How to Create a Wiki With Google Sites

Creating a wiki using Google Sites is an easy process. As a web application, Google Sites offers customizable templates for quick setup.

Use the Template

To use the wiki template that Google Sites provides, log in to your account, then open the link to the Project Wiki template. Select Use Template. After it's installed, personalize the wiki to represent your team with pictures, fonts, and color schemes.

Name the Site

Select a title for the wiki, which is entered for the site name. Click Create, then save your work. The name shortens as the URL to the wiki, although you're free to select a different URL destination.

Technically, you have completed the initial set up for a wiki. The next steps will give you more understanding of how to make changes and add to the wiki.

Create a Page

To create a page, select New Page. There are different page types (such as page, list, and file cabinet). Type the name and choose the placement of the page, either at the top level or under Home.

After you set up the page, click Create. Placeholders display on the page for text, images, gadgets, and other elements, which you can insert. Also, at the bottom, the page enables Comments, a feature that you can customize. Save your work.

Edit and Add Page Elements

The wiki template offers many elements that can be placed on the page. Typical commands to modify these elements include:

• Edit Page: Select Edit page, then select the page area you want to work with. An edit menu and toolbar appears in edit mode.
• Add to Navigation: At the bottom of the sidebar, select Edit sidebar. Under the sidebar label, click Edit, then choose Add page. Move pages up and down on the navigation. Then select OK. Save your work.
• Add a Gadget: Gadgets perform a dynamic function, like displaying an interactive calendar. Select Edit page, then choose Insert/Gadgets. Scroll through the list and select Google Calendar. Customize the appearance as desired. Save your work.

Control Access to Your Site

On the More Actions menu, control access to your site. Select Sharing and Permissions.

• Public: If your site is public, add access for people to edit pages on your site. Choose More Actions and then Share this Site.
• Private: Add people and choose the level of site access: is owner, can edit, or can view. Share access to your site with a group of people through Google Groups. Non-public users must sign in with their Google account after receiving an invitation to access the site.

Send invitations by email through Sharing and Permissions.