Keeping lots of photos in a team, for example from events, building sites or product shoots? The default list view only shows file names like IMG_4821.jpg, and then you're searching forever. With the Tiles view you see thumbnails right away and browse through photos easily. This article shows how to set up a handy photo gallery, save the view as the default and what other options you have.
Why a photo gallery in Teams?
A team's files live in a SharePoint library. That's a safe place: only team members have access, and there's version history and a recycle bin. By setting that library up as a gallery, you don't need a separate photo service or a shared folder on a server, and photos stay with the project they belong to.
Choose the Tiles view
- Open the team and go to the channel with the photos.
- Open the Files (or Shared) tab and go to the photo folder.
- Click the view icon at the top right and choose Tiles. The other options are usually List and Compact list.
In the new Teams, the Files tab shows the SharePoint library directly, so you can often change the view right there.
Open in SharePoint
Don't see the option in Teams, or want more possibilities? Choose Open in SharePoint (via the three dots or at the top of the file list) and pick Tiles there too. Click a photo to open it full size and use the arrows to browse to the next one. It works like a real slideshow.
Save the view as default
Save the Tiles view, otherwise you'll see the list view again after signing in next time.
- Choose the Tiles view in SharePoint.
- Open the views menu (for example All Documents) and choose Save view as.
- Name the view, such as Photo gallery. Keep Make this a public view checked if the whole team should see it. Without that check, it's only for you.
- Whoever can manage the library then chooses Set current view as default in the same menu.
Exact menu names can differ slightly. Creating a public view or changing the default requires edit rights on the library, usually as a team owner.
A gallery on a SharePoint page
Want to show off a selection of photos, for example on the team site's home page or in a news post? Add the Image gallery web part to a page. You pick photos from the library and show them as a grid, a brick layout or a carousel. You can then add that page as a tab in the channel, next to your channel calendar and other tabs.
Upload photos from your phone
On site or at an event you take photos with your phone. Upload them in the Teams app via the channel > Files > +, or in the OneDrive app via the team's library. The OneDrive app also shows photos as thumbnails, which is handier on a small screen than the file list in Teams.
Tips for a good photo gallery
- Create a separate folder per event or project, and optionally give folders a colour so you spot them faster.
- Give photos clear names or add a column with date or location. You can filter on it later.
- Add the folder as a separate tab in the channel so everyone finds it fast.
- Sync the folder with the OneDrive app if you also want to view photos in File Explorer. Read open Teams files in File Explorer.
Common problems
- No thumbnails: not every file type gets a preview. Common formats like JPG and PNG always work. For freshly uploaded photos, the thumbnail can take a moment to appear.
- The view jumps back to List: you didn't save the view or didn't set it as the default. See above.
- You don't see Save view as: you only have read access. Ask the team owner.
FAQ
Can I share photos with someone outside the team?
Yes, with a sharing link, if your organization allows it. Read share files in Teams.
Does this work in OneDrive too?
Yes, in OneDrive you can also choose tiles or a photo view from the view menu.
Nederlandstalige versie: Een fotogalerij inrichten in Microsoft Teams met de tegelweergave