Is there a way to view SharePoint Documents Folders in Columns or Accordions?

Question

Is there a way to view SharePoint Documents Folders in Columns or Accordions?

Elizabeth M 0

My department recently moved our project folders to SharePoint, where we had previously been using an internal server accessible through Finder/File Explorer. One of the most noticeable differences and pain points is not have the column view where you could "open" a folder without it taking over the whole window and you could easily movie up and down the file paths.

I'm wondering if there's any solution like this, or even an accordion view that allows you to view nested files and folders without having to open multiple folders to get to the final destination. Once you're several folders deep, you can't even see the parent folder name anymore. So far the closest possible solution I've seen is creating Document sets, but that seems really complicated.

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Answer 1

Matthew-P 11,565 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hi Elizabeth M,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A Forum!

Have a good day and I hope you're doing well!

Based on my research and understanding of your issue, it seems you are looking for a way to maintain context while navigating deep into sub-folders. In the SharePoint web interface, clicking a folder "replaces" the current view, forcing you to use the "Back" button or breadcrumbs to navigate.

Based on my virtual testing environment, the native web interface currently does not support a Column View or an in-line Accordion expansion for standard document libraries. Every click essentially loads a new page.

However, since you are using MacOS, there is a built-in feature designed exactly for this scenario. You don't need to change how SharePoint looks on the web; instead, you can bring SharePoint folders directly into your Mac Finder. This will restore the exact Column View capability you had with your internal server.

Here is how to set it up:

1. Go to the SharePoint Document Library where your project folders are located (using your browser).

2. Look at the top menu bar and click "Add shortcut to OneDrive" User's image

3. On your Mac: Open Finder.

4. Look at the left sidebar. You will see your SharePoint folder appear under your OneDrive section.

5. Click on that folder, and then press Command + 3 on your keyboard (or go to View > as Columns in the menu).

User's image

Now you can navigate your SharePoint files with the full speed and visibility of Finder's Column View, just like the old days, without relying on the browser interface.

I hope I have understood your requirement correctly and that this solution helps bridge the gap between your old server workflow and the new SharePoint environment. If I have misunderstood your specific constraints or if anything remains unclear regarding the setup steps, please feel free to reach out anytime.

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Matthew-P 11,565 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-02-16T14:40:54.96+00:00

Hi Elizabeth M,

I hope you're doing well. Just reaching out to see if you've had a chance to review the responses shared earlier.

I wanted to check in and see if the information above was partially helpful to you.

If you have any updates or further questions, please feel free to share.
Elizabeth M 0 Reputation points

2026-02-17T19:45:26.7866667+00:00

Thanks Matthew! I did attempt this, however while I see the folder in my OneDrive in the web browser, it's not showing up in Finder, and when I try to open files from Finder, nothing happens. If I try to view the file online, I get an error saying "the file cannot be opened". I might have a syncing error.
Matthew-P 11,565 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-02-18T08:12:18.1566667+00:00
Hi Elizabeth M,

Thanks for the update. Since you can see the folder in OneDrive Web but not in Finder, it means the "instruction" to sync has reached the cloud, but your Mac hasn't picked it up yet. The error "file cannot be opened" is also a strong indicator of a broken connection or a path length issue.

Here are a few quick steps to troubleshoot and a workaround:

1. Check if OneDrive is running: Look at the very top menu bar of your Mac screen (near the WiFi and Clock icons).

Do you see a Cloud icon?

If NO: The OneDrive app is not running. Please press Cmd + Space, type "OneDrive", and open the application. Once it starts, the folders should appear in Finder.

If YES: Click the icon. Does it say "Up to date," "Processing changes," or show a red error icon? If there is an error, clicking it will usually tell you why (e.g., "File path too long").

2. You mentioned deep nested folders. If the total file path (Parent > Child > Grandchild > File Name) exceeds ~400 characters, SharePoint/Mac cannot sync or open it.

Try creating a simple file in the main folder (not deep inside) to see if that one works. If it does, the deep folders might need renaming to be shorter.

3. Workaround (Try the "Sync" button instead): If the "Add Shortcut" method is stuck, try this alternative:

Go back to the SharePoint library on the web.

Click the "Sync" button (icon with two arrows) instead of "Add shortcut to OneDrive".

Your Mac should prompt: "Open OneDrive?". Click Open.

This creates a direct sync. In Finder, look for a building icon (your company name) in the sidebar, separate from the OneDrive folder.

Hope this helps. Let me know if the Cloud icon was missing or if the "Sync" button works better for you!

Answer 2

SharePoint does not natively support a column or accordion view for folders like traditional file explorers. The default view in SharePoint is more linear, which can make navigating through deeply nested folders cumbersome. However, there are a few approaches you can consider to improve your experience:

Use Document Libraries: Instead of relying heavily on folders, consider using document libraries with metadata. This allows you to categorize documents without nesting them in multiple folders, making it easier to filter and find documents.
Create Views: You can create custom views in SharePoint that display documents based on specific criteria, which can help in organizing and accessing files more efficiently.
Document Sets: While you mentioned that Document Sets seem complicated, they can be a useful way to group related documents together. This feature allows you to manage multiple documents as a single entity, which can simplify navigation.
Utilize Search Features: SharePoint's search capabilities can help you find documents quickly without needing to navigate through folders. You can use search refiners to narrow down results based on metadata.
Third-party Solutions: There may be third-party tools or add-ons available that provide enhanced views or navigation options for SharePoint document libraries. Exploring these options could lead to a more familiar experience similar to what you had with Finder/File Explorer.

While these suggestions may not replicate the exact column or accordion view you are looking for, they can help improve navigation and document management within SharePoint.

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Is there a way to view SharePoint Documents Folders in Columns or Accordions?

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