Convert Your Classic Google Sites to New Sites

Table of Contents

• Can I Convert My Classic Site?
• Convert Using the Classic Sites Manager Tool
• Manually Copy Your Classic Site to New Sites
• Additional Resources

Overview

While classic sites were converted automatically by Google after January 30, 2023, you may still wish to follow the steps below. This document provides details on how to tell if a classic Google Site can be converted to a new Google Site and instructions on converting a classic Google Site to a new Google Site.

Can I Convert My Classic Site?

Most classic Google Sites can be converted to new Sites. To check whether your classic Site can be converted:

1. Go to classic Google Sites and select a classic Site. (If you do not see any sites listed, you do not own any classic Sites.)
2. Click the gear icon in the upper-right corner.
3. Select Manage site from the drop-down menu.
4. Select Convert to new Sites from the left menu. (If this text does not appear, you will not be able to convert your classic Site to new Sites easily.)

If you cannot convert your classic Site, you will need to create a new Site and manually copy your classic Site’s content to the new site.

Note: If you are a U-M classic Google Sites owner using a non-UMICH email address, verify there is another owner with an @umich.edu email address associated with the Site. If there is no UMICH email address associated, you will not be able to convert the site from your non-UMICH account.

Convert Using the Classic Sites Manager Tool

Google developed the Classic Sites Manager tool to support users throughout the migration process. You can use the tool to delete, archive, or convert your sites. To use the Classic Sites Manager tool:

1. Go to classic Google Sites.
2. Select Classic Sites Manager from the left menu. 
3. Check the box beside the classic site you want to convert.
4. Click Convert in the toolbar at the top of the page.
5. Check the “Preserve sharing settings” box to keep the same site permissions and click Convert.

Note: It may take several minutes to convert large sites.

You will have to keep refreshing the page until the "Pending" status on the site switches to "Live." After your site has been converted: 

1. Click on the space between the Name and Owner(s) columns of the site you just converted.
2. Click Review draft in the right sidebar to review your new site.
3. Review the draft site and click Publish in the upper-right corner if you would like to publish your new site.
4. Select the web address for your new Site: “Use existing site address” or “Create new address.”
5. Click MANAGE under “Who can view my site” to change who can view your site. Click Done when you've updated the permissions.
6. Click Publish.

Refer to Google’s guide to learn more about how to use the Classic Sites Manager tool.

Manually Copy Your Classic Site to New Sites

If you cannot convert your classic Site, you will need to create a new site and manually copy your classic site’s content to the new site. To create a new Google Site and copy your classic Site content:

1. Go to new Google Sites.
2. Select Blank or another template at the top under “Start a new site.”
3. Click the Pages tab from the right menu.
4. Click the round plus sign button at the bottom of the right menu to create a new page.
5. Enter a name for the new page in the Name field.
6. Copy and paste content from your classic site to the corresponding new site pages.
7. Repeat steps four through six as necessary.
8. Click Publish in the upper-right corner when you're ready to publish your new site.
9. Enter a web address for your new Site in the Web address field.
10. Click MANAGE under “Who can view my site” to change who can view your site. Click Done when you've updated the permissions.
11. Click Publish.

Additional Resources

• Compare new Sites & classic Sites
• What to expect when you convert a site
• U-M New Google Sites Overview 
• Get started with Sites
• Google Sites cheat sheet
• Google Sites training and help