Classic Google Sites is the original version of Google’s website builder, launched in 2008 and officially shut down for new access in 2021. It was replaced by “new Google Sites,” a separate product with a different editor, different features, and no direct upgrade path for complex sites.
Classic vs new Google Sites
Google built two unrelated products under the same name. Confusion between them is common because search results and old bookmarks still point to classic pages.
| Classic Google Sites | New Google Sites |
|---|---|
| Launched 2008, based on the acquired JotSpot wiki engine | Launched 2016, built with Google’s own web components |
| Page-based structure with nested subpages and a sidebar navigation tree | Simpler drag-and-drop layout, less deep nesting |
| Supported gadgets, custom HTML/JavaScript boxes, and file cabinets | No custom code, no gadgets, no file cabinet pages |
| No automatic migration to new Sites for complex sites | Google offered a one-click converter for simple sites only |
| Editing disabled; viewing only, for sites Google has not deleted | Actively developed and supported |
Can you still access classic Google Sites?
Editing was turned off years ago. Some classic sites are still viewable if Google has not removed them, but you cannot create a new classic site or edit an existing one. Google has repeatedly extended and then enforced deadlines for deleting classic content, so any site still live could disappear without much notice.
If you manage a classic site that’s still reachable, treat it as an archive, not a working site. Anything you need to keep should be exported now.
What happened to sites that weren’t converted
- Google’s automatic converter only handled straightforward page layouts with basic text and images.
- Sites using gadgets, embedded scripts, file cabinets, or unusual page structures had to be rebuilt manually, or were not converted at all.
- Many classic sites were deleted once Google’s deprecation deadlines passed.
- Content in file cabinets and attachments is generally not recoverable through the new Sites editor.
Options if you still have a classic Google Sites site
- Check whether the site was already auto-converted; look in new Google Sites for a matching title.
- If it wasn’t converted, view each page while it’s still live and copy the content and images somewhere safe.
- Decide whether to rebuild the structure in new Google Sites or move to a full CMS instead.
- If you’re moving to a CMS, check that it’s one with an established import path rather than starting from a blank export.
Is Google Sites the right platform going forward?
New Google Sites works for simple internal pages, intranets, and small informational sites tied to a Google Workspace account. It’s not built for blogs, ecommerce, or sites that need custom design, plugins, or SEO control. For anything beyond a basic page or two, most site owners move to a dedicated CMS. See the the platform index for what’s available if you’re planning that move.