website.

Once the image appears on your page, use the toolbar that appears above it to format the picture to your preferences.

Include a YouTube Video

Follow these steps if you have a YouTube video that displays instructions or explains a process.

Select “YouTube” in the sidebar.

In the pop-up window, search for the video using the “Video search” tab or use one you’ve already uploaded using the “Uploaded” tab.

You’ll see the video appear on the page. Your viewers can click the Play button to watch it.

Review the remaining tools in the sidebar for other items you may want on your wiki. Select “Map” to include your headquarter’s location, “Calendar” to show a schedule of events, or “Forms” to add a Google Form your visitors can fill out.

Collaborate on Your Wiki

If you’d like to work with others on your wiki, you can provide access and adjust the editing permissions.

Select the Share icon at the top.

Use the “General access” section at the bottom of the pop-up window to restrict access or allow anyone with a link to visit both the Draft of the site and Published site version.

Add collaborators using the field at the top of the pop-up window.

Adjust the permissions to the right of their name. You can give them “Editor” privileges to make changes or “Published Viewer” permission to prevent them from editing the site.

Optionally, check the box to notify your collaborators and include a message. Select “Send” to send the invitation.

Preview Your Site

As you work on your site, your changes are saved in real time, and you can preview the wiki at any time.

Select the Preview icon (computer and mobile device) at the top.

You’ll see the wiki as your visitors will. Use the mobile, tablet, and computer icons on the bottom right to view the site on different devices. Click the “X” on the right to exit the preview.

Publish Your Wiki

When you’re ready to make your wiki live for others to see, it’s time to publish it.

Select “Publish” on the top right.

By default, your URL begins with https://sites.google.com/view. In the field at the top, add the remaining part of the URL you want to use. You’ll see a checkmark if the URL is available and a preview of the link beneath it.

If you want to use a custom domain, select “Manage” to the right of that section. You’ll be directed to the Custom Domains section of the site settings to complete the process per the domain name service you use.

To restrict who can visit your site, select “Manage” in the “Who can view my site” section. You’ll be directed to the share permissions pop-up window to restrict or allow access per your preferences.

If you want to stop search engines from displaying your site in searches, check the “Search settings” box.

Google Sites Wiki Alternatives

While Google Sites gives you a free and easy way to create a wiki, it’s certainly not the only option. If you’d like to check out alternatives, a few good options are mentioned below.

MediaWiki

Take a look at MediaWiki, a free option that is the structure behind Wikipedia. You can download, install, and configure MediaWiki at no charge, then install extensions for added functionality.

DocuWiki

Another free site to check out is DocuWiki. It’s easy to install, user friendly, and offers a large variety of extensions for added functionality.

SlimWiki

SlimWiki is yet another option. You can choose from templates, access page history, and use drag-and-drop to lay out your pages. It’s free for up to three users and offers paid subscription plans for larger groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I unpublish my wiki on Google Sites?

If you no longer want your wiki live and accessible by your group, you can unpublish it.

Select the arrow next to “Publish” on the top right and choose “Unpublish.” Confirm this action by choosing “Got it” in the subsequent pop-up window.

Where can I obtain a link to my wiki?

At the top of your site in Google Sites, select the Copy published site link icon (link), then choose “Copy link” in the pop-up window that displays your wiki’s URL.

Can I make a copy of my wiki to create different versions?

If you want to create similar wikis for different purposes, making a copy gives you a head start.

Select the three dots on the top right of your site and choose “Make a copy.” Give it a name, choose the sharing options, and copy the entire site or only selected pages.

Image credit: Pixabay. All screenshots by Sandy Writtenhouse.

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Sandy Writtenhouse

With her BS in Information Technology, Sandy worked for many years in the IT industry as a Project Manager, Department Manager, and PMO Lead. She wanted to help others learn how technology can enrich business and personal lives and has shared her suggestions and how-tos across thousands of articles.

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