When configuring the overview/home page in a space, the page tree on the right is hidden

Question

Hi all,

This is strange and I don't remember this behavior from prior usage with the data center version.

We have a space and we didn't have an overview/home configured in the space.

Up accessing the page, the panel on the right would show the level pages of the space.

After configuring the home/overview page, yes the overview page is shown but the tree panel is missing. I need to click on pages, go to a page, and then the panel is shown.

We want the overview page mostly as a formality. The power of our space is in the contents and the ability to navigate.

I can't find an option for the space configurations. So, to actually have fast access to the page tree, I need to bookmark a page that seems silly, to be honest.

If I try to remove the home page, then I get an error that it can't be empty. How do revert the home page configuration?

Wood Gary · Answer

This behavior is actually expected in newer versions, especially compared to the older Data Center experience. Once a space home/overview page is configured, Confluence treats it more like a landing page, which is why the page tree on the right is hidden until you navigate into a child page. Unfortunately, there isn’t a native space setting to force the page tree to always appear on the overview page.

A common workaround (as you mentioned) is bookmarking a frequently used child page, or redesigning the overview page to include a clear page tree macro or prominent navigation links so users can jump straight into content. That way, the overview stays mostly “formal,” while navigation remains fast and practical.

It’s a bit like website UX decisions when navigation is hidden, users feel friction. Clear structure matters, whether it’s a knowledge space or something customer-facing like custom blinds & shades Miami, where easy navigation helps users learn more about window treatments and services. The same principle applies here: visibility and access are key.

Hopefully Atlassian adds more flexibility around overview pages in future updates.

Ben Clark_eehjip · Answer

This behavior is actually expected in Confluence Cloud and is different from Data Center. When you set a space overview/home page, Confluence treats it more like a landing page, so the page tree on the right is hidden by default. The tree only appears once you navigate into a regular page within the space, which is why you see it after clicking Pages or opening any child page.

Unfortunately, there is no space setting to force the page tree to always show on the overview page. Many teams run into this because, like you said, the real value is in fast navigation, not just the overview. It’s a bit like visiting a site for home window tinting Miami and landing on a splash page when you really want quick access to the service details.

Right now, the common workarounds are:

Keep the overview page very minimal and include links to key pages.

Bookmark a frequently used child page instead of the overview.

Use the sidebar “Pages” view as the main navigation entry point.

You also can’t fully remove the home page once it’s set, since Confluence requires a space overview. There’s no way to revert to a “no home page” state like before.

You’re not missing a setting, it’s just a limitation of the current Cloud experience.

Robert Kun · Answer

Yeah, this is one of those Confluence Cloud quirks that catches a lot of people off guard, especially if you’ve used Data Center before.

Once you set an overview or home page, Confluence basically treats it like a landing page. Because of that, it hides the page tree on the right. The tree only comes back after you click into a regular page. There isn’t a setting to change this behavior, which is pretty frustrating if navigation is the main reason people use the space.

What you can do instead:

Keep the overview page very simple and add a clear link like “Browse all pages” so users can jump straight in

Use a normal content page as the home page instead of a custom overview-style page

Add a Page Tree macro to the overview page so people can still navigate without extra clicks

As a last resort, bookmark a key page that shows the tree

You also can’t truly remove the home page once it’s set, which explains the error you’re seeing. The closest option is to replace it with a basic page that behaves more like a regular starting point.