Confluence Start Page: How to replace content area of start page?

Question

How to replace the content area of the start page of a Confluence instance with some other page and keep the default sidebar, though?

I do know that I can make any Space homepage the starting page for the whole Confluence instance but in this case the default sidebar with "My Spaces" etc goes away, too, and I want to keep the default sidebar.

Marc Dvorschak · Answer

The only other way I'm aware of is to change the global layout in the Confluence administration >> Look and feel >> Layouts >> Global Layout >> Create custom.

There you can change the Velocity template used to display the start page. But I have to say that I'm not an expert how to change the Velocity templates. The work in this area was done by a colleague of mine ;)

Maybe the Atlassian documentation can help:

Customizing the Confluence Dashboard

Customizing Site and Space Layouts

Greetings,

Marc

unknown · Answer

Hi Marc,
we tested your approach. It didn't solve our problem, though.
Unfortunately your advice replaces only the "Welcome to Confluence" area on the right hand side. The main content area with "Recently Worked On" stays untouched.
Is there a way to completely both areas with some other page?

Marc Dvorschak · Answer

Hi @[deleted]!

If you're using Confluence Server you can change the dafault welcome message of the start page in the Confluence administration >> Global Templates and Blueprints. At the bottom of the page you find "System templates".  There you can change the Default Welcome Message like any other page.

Greetings,

Marc